Dean Statham Make Tax Simple

In a bid to make tax less taxing for everyone from students and PAYE employees to managing directors and the self employed, Dean Statham are offering free half hour appointments during Tax Advice Week, which will be launched on Monday 16th October by The Chartered Institute of Taxation, sponsored by Sage.

The awareness week aims to better educate the public on the importance of understanding their rights and obligations as taxpayers, encouraging closer monitoring of tax payments, particularly those in the lower wage bracket contributing to a PAYE system who might unwittingly be paying too much tax and thereby incurring negative impact on their income.

Susan Whiting, Partner at Dean Statham Accountants and Business Advisers, based in Stafford, says their specialists will be welcoming enquiries during Tax Advice Week from companies and individuals needing help on any tax related issue. She says, ‘There are so many myths and misconceptions about personal and business tax liabilities that are left to do the rounds because people prefer to put their head in the sand rather than face what is perceived to be a very complex and boring subject. During Tax Advice Week we will be hoping to dispel a few of these long held myths by delivering straightforward, easy to understand solutions at no charge. It’s our way of saying thank you to a community we have served for over 100 years.’

Among the hot topics that Susan and her team frequently address are simple ways to minimise inheritance tax, making tax efficiencies when selling on a business, avoiding the tax pitfalls of buy-to-let property and tax allowances for corporate ‘perks’ such as company vehicles and hospitality, something worth considering as many businesses start to plan staff Christmas parties.

‘Corporate entertaining can be misleading when it comes to tax relief and many companies go wild at Christmas, mistakenly thinking all that champagne will be waived by the taxman,’ says Susan. ‘The fact is employers can organise as many staff events as they like but there is a tax free limitation of £150 per head for the whole year and this figure includes VAT, transport and accommodation. Should they exceed that amount they will be taxed on the total spend and not just the excess over and above £150.’

To secure a free, half hour consultancy session with a Dean Statham tax specialist, telephone 01785 258311 or email stafford@deanstatham.com. This offer only applies to the Stafford firm of Dean Statham.