Dear HMRC

Why we need to talk to you…..

As an unrepresented taxpayer with apparently very simple tax affairs, I find myself needing to call you. I really don’t want to. I have better things to do, but I like to know I’m not going to upset you.

If you let out a residential property, you shouldn't underestimate the effects of some important changes to the tax rules.

Tax is like any other cost. It reduces the return you get from your asset. Therefore if your tax cost increases, your return decreases and this may affect your view as to whether your property remains a good investment.

The summer, as for the Ashes tour, started badly with a summer Budget bringing a new unexpected dividend tax charge from next April which will badly affect all owner managed companies. How can you negotiate this massive change, and, like England, get some wins later on?

Meaning the baby, not the Chancellor!

If his father's only income was his RAF's officer income, with a salary under £50k, and with a non-earning mother, they would receive the full child benefit of £20.30 per week, or £1,055.60 per year until as late as 31 August 2033 if he is in qualifying education or in the armed forces by then.

If his father receives a pay rise in the next 16 to 20 years, taking his income over £50k, child benefit is reduced or if it reaches £60k, becomes £NIL. This assumes the thresholds aren't increased with wage inflation which is probably the intention.