Waters and Atkinson Chartered Accountants

We are delighted to announce that Anna has passed her Level 4 AAT exams! Well done from all of us at Waters and Atkinson Chartered Accountants. Please join us in congratulating Anna Colquitt MAAT! #AAT #WatersAndAtkinson #Qualified #Congratulations #Morecambe

With HMRC stepping up its efforts and the number of tax investigations increasing, many individuals and businesses are finding themselves under scrutiny. Navigating an HMRC investigation can be a complex and stressful process, and the consequences of getting it wrong can be significant. We are pleased to announce that Waters and Atkinson now offer a Tax Investigation Consultancy Service, designed to provide expert guidance and support throughout the investigation process. For an annual fee, our service covers the professional fees associated with an HMRC inquiry meaning you will not need to worry about unexpected costs. Our experienced consultants utilise their in-depth knowledge of the tax system and past dealings with HMRC to bring an inquiry to an end as quickly as possible. They also endeavour to prevent overpayment of tax and HMRC overreach. They work with you every step of the way, helping you understand your rights, responsibilities, and the best course of action. We aim to reduce the stress of dealing with HMRC, ensuring that you get the best possible outcome. For more information, please visit our website or contact us directly on 01524 410727. #HMRCInvestigation #TaxInvestigation #WatersAndAtkinson #CharteredAccountants

The Self Assessment deadline of 31st January is fast approaching. Make sure your tax return is filed on time to avoid late filing penalties. If you need assistance with your tax return, we are here to help. Get in touch with Waters and Atkinson today! #SelfAssessment #SelfAssessmentDeadline #WatersAndAtkinson #CharteredAccountants

It was great to kick off the New Year with the January Lancaster & Morecambe Chamber of Commerce Breakfast Networking session at Lancaster & Morecambe College. Thanks as always to Charlotte Ellwood and Graham White for hosting, and creating such a welcoming space to catch up and build connections with local businesses.  Alastair Richards Jamie Wright Whitewells Catering Supplies Christopher Gardner Damien Sissons Agata Estkowska ACA #WatersAndAtkinson #CharteredAccountants #AccountantNorthWest #BreakfastNetworking #ChamberofCommerce 

Happy New Year from all of us at Waters and Atkinson! We are grateful for your continued support and look forward to what the new year will bring. Wishing you all a year filled with happiness and success! #WatersAndAtkinson #CharteredAccountants #AccountantNorthWest #HappyNewYear

We are taking a well-deserved Christmas break, but don't worry our team will be available between Christmas and New Year. Wishing you all a joyous Christmas! #WatersAndAtkinson #CharteredAccountants #MerryChristmas #HappyNewYear #Morecambe

We have been getting into the festive spirit at the office with some celebrations, including Secret Santa! It has been great to take a little time to enjoy the season together as a team. Wishing everyone a happy and relaxing festive season! #SecretSanta #FestiveSeason #TeamCelebrations #WatersAndAtkinson #CharteredAccountants

Tax-Free Trivial Benefits & Christmas Gifts With the festive season approaching, it is a great time for employers to show appreciation to their teams. Did you know there are ways to give small gifts that are completely tax-free for both you and your employees? Here is a simple guide to trivial benefits and how they can make Christmas gifting easier. What Are Trivial Benefits? Trivial benefits are small perks that do not attract tax or National Insurance. They also do not need to be reported to HMRC, as long as they meet the following rules: · The gift must cost £50 or less per person. · It cannot be cash or a cash voucher (A cash voucher is defined as any voucher, stamp or similar document capable of being exchanged for a sum of money that is greater than, equal to or not substantially less than the expense incurred in providing the voucher by the person who provides it – gift cards are usually not exchangeable for cash therefore are not cash vouchers). · It should not be given as a reward for work or performance. · It cannot be part of the employee’s contract. Christmas Gift Ideas That Qualify Here are some simple, festive gift ideas that fall under the trivial benefits rules: - A box of chocolates, festive biscuits, or a bottle of wine. - A gift card for a coffee shop, supermarket or Amazon up to £50 (as long as it is not cash). - A small seasonal hamper. - Tickets to a festive activity like a light show or ice skating. For company directors, the annual limit for trivial benefits is £300 if you run a close company (5 or fewer shareholders), so you can also treat yourself within the rules. What to Avoid - Cash or Bonuses: These are always taxable. - Gifts over £50: If the cost exceeds £50 (even by a penny), it no longer qualifies as a trivial benefit and becomes taxable. This Christmas, trivial benefits are a simple way to show appreciation while keeping things tax-efficient. A thoughtful, small gesture can go a long way! To find out more, get in touch with us today. #WatersAndAtkinson #CharteredAccountants #ChristmasNetworking #ChristmasGifts #TaxFree

Our team joined our local fellow professionals at the NatWest Bank Christmas Lunch at The Borough in Lancaster yesterday! The food was great as always and we enjoyed the annual Christmas Quiz. Big congratulations to Robyn Snape for winning the Best Christmas Jumper competition. We always look forward to attending the monthly lunches organised by the team at NatWest and the Christmas Lunch is a great way to round off the year in high spirits! Thank you for having us. #WatersAndAtkinson #CharteredAccountants #ChristmasNetworking #ChristmasLunch

Hannah and Agata attended a wreath-making workshop last night organised by TP Financial Solutions at The Lothersdale Hotel. The event was relaxed and fun, with everything needed to create festive wreaths. A big thank you to TP Financial Solutions for organising such a lovely event – it was a great opportunity to network and get creative! #FestiveFun #WreathMaking #WatersAndAtkinson #CharteredAccountants #ChristmasNetworking