Ray Stewart

Announcing My New Board View Service

Ray — Sat, 26 May 2012 18:01:19 +0000

Did you know that every single one of the UK’s most successful and most profitable businesses have one thing in common? And did you know that this one thing that the most successful businesses have in common is also the one thing that very few owner managed businesses do? It then logically follows, doesn’t it, that if you do this one thing in the way that the most successful businesses are already doing it, you will:

E-Marketplace Disclosure Facility Closes Soon

Ray — Thu, 24 May 2012 09:28:10 +0000

The Tax Office "amnesty" of reduced penalties for e-marketplace and e-auction website traders, that started on the 14th March 2012, is drawing to a close. The intention to make a disclosure has to be lodged with HMRC by the 14th June 2012 and the completed disclosure form and payment should reach HMRC by the 14th September 2012. HMRC claim that penalties levied under this scheme will be capped at a maximum of 10% of the tax due, and in some cases waived altogether. This is the latest scheme to try and encourage unregistered tax payers to fall into line...

New SureStart Service Launched For Start-Up Businesses

Ray — Sat, 19 May 2012 17:24:28 +0000

I have been talking to a number of new business start-ups lately and there is clearly a need for a service tailored specifically for new businesses that helps them in their first year of trading. I am offering loads of advice, help and support for an agreed fee. No surprise bills and no limit to the amount of phone calls and meetings in the first 12 months...

Do You Really Want To Give The Taxman £493,500?

Ray — Fri, 04 May 2012 23:11:16 +0000

It’s a lot of money, isn’t it? But that is how much someone earning £30,000 a year pays in taxes over their lifetime. And for higher earners the amounts are even bigger. Of course we all have to pay our fair share of taxes. But there is no reason why you should pay more than your fair share, is there???

Why Are We So Resistant To Change?

Ray — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 20:25:28 +0000

One thing I have found recently is clients discussing the need for change with me but when it comes to actually making the hard decisions, they bottle out and waste the work done and money spent up to that point

New Penalty Regime Starts To Bite – Hard!

Ray — Sat, 03 Mar 2012 17:39:43 +0000

HM Revenue & Customs have introduced their new penalty structure for tax payers who, for whatever reason, fail to file their Self Assessment forms in line with the rules. The new late filing penalties are upsetting a lot of people who had become used to the old system where the fine was reduced to £nil once the outstanding forms were eventually filed if it were shown there was no tax liability, or that all the tax had been paid by the 31st January

Happy New Year!

Ray — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 21:28:01 +0000

I have been reviewing the various reports I have written over the years and I came across my Recession Busting Tips report that was written in 2008 as we started the steady sink into the current recession. Having re-read it I think the topics in there are as relevant today as they were 4 years ago

Changes For 2012 And Beyond!

Ray — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 15:40:05 +0000

A brief look at the important changes being made to client service and the wonderful opportunities being laid out before clients for their exclusive benefit!

National Minimum Wage Increase

Ray — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 21:29:31 +0000

A timely reminder that as from the 1st October 2011 the National Minimum Wage goes up. Please make sure you adjust your payroll for the new rates from tomorrow... The main rate for workers aged 21 and over will increase to £6.08

What If You Can’t Pay Your VAT?

Ray — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 14:18:50 +0000

This is a question that has come up several times recently. Now the 20% rate has been with us for a while, small businesses are finding it harder and harder to meet their quarterly obligations. The trouble is that cash flow is hard work now and many small businesses are finding the VAT is getting swallowed up in day to day trading.