ACCA guide to... research and development grants

A research and development (R&D) grant can be an important element of funding the development of an innovative new product, service or process

Raising standards in the tax market: PCRT response

Read the Professional Conduct in Relation to Taxation bodies' submission

Risk and reward: how much is too much?

Professional service firms grapple yearly with the perennial question of how much professional indemnity insurance is appropriate for their businesses

Fee disputes and speculative claims

Practice steps you can take today with clients

Joint statement on sustainable corporate governance

Joint statement on sustainable corporate governance by ACCA, Accountancy Europe, CDSB, Eurosif, Frank Bold, PGGM, Schroders, ShareAction, WFF and the World Benchmarking Alliance

Creating value managing impact through integrated sustainability disclosure event

To combat climate change and work towards the objectives of the UN SDGs and of the Paris Agreement, it is vital to establish a global approach for integrated decision-making, resource-allocation, measurement and tracking that can steer the change that is needed. Against the backdrop of Covid-19 and the changing shape of markets and global value chains, the redefinition of risks and the resilience imperative, how can we – policy makers, standards setters, framework providers, business, accountancy profession, civil society- all work together to create the required zero pollution transformation, while rebuilding our economies to support societies to thrive?

Technical factsheet: reporting grants claims under SEISS

This guidance will help you comply with obligations under Professional Conduct in Relation to Taxation

Market Demand for Professional Accountancy Services in the Asia-Pacific

Report findings illustrate that the demand for professional accountancy services has not decreased. In fact, it is now required even more urgently to address the challenges posed by the pandemic, as well as to harness opportunities for business growth.

Working Together for the Planet: Audit & assurance of sustainability information

ACCA, ECIIA, Deloitte and AccountancyEurope online event on audit & assurance of sustainability information

New HMRC agent service for PAYE online: liabilities and payments viewer

The replacement addresses problems experienced with Agent Online Self Serve

Corporation tax loss relief changes

Our handy comparison table explains the 2017 reforms

ACCA guide to... company cars and tax

Both employers and employees need to consider the tax implications of company cars before making decisions

ACCA guide to... common VAT problems

Problems with VAT are common, either because a business does not have the right systems in place or because of a specific complication

ACCA guide to... Making Tax Digital: how to file a VAT return

MTD is being introduced gradually – and it started in April 2019 with VAT returns

ACCA guide to... preparing your annual accounts

All companies must prepare annual accounts: for shareholders, and for returns to HMRC and Companies House

ACCA guide to... VAT accounting schemes

VAT accounting schemes can make your life easier, simplifying your VAT accounting and in some cases improving your cashflow

Changes to UK insolvency law could give businesses the breathing space they need

The moves announced by the business secretary may be the tip of the iceberg, says David Fleming FCCA of Duff and Phelps

Covid-19: a practitioner’s experience, part 2

Infinity Partnership associate director Greg Houston ACCA says quick thinking and a proactive approach have been key to helping clients

Covid-19: a practitioner’s experience, part 3

Caroline Harridence, founder of Counting Clouds Cambridgeshire, sets out how flexibility, daily catch ups and even a joke at the start of a meeting ensures her team is remote working at their best

Covid-19: a practitioner’s experience, part 1

PJCO’s Peter Jarman FCCA sets out how his firm is helping clients and staff through the Covid-19 crisis

FRC and BEIS update: company filings and AGM advice

The financial regulator and government have updated their Q&As for company AGMs as they react to the Covid-19 crisis

FRC clarifies going concern guidance

The Financial Reporting Council has clarified its guidance for auditors during the Covid-19 crisis, confirming going concern standards have not changed

Frontline charities receive £750m in government cash

Charities across the UK will receive a £750m package of support to ensure they can continue their vital work

New IFRS guidance and timetable changes released

An update on how the IFRS Foundation is responding to issues arising from the pandemic

Member update: Covid-19 policy response

ACCA is providing ongoing support for members during this challenging period

VAT on e-publications scrapped

The UK government move will slash costs of e-books, newspapers and magazines, improving accessibility, seven months ahead of planned abolition

FRC issues guidance on interims in wake of Covid-19

The Financial Reporting Council has updated its guidance for corporate reporting to now include advice on half-year results and statements

Insolvency law change delivers options for distressed businesses

The Corporate Insolvency and Governance Bill will enable companies undergoing a restructuring and rescue process to continue trading

Covid-19: any relief for landlords?

