I'm not going to say this will be the final one of the year, because you know what will happen is that Rishi Sunak will pop out of nowhere and announce something hideous like furlough v12.4 and there is not enough wine in Yorkshire for me to deal with that. So, this may, or may not, be the last you hear from me... for this year (don't get too excited)

So, let's keep it brief: 

1. Christmas tax relief

There are a few things to remember at Christmas: 

• An annual event, such as a Christmas party, is tax deductible up to a total of £150 (inclusive of VAT) per head. This includes transport, drinks, the event itself. If it goes over £150, even by £1, the whole lot is classed as a benefit in kind on the employees and must be reported (booooo!). There are other rules to consider too, so contact us if you aren't sure.
• Virtual events can also count as an annual event
• If you want to give your employees cash or a voucher as a Christmas gift or bonus, you need to report this via payroll. 
• If you give them a gift that is under £50 then this is OK - as it is classed as trivial. 
• In order for gifts to customers to be tax deductible, they must cost less than £50, must have the business logo or branding on them, and can never be food, drink or tobacco. So chocolates or biscuits in a branded box would not be tax deductible. This doesn't mean your company can't do it and pay for it through the books, it just means you won't get tax relief on the cost.

2. Kickstart Scheme

The scheme closes on the 17 December, so if you want to apply you need to take action now. The Kickstart Scheme provides funding to employers to create jobs for 16 to 24 year olds on Universal Credit who are at risk of long term unemployment. The funding covers 100% of the minimum wage for 25 hours per week, for 6 months. It will also cover any associated employers NI and minimum auto-enrolment pension costs.

The funding can go up to the 30 September 2022 but you must apply now.  Kickstart Scheme - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)