Robert Lloyd - a Sir Gar Blog of random news . . . and some Clecs!

The latest Clay Shaw Butler Money Matters column from the Carmarthenshire Herald and the Llanelli Herald. By Mark Jones, director of Carmarthen-based Clay Shaw Butler chartered accountants and business consultants. Being thorough comes as second nature to us chartered accountants. Which is why the Money Matters column is continuing to dissect the Government’s most recent Budget changes. This week, we take a look at the complicated world of Capital Taxes. Here are some of the key areas where the Government has taken action – Capital gains tax (CGT) rates The current rates of CGT are 18% to the extent that any income tax basic rate band is available and 28% thereafter. The government is to reduce the higher rate of CGT from 28% to 20% and the basic rate from 18% to 10%. The trust CGT rate will also reduce from 28% to 20%. The 28% and 18% rates will continue to apply for carried interest and for chargeable gains on residential property that do not qualify for private residence relief. I...

By David Butler, director of Clay Shaw Butler chartered accountants and business consultants, Lammas Street, Carmarthen It was Bob Dylan who sang ‘The Times They Are a Changin’, way back in the 1960s. Well, they certainly are: Next month sees massive changes to the way we handle our pensions The countdown is on to a May 7 General Election. And inflation is at a record breaking low - 0.5 percent, the joint-lowest since the Consumer Prices Index began in 1989. This month, our focus will be on pensions – as it is pretty near the top of the agenda when it comes to the questions accountants get asked. From April 6, you'll have more freedom over how you take money from your pension pot. These changes affect you if: you're 55 or over, and  have a pension based on how much has been paid into your pot (a ‘defined contribution’ pension).  Changes from April 6 are for new pensions drawn out. You can still draw up to 25% of the fund tax free, but then any further amounts, which can ...

This month's seminar at The Desk Den in Swansea can help you to learn how to reduce your tax bill and save your business money! The May Business Seminar is led by Danielle Watts-Jones of Celtic Financial Planning. Dani Watts-Jones, an expert in finance, tax planning and risk management will discuss tax planning, risk management and diversification strategies. Dani has been a partner with Celtic Financial Planning for many years. The seminar will held on WEDNESDAY MAY 30th 2012.  The format will continue as follows: 7.30 a.m. Breakfast and Networking. 8.00 a.m. Seminar on Tax Planning, Risk Management and Diversification Strategies 8.30 a.m. Questions And Answers 9.00 a.m. Close. To book contact Claire or Joanne on 01792 584481 or contact enquiries@thedeskden.co.uk .

Massive cider duty hike shelved - General news - Politics - Morning Advertiser Good news for cider drinkers, but the apples aren't out of the woods yet!