The government has issued non-statutory guidance for the private and social rented sectors

Technical factsheet: how to submit a good-quality suspicious activity report (SAR) using the NCA SARs online portal

Follow this useful guide to ensure you provide the right information to the National Crime Agency

The role of public procurement in supporting SMEs towards sustainable recovery

Online event on the role of public procurement in supporting SMEs towards sustainable recovery

Fee disputes and negligence

Inadequate letters of engagement have affected accountants and their professional indemnity insurers' ability to defend claims

Engagement letters for tax practitioners

Engagement letters for tax practitioners provide guidance about engagement letters for tax work, including VAT schedules following Brexit

Diversity, inclusion and belonging – supporting the agenda in the post-pandemic workplace

Discussion on how to address the complex issue of diversity in organisations and make sure that the COVID-19 pandemic does not widen the inequality gap in the workplace.

Accounting for Trust in Governmental Reporting

An ACCA-sponsored report written by Dr. Ekaterina Svetlova and Dr. Silvia Pazzi from the University of Leicester calls on governmental financial planners to make government reporting more accessible, engaging and technologically advanced

Technical factsheet: Treatment of off-payroll arrangements – IR35 summary

The aim of IR35 is to seek to prevent contractors avoiding tax and national insurance contributions by treating them as employees for tax purposes.

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Guide to... corporation tax reliefs and allowances

Corporation tax reliefs and allowances help you to minimise your corporation tax liability

Guide to... salary or dividends: tax calculations

We explain the basics in deciding between paying yourself salary or awarding dividends from your limited company for the tax year

Guide to... capital gains tax for individuals, sole traders and partnerships

Personal and business capital gains are treated differently, depending on whether you are self-employed (as a sole trader or in a partnership) or trade as a limited company

Guide to... chargeable gains for companies

Capital gains for limited companies and unincorporated associations (eg clubs and co-operatives) are dealt with through corporation tax and are referred to as chargeable gains

ACCA's response to the EC's consultation on Sustainable Corporate Governance

ACCA welcomes the opportunity to contribute to the EC consultation on a Proposal for an Initiative on Sustainable Corporate Governance, and foremost agrees that sustainability needs to be further embedded into corporate governance frameworks. Covid-19 has forced companies to re-think their purpose and strategy for the long-term and now is a better time than ever to introduce more effective measures to make sure this happens, otherwise businesses will not be able to survive, thrive and make better impacts on people, the environment and society at large. As we have noted before, sustainable corporate governance is not only about compliance it is also about creating value and building a viable recovery.

FRC's Discussion Paper - Future of Corporate Reporting

ACCA welcomes the opportunity to provide views in response to the Financial Reporting Council’s discussion paper, A Matter of Principles: The Future of Corporate Reporting. This has been done with the assistance of members of ACCA’s Global Forum for Corporate Reporting.

Interim guidance on the CJRS

This guidance will help you comply with obligations under Professional Conduct in Relation to Taxation

ACCA guide to... apprenticeship funding

Apprenticeships are a highly cost-effective way for employers to recruit and develop ambitious new talent to help realise business ambitions

Technical factsheet: apprenticeships in the finance function

Apprenticeships are a highly cost-effective way for you to recruit and develop ambitious new talent to help you

FRC Proposed International Standard on Auditing (UK) 240 (Revised 2021)

ACCA welcomes the proposed International Standard on Auditing (UK) 240 (Revised 2021), The Auditor’s responsibilities Relating to Fraud in Audit of Financial Statements, as part of the FRC’s response to the concerns regarding the lack of clarity in the standard as to the auditor’s obligations raised particularly in the Brydon’s report.

Consultation response on Draft Endorsement Advice on IFRS 17 Insurance Contracts - June 2020 Amendments

ACCA's response to EFRAG's consultation on Draft Endorsement Advice on IFRS 17 Insurance Contracts as resulting from June 2020 Amendments

Effective engagement letters

A robust document will help protect your practice from legal action as well as delivering business benefits

Isle of Man Financial Services Authority Discussion Paper - Funding Financial Regulation and Designated Business Oversight - DP20-01/T14

ACCA’s response to the Isle of Man Financial Services Authority discussion paper on Funding Financial Regulation and Designated Business Oversight - DP20-01/T14

Guide to... FAQs about expenses to claim when running a business from home

Find out what you can and cannot claim for – from utilities to maintenance costs

Guide to... tax inspections and how to avoid them

when it comes to mistakes, ignorance is no defence, so firms have to take every care when completing their returns and ensure that they are on time – in other words, don’t give HMRC any cause for concern.

Guide to... what to do when you lose your tax records

Unforeseen circumstances – such as a fire or flood in your premises – could mean you lose your tax and accounting records. In this guide, we explore what to do if you lose financial records and what help you can expect from HMRC.

Value Added Tax – Middle East Lessons Learnt

The Middle Eastern countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have relied upon petrodollars to fund their economies for many years. Investment in mega infrastructure projects to transform their countries into economic hubs, diversifying their economies to centres of trade, commerce, hospitality and tourism have all financed heavily from oil revenues.

