Subscribe to Tax Insider

A company purchase of own shares (CPOS) can be a useful ‘exit’ strategy for an individual shareholder (e.g., upon retirement), subject to certain company law requirements being satisfied.

Mark McLaughlin looks at a key requirement for capital treatment on a company purchase of own shares, which can be easily overlooked.

The lifetime individual savings account (LISA) was introduced in the UK in 2017 as a long-term investment for those between the ages of 18 and 39. 

Richard Curtis considers the ‘pros’ and ‘cons’ of lifetime individual savings accounts.

In many cases, it is easy to identify a commercial vehicle, such as an HGV, transit-type van or a coach. However, there are some vehicles that are classified as commercial vehicles (defined as having a payload of over one tonne or an unladen weight of three tonnes) but have a dual purpose and are held out for sale as ‘lifestyle’ vehicles that can also have a private use. These vehicles are car-derived vans and vans with rear seats – combination or combi vans and dual cabs. Commercial vehicles suitable for private use include motor caravans, motorcycles and double cabs.

Andrew Needham looks at what counts as a commercial vehicle and the VAT recovery position.

In HMRC v Bunting [2025] UKUT 00096 (TCC), the Upper Tribunal (UT) considered when a loan to a trading business can be regarded as ‘outstanding’ and ‘irrecoverable’, meaning that the lender can claim an allowable capital loss.

Kevin Read highlights a recent case regarding capital losses on loans to traders.

When I first mentioned a spousal bypass trust (SBT) to my wife, she thought I was trying to write her out of my will! Of course, this was not the case – in basic terms, an SBT simply transfers funds that would typically go to your spouse into a trust which they, and others, can benefit from. 

Tristan Noyes looks at recent changes to Employer’s National Insurance contributions and how they work.

Mistakes happen. The HMRC voluntary disclosure process allows individuals or businesses to come forward and correct tax errors, omissions or undeclared income before HMRC has initiated an inquiry, having discovered the error itself. It gives taxpayers the opportunity to pay what they owe, explain how the error occurred, and often receive lower penalties for doing so. 

Jennifer Adams outlines the process of voluntary disclosure of income that has not previously been declared to HMRC.

After a lifetime of grind, retirement seems particularly sweet when it’s a business which was built from the ‘ground up’ – all that effort and the risks taken. 

Chris Thorpe considers options when looking to retire from a tax perspective.

The employment-related securities legislation deals with arrangements involving shares and securities provided by reason of employment where the full value of the employment reward provided to the employee is not included in the salary package and is charged to tax.  

Jennifer Adams considers the tax implications of shares in a family company being awarded or gifted to family members of employees. 

A sole trader looking to expand their business might be weighing up the ‘pros’ and ‘cons’ of a partnership or a limited company. They are very different, with not only very different tax consequences, but functions as well. 

Chris Thorpe looks at partnerships and companies and considers which business model might be best.  

Under the loan relationships rules for companies, debits on loan arrangements are not deductible for corporation tax purposes in some circumstances.

Kevin Read highlights a recent case concerning the loan relationship rules for companies. 

When HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) opens a tax return enquiry, the natural reaction of most taxpayers is to speculate about the reason why their tax return has been selected. In fact, HMRC does not need an excuse to open a tax return enquiry; a small proportion of tax returns are simply selected at random. . 

Mark McLaughlin looks at whether a taxpayer can find out if an HMRC enquiry has been opened as the result of an accusation made by a third party. 

When considering the tricky matter of remuneration planning, there are two things to consider; the amount of remuneration, and what form it takes. 

Chris Thorpe looks at what to watch out for with regard to paying employees and directors.

Despite the reduction in National Insurance contributions (NICs) in Spring Budget 2024, more employees are paying tax at higher rates on their earnings due to the freezing of tax thresholds. Some may find that any pay rise or bonus attracts additional tax and NICs such that the net pay increase is minimal.  

Jennifer Adams looks at some alternatives to rewarding an employee with a pay rise or a bonus. 

Mark McLaughlin looks at company purchases of own shares and warns not to become too focused on the more difficult rules for capital treatment. 

A company purchase of its own shares from a shareholder is a popular ‘exit’ strategy when an individual shareholder is retiring, or a dissenting shareholder is departing.