Reminder on new tax year changes

From 6 April 2010:

• Car benefit rules: For 2010/11, the lower CO² emissions threshold (which sets the 15% rate) drops from 135g/km to 130g/km. Electric cars pay 0% for 5 years.
• Personal allowances: personal allowance is reduced by £1 for every £2 of income above £100,000.
• Income tax rate: 50% income tax rate for income over £150,000 comes into force.

Time bar on VAT refund claims

The European Court of Justice has confirmed an HMRC 3-year time bar on claiming VAT refunds.

Official rate of interest

From 6 April 2010 the official rate of interest will reduce from 4.75% to 4%.

Payment of VAT

HMRC have announced that from 1 April 2010 all cheque payments by post will be treated as being received by HMRC on the date when cleared funds reach HMRC's bank account.

Age discrimination

The owner of a hair salon in Newcastle has been banned by the local Job Centre from advertising for a junior stylist because it might discriminate against older jobseekers.