skip to navigationskip to main content

Phone: 0141 248 7411 

Email:

Choosing a Service

Choosing an accountant that matches your needs

Sectors

Robb Ferguson provides specialist advice for...

icon-free-consultation

Free Initial Consultation

Understanding your accountancy requirements

Request a Callback

Lets talk at a more convenient time for you

Cash basis changes

Newsletter issue - December 2023

As with many new measures when they are first announced by HMRC or the Treasury, it takes some time for these to trickle through to come into effect. The government announced at Spring Budget 2023 that it would consult on expanding the cash basis. A formal consultation on proposals was launched on 15 March this year and ran until 7 June. And now the measure has taken the next step, having been announced in the Autumn Statement.

HMRC stated: 'This measure changes how the cash basis operates for trading income. Current rules set the accruals basis as the default method of calculation, and restrict which businesses are able to use the cash basis through turnover-based entry and exit thresholds. The current rules also set specific restrictions on deductions against profits for interest costs and set specific restrictions on the use of loss relief for losses generated under the cash basis.'

HMRC says the change 'removes restrictions on the use of the cash basis, reducing the complexity of tax returns and making tax simpler for small businesses.'

Up until now, businesses have only been able to join the cash basis if their cash basis turnover is less than £150,000. They are forced to leave in certain circumstances where turnover goes beyond £300,000.

'This measure removes this turnover restriction entirely,' HMRC says.

HMRC added: 'This measure sets the cash basis as the default method of calculating trading profits for eligible businesses, with an opt-out for accruals. It also removes the entry and exit thresholds based on turnover, and removes restrictions specific to the cash basis on interest deductions and loss relief.'

The changes will take effect from 6 April 2024.

Not everything is equal – true. But maybe being equal is simply not good enough?

Our Philosophy

We’re a dedicated team which strives to provide success to our clients in regards to all their accountancy needs.

Meet our team