Brexit impact on recognition of professional qualifications

Find out more about how you may be affected

ACCA’s Public Sector Roundtables: Continuing Two Important Conversations with the Experts

As part of the 10th-annual Virtual Public Sector Conference (VPSC), ACCA’s Public Sector Team convened two roundtables to continue conversations from our VPSC with a number of expert participants.

Policy submission: concern over tax compliance and filing deadlines

In December 2020 ACCA wrote to HMRC about members' concerns over the approaching self-assessment filing deadline.

IASB's Business Combinations — Disclosures, Goodwill and Impairment consultation

ACCA welcomes the opportunity to provide views in response to the IASB’s discussion paper on business combinations. This has been done with the assistance of members of ACCA’s Global Forum for Corporate Reporting.

IFRS Foundation - Consultation on Sustainability Reporting

ACCA welcomes the opportunity to provide views in response to the IFRS Foundation’s consultation paper on sustainability reporting. This has been done with the assistance of members of ACCA’s Global Forum for Corporate Reporting.

ACCA guide to... Post-Brexit UK border controls

Read our overview of the phased approach to the new Border Operating Model

ACCA's feedback to Isle of Man FSA 2021/22 proposed fees consultation

ACCA welcomes the opportunity to provide feedback on the proposed fees for 2021-2022. We represent ACCA members and firms of accountants registered with the Authority to provide financial services in the Isle of Man (IOM). Our response to this consultation is informed by members’ input obtained from the ACCA Members’ Network in the IOM.

Technical factsheet: visiting the UK or EU after the transition period

This technical factsheet offers a guide to the major changes including around passports, visas, right to work, health insurance and driving

Technical factsheet: freedom of movement to live and work in the EU or UK after the transition period

On 31 December 2020, the transition period between the UK and EU formally closes and freedom of movement to live and work between the EU, EAA, Swiss and UK states will change.

Technical factsheet: freedom of movement to study in the UK or EU after the transition period

After 31 December 2020, the rules for UK students at EU institutions and vice versa change

Technical factsheet: ATOL reporting to the Civil Aviation Authority

ATOL reporting accountants must fulfil the CAA's requirements

'Accounting for human capital' webinar

As the European Commission is preparing its renewed sustainable finance strategy, including the revision of the Non-Financial Reporting Directive, ACCA and the Adecco Group are delighted to invite you to a Chatham House rule interactive webinar to brainstorm on 'Accounting for human capital'.

ACCA joins call to action: Supporting SMEs' access to COVID-19 support funding via professional advice

ACCA joins call to action: Supporting SMEs' access to COVID-19 support funding via professional advice

Ten common tax elections and claims

We look at some of the more common elections and claims that are useful tax planning or compliance tools

Technical factsheet: business recovery options

This factsheet explores the recovery work you can undertake with your clients, and provides guidance on when you would need to consider other options in light of the new Corporate Insolvency and Governance Act 2020.

Certainty in tax

First published in 2014, this report examines certainty which, along with simplicity and stability, is one of the cornerstones of a good tax system: but why is it important? How can policymakers encourage certainty? Are there occasions when an uncertain outcome might be unavoidable, or even justified?

Anti-money laundering guidance

The CCAB releases updated guidance for the accountancy sector

Consultation submissions

ACCA responds to a range of consultations, as well as approaching government and regulatory bodies, on behalf of members

Policy activity update

ACCA’s Policy team is working to develop recommendations and lobby for government policy to support members and the businesses they advise.

EFRAG's Mandate on Non-Financial Reporting Standard Setting

ACCA is pleased to contribute our views to assist Mr Gauzès with the mandate to consider the changes in its governance and finance that might be needed if EFRAG took on the role of setting non-financial reporting (NFR) standards for Europe. We have done so using the questions raised in the Annexe to Mr Gauzès letter.

Technical factsheet: VAT issues with online trading

Identifying the customer and the delivery address is crucial to determine the correct treatment

Off-payroll working rules

Read ACCA's response to HMRC's consultation, submitted in July 2019

Corporate transparency and register reform

ACCA made a submission to a consultation by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy

Reform to Prompt Payment Code

ACCA submitted a response to the Consultation on reform to the Prompt Payment Code to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy on 16 October 2020

HMRC Charter

The HMRC Charter sets out the standard of behaviour and values that HMRC aspires to when interacting with customers. ACCA responded to the consultation, which closed on 15 August 2020

Comprehensive Spending Review 2020

Following the government’s announcement that the multi-year spending review would be postponed in favour of a one-year review period, ACCA will be resubmitting evidence to the Treasury

Raising standards in the tax advice market

ACCA responded to HMRC's call for evidence in August 2020

Ethics in a Covid-19 world

This white paper – developed as part of our global focus on rethinking business for a sustainable recovery – explores what ethics now means in a Covid-19 world, looking at the key areas of challenges that organisations are experiencing.

