Category: Legal

Nov 27

Freelancers warned of hefty tax bills as HMRC issues new guidance on managed service companies

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has released new guidance cautioning freelancers, contractors, and consultants about the risks associated with Managed Service Companies (MSCs)—complex tax arrangements that could leave independent workers facing tax bills running into tens of thousands of pounds. Introduced in 2007, the MSC legislation aims to combat perceived tax abuse by freelancers who […]
Nov 23

Gary Lineker liquidates Goalhanger Films ahead of capital gains tax increase

Gary Lineker, the former England footballer turned broadcaster, has strategically placed his television production company, Goalhanger Films, into voluntary liquidation ahead of upcoming capital gains tax rises. Co-owned with former ITV controller Tony Pastor, the company reported net assets exceeding £440,000 in its last published accounts. The decision comes as the UK government announced in […]
Nov 20

HMRC doubles payouts to tax whistleblowers amid calls for larger rewards

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has nearly doubled the amount paid to individuals providing tip-offs about suspected tax evasion, disbursing almost £1 million (£978,256) in the 2023/24 financial year compared to £508,500 the previous year. The increase comes amid growing pressure to reduce the UK’s £39.8 billion tax gap—the difference between the tax that should […]
Nov 18

HMRC targets specialist agents in crackdown on R&D tax credit fraud

Claims for multibillion-pound business tax incentives are more likely to be non-compliant when submitted with the assistance of specialist agents, according to an official review by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC). An inquiry into research and development (R&D) tax credits—schemes intended to encourage innovation but undermined by fraud and error—found that behaviour among some agents […]
Oct 25

Landmark Court of Appeal Ruling Promises £21bn Payout for Motor Finance Mis-Selling Victims

In a groundbreaking victory for consumer rights, the Court of Appeal has ruled in favour of the claimant in the Johnson v. Firstrand Bank case, setting a historic precedent in the motor finance industry. The ruling, championed by Sentinel Legal and HD Law, holds lenders accountable for mis-selling Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) finance agreements, a […]
Sep 27

Companies House introduces new penalties to boost compliance and corporate transparency

Companies House has implemented a new regime of penalties aimed at improving compliance and transparency in the UK’s company register, with a focus on cracking down on misuse and economic crime. Registered companies are being urged to meet their legal obligations, such as timely filing of confirmation statements, to avoid facing financial penalties or more […]