Married Couples and Rental Properties – The Importance of Getting It Right

A Court has recently decided that a married couple’s agreement to pay the wife the rental income from a jointly owned property did not overcome the operation of Section 836 of the Income Tax Act 2007. As a result, the husband was assessed on 50% of the rental income for income tax purposes even though they had agreed that the wife should receive all of the rent into her bank account.

Employment Tribunal Changes

Significant changes were brought into effect on 29 July in relation to Employment Tribunal claims and employment law, which include the following:

1. A new set of Employment Tribunal rules
2. The introduction of fees charged for bringing an Employment Tribunal claim
3. Cap on compensatory award in Employment Tribunal
4. The ability to have confidential termination negotiations with employees.

The general opinion is that these changes are broadly in favour of the employer and will potentially reduce the number of new claims in the Tribunal.

Country Shows 2013

This year we were pleased to attend two local country shows: the Tendring Show and the Essex Young Farmers Country Show.

Luckily the weather was kind to us at both events - especially the Tendring Show where temperatures topped 30 degrees - so we avoided having to don our wellies.

We enjoyed speaking to clients and contacts, both new and old, at both events and hope they enjoyed the cupcakes that were on offer.

Did you spot us at either show?