The Small Business Tax Help Blog

Archive for November, 2008

Question: Deceased person being billed for council tax (UK)?

My father passed away in January 2006. He used to run his own small business, and rented a shop unit from a landlord. Upon his death, I informed the landlord and local council of this news, and immediately moved his things from the office, and gave the keys back to the landlord. Now, he keeps being billed for business rates even though a hairdresser has set up shop since.

This has now happended on more than one occassion. Each time I let the local council know that his business had closed, et they keep sending him bills.

I am getting quite distrssed by this as I know for a fact that is wrong. Any help woud be greatly appreciated.

Answer: Friend, i,m from u.k too!
Lots of companies do this to people who are already grieving, it's awful i know but i think they've adopted the kick someone when they're down and if he dosent get back up, take it out on his next of kin method!
What i mean is, basically due to the time in which you're father passed away and the time it was reported(which is no-ones fault)debts have accumulated and someone wants their money by whatever means!!! In your case they target the greiving family.
Now the latter part of your question where you state that they are still billing him for his business rates is absolutely ludicrous and this will undeniably fall in court when they ask to see a copy of his death certificate, so i should'nt worry to much about that.
I sympathise with you whole heartidly and cannot imagine the anger you must be feeling at these ignorants, especially at a time when you have a lot more on your mind.
I do wish you the best of luck in solving your problem as i'm sure this will rule in your father's favour eventually!
I would also like to hear the outcome of this, so if you want to, you could let me know how it goes.
all the best to you and your family.
Ant x

Beyond bricks and mortar

THE property bug is starting to bite and Singaporeans are itching to renew their love affair with real estate. For those who purchased any type of residential property a year ago, congratulations. From all accounts, private property prices in popular areas rose by 20 per cent or more in 2009 alone.

Tax Tip 5: Employ your family and pay them tax free for book keeping.

IT contractors’ financial review of 2009

The year that was 2009 was certainly an unprecedented 12 months for the UK’s contractor community. What follows is a potted history for contractors of the key financial landmarks that shaped the year

Avoid Mistakes in Business Accounting

IRS Tax Tips for the 2010 Filing Season-#5

Choose the Tax Form that Best Fits Your Needs

Tax Tip 7: Unreceipted expenses and missing bills.

Congress’ top priority: Put the nation back to work

WASHINGTON — Reports that the nation lost 85,000 payroll jobs in December makes it certain that spurring employment will top the congressional agenda in 2010.

Billwerx Introduction

Question: Is anybody aware of a free tax calculator for how much to send in for estimated taxes?

last year I was mainly employed: this year I will have significantly more income as an independent contractor. So I can’t go by last year’s tax results. thanks.

Answer: Sure! Use the worksheet on Form 1040ES to calculate your Estimated Tax Payments for the year. Re-calculate things every couple of months and adjust your estimated payments up or down as your income and business expenses reflect.

Spotlight: Leaders in Green Technology

This report highlights 46 North Bay professionals in various fields who have been leading development and implementation of environmentally sustainable technologies, such as solar electric and geothermal energy, erosion control for better stream water quality and energy-efficient construction.