Research Briefing
This historical note examines the difficulty of designing effective tax incentives for small companies, in the context of the four year history of the zero rate of corporation tax, introduced in April 2002.
Research Briefing
This note discusses the reforms to taxing small businesses set out in the 2007 Budget - in particular, the phased increase in the small companies tax rate - before looking at the recent change in the Government's approach, signalled in the 2008 Pre-Budget Report.
Research Briefing
This paper sets out the main changes to direct tax rates and allowances announced in the Budget on 22 April 2009. It lists the principal personal allowances which will be available against income tax in the tax year 2009/10, and it outlines the conditions necessary for eligibility for these allowances.
Research Briefing
Inflation as measured by the RPI was -0.3% in March 2009, the first time it has been negative since 1960. It is likely to continue to be negative for some months to come in 2009 with possible consequences for pensions, benefits and taxes.
Research Briefing
This note describes the background to the Government's announcement in the 2008 Budget that it would withdraw the 'staff hire concession' from 1 April 2009.
Research Briefing
This note looks at the Government's recent legislative proposals to prevent 'income shifting' - arrangements used by the main earner in a family businesses to divert part of his income through the business to another person in a lower tax bracket, often their spouse, to mitigate their overall tax bill. These proposals proved controversial, and in the Pre Budget Report in November 2008 the Government confirmed that it was deferring any legislation, but would keep the issue under review.
Research Briefing
The Corporation Tax Bill is the fifth to be produced by the Tax Law Rewrite Project - established in December 1996 with the aim of rewriting the UK's existing primary direct tax legislation to make it clearer and easier to use. This note gives an update of the project, and a short introduction to the Bill.
Research Briefing
Covers development of "pension tax simplification" rules introduced by Finance Act 2004. Updated to include Pre-Budget 2008 announcement.
Research Briefing
The UK tax burden for 2008/09 is estimated at 35.3% of GDP and is projected to increase to 36.0% by 2013/14. In 2008/09, income tax accounted for 29% of tax receipts, with national insurance contributions accounting for 19%.
Research Briefing
This note provides background to the Pre-Budget Report which will be delivered on 24 November. The note covers the outlook for the economy and public finances and the measures the Government may take to boost the economy.
Research Briefing
In 2006, the UK tax burden was 37.1%, 11th highest of 30 OECD countries.
Research Briefing
The Road Haulage Industry : costs and taxes. House of Commons Library Research Paper 08/68
Research Briefing
In 2008/09, fuel duties are projected to raise £25.7 billion. In June 2008, duty and VAT made up 57.7% of the price of a litre of unleaded petrol.
Research Briefing
Direct taxes : rates and allowances 2008-09 HC Research Paper 08/26
Total results (page 23 of 25)