Technical factsheet: accounting for Covid-19 grants and reliefs

This technical factsheet, which was updated in October 2020, aims to address the accounting aspects of some of the grants and reliefs made available by the government due to Covid-19

Why does sustainable business matter?

IN one of Jason Piper's Global Ethics Day 2020 articles, he examines why sustainable businesses will inevitably be at the core of recovery from the economic impact of Covid-19.

Tenets of business law: A framework for the future

In one of his Global Ethics Day 2020 articles, Jason Piper examines why business law needs to encourage ethical behaviour to help build better Covid-19 recovery.

Webinar - Small in size, big in impact: Can NFI work for SMEs?

SMEs are increasingly required to provide NFI reports, which is a heavy administrative burden, even though these are not (yet) demanded by legislation. These NFI reporting requests come from their supply chains, banks or as part of public procurement. The webinar will discuss the challenges and opportunities for SMEs and present solutions to help SMEs cope.

Technical factsheet: Fair value accounting and distributable reserves

This factsheet explores which items in a company’s balance sheet must be or may be measured at fair value and considers how changes in fair value are recognised

ACCA's response to EU Green Deal – Revision of the Energy Taxation Directive

ACCA welcomes the opportunity to provide our views to the proposed revision of the Energy Taxation Directive (ETD). We fully support the stated aims of this revision: by sending price signals, taxes are, indeed, an important lever in changing business and consumer behaviour. We particularly welcome the Commission’s intention to shift the tax burden from labour taxation to environmental taxation. ACCA believes that this holistic and system-wide policy response is key to addressing the scale of the environmental and social challenges currently facing not only EU member states, but countries around the world.

Consultation on Economic crime levy: Funding new government action to tackle money laundering

ACCA is a Professional Body Supervisor (PBS) for anti-money laundering (AML) in the UK. We welcome the opportunity to provide views on the design principles of the economic crime levy and how it could operate in practice in order to ensure that it is proportionate and effective.

EU GREEN WEEK 2020 Virtual Conference: Incorporating Nature In The Heart Of Business Decision-Making And Disclosure

ACCA, Capitals Coalition and Deloitte are delighted to invite you to their joint session on Day 3 called “Incorporating Nature In The Heart Of Business Decision-Making And Disclosure”, on 22 October, from 12.00 till 13.00h CET.

Improving financial literacy amongst Nigerian MSMEs

Nigeria has an opportunity to be the most dynamic economy in Africa. But, currently, this opportunity is significantly restricted by limited financial literacy. This report details convincing evidence of the importance of financial literacy for MSMEs (micro, small and medium-sized enterprises). Read 'Improving financial literacy amongst Nigerian MSMEs'.

Is your home office secure?

Remote working is bringing new security challenges

Linking SDGs and green inclusive recovery post COVID-19

As part of the EU Sustainable Development Week, Eva Lindström, Member of the European Court of Auditors, and ACCA are thus delighted to invite you to a lively discussion via Microsoft Teams on 7 October.

Technical factsheet: landlord reliefs and taxes

Over the past 10 years the government has attacked the buy-to-let market with a raft of new provisions designed, in part, to make this activity less attractive. This factsheet explores the reliefs and taxes affecting landlords.

Online Event - European Skills Agenda & Meaningful work for the digital professional

As part of the European Vocational Skills Week 2020, ACCA and EY are delighted to invite you to a lively discussion on European Skills Agenda & Meaningful work for the digital professional- what are the skills needed for successful green and digital transitions?

Technical factsheet: inheritance tax planning

Unlike income tax, inheritance tax is something that clients will prefer not to think about until a fairly momentous stage in their life

Stability in tax

First published in 2015, this report examines stability which, along with simplicity and certainty, is one of the cornerstones of a good tax system: but why is it important? In the face of changing economic and social demands, and not least the impact of the COVID19 pandemic, how best can change be managed?

Simplicity in tax

irst published in 2013, this report examines simplicity which, along with certainty and stability, is one of the cornerstones of a good tax system: but why is it important? How can policymakers pursue simplicity? Are there occasions when other factors might justify complexity?

Fostering Economic Recovery through Green Finance Education

On 14 October 2020 at 11.00 CET, the Green Finance Platform and the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) will host a webinar, “Fostering Economic Recovery through Green Finance Education” to discuss many of these issues.

Technical factsheet: corporation tax trading losses – group relief

Part 5 of Corporation Tax Act 2010 allows a company to surrender losses and other amounts