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Watson Legal Banana & Walnut Loaf Word Search Who are you kissing? Crufts Garden View Brafternoon Buying Overseas! Crossword Beware the Holiday Scammers
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What’s inside
p9
p17
Page 5 What is a dangerous dog?
p5
Watson Legal
p21 p21
p23
p29
Page 19 The man is not on the moon Garden View
23 The heat is On! Page 7 Garden - which Banana view & Walnut Loaf Christmas tree? p9 p23 PageBrafternoon Word Search& Orange Cake p11 Page 11 Cranberry p13
Who are you kissing?
Overseas! p25 PageBuying 25 What does a carrier cost? Crossword p27
p17
Crufts
p29
Page 15 Deck the Halls EVERYWHERE! Page 17 Crossword & Word Search
Page Keep Cyber Safe
Beware the Holiday Scammers
Page 31 Pawley Malyon David Malyon - Tax Tips
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The Centre, Dunmow Road, Takeley, Herts. CM22 6SH Disclaimer While every care is taken Disclaimer © to ensure accuracy, the publishers cannot accept responsibility for loss, damage or omission caused by error in
the printing of artwork. While every care is taken to ensure accuracy, the publishers cannot accept responsibility for loss, damage or omission caused by error in the printing of All artwork accepted on the strict condition that permission has beenhas given forgiven use in Adverts are accepted on theon the understanding artwork. Allisartwork is accepted on the strict condition that permission been forthis usepublication. in this publication. Adverts are accepted understanding that the description ofservices the goods and are fairLocal and accurate. that the description of the goods and are fairservices and accurate. Network Magazine does not officially endorse and advertising material included in thisNetwork publication. No part ofnot thisofficially publication maybe in included any retrievable system or transmitted in any form-electronic, mechanical, Local Magazine does endorse andreproduced, advertising stored material in this publication. photocopying or otherwise – without the consent of the publisher. Publisher: Local Network Magazine. 8 The Maltings, Thaxted, Essex. CM6 2NB No part of this publication maybe reproduced, stored in any retrievable system or transmitted in any form-electronic, mechanical, photocopying or otherwise – without the consent of the publisher. Publisher: Local Network Magazine. 8 The Maltings, Thaxted, Essex. CM6 2NB
p2 | Local Network Magazine Issue 27 2016
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Local Network Magazine Issue 27 2016 | p3
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Everybody Needs Good Neighbours At Watson Legal, we specialise in property disputes. That can encompass a variety of matters such as landlord and tenant disputes. However, the focus here is neighbour and co-ownership disputes.
Neighbour disputes A neighbour dispute could be in respect of a boundary, noise or even parking, just to name a few issues we see. You may think about replacing your fence or removing an overhanging tree but what impact does that have on your neighbour? Is the boundary in the correct place? How do you know where your boundary is? Another common cause of a dispute are ‘restrictive covenants’. These are usually restrictions relating to your property. For example, the prohibition of parking caravans and campervans or not parking on a certain piece of land such as a shared driveway. Unfortunately most boundaries are referred to as general boundaries not legal boundaries - which could mean up to 1 metre in error. It is therefore important to obtain guidance in respect of your Deeds before embarking on any discussions with your neighbours. Whilst Watson Legal actively encourage negotiation and discussions between you and your neighbour and taking a ‘pragmatic approach’, often these types of disputes are usually extremely emotive. At Watson Legal we provide sensible, practical and straight forward advice to help you understand your legal position and help you move forward. We can consider your Deeds to establish what restrictions you may have and offer advice regarding boundaries as
1 Ducketts Wharf, South Street, Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire CM23 3AR
well as advising you further during the process if you need to take the matter further.
Co-ownership Do you live with your partner or friends? How is the property owned? Generally when purchasing a property, you may not always consider that it should be placed in the sole name of one person, after all what could go wrong?! Unfortunately one of the key issues we deal with is when a person claims an interest in a property or claims a larger share than 50/50 following a relationship breakdown. There are various ways in which an interest can be claimed. That could be your contribution to the household such as maintaining the home and caring for the children as well as financial. At Watson Legal, we can assist in preparing the required documentation, setting out how the property is owned at the outset or when the unfortunate argument has occurred. We pride ourselves in guiding our clients at whatever stage of a co-ownership dispute they have found themselves in. Whilst you may brush away the potential risks the first time you think of them, this is a complex topic where many aspects have to be considered. By speaking to us, you can get a clear understanding and we can assist you in avoiding such issues arising in the future or resolving them if they have already started.
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Please call 01279 466910 or email info@watson-legal.com to arrange your free 30 minute consultation with Sarah Watson.
Tel: 01279 466 910 www.watson-legal.com info@watson-legal.com
Local Network Magazine Issue 27 2016 | p5
Sarah Watson - Principal of Watson Legal, Solicitor and Mediator
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p8 | Local Network Magazine Issue 27 2016
Banana & Walnut Loaf Preparation time: 20 minutes Cooking time: 60-70 minutes
Ingredients u 225g plain flour u 2 level tsp baking powder u 80g softened or spreadable butter u 1 large egg (beaten) u 110g caster sugar u 4 medium bananas (peeled) u 50g walnuts (chopped) u Zest 1 lemon u Demerara sugar for sprinkling
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[ T y p e a q u o t e f r o m
06/04/2015 11:46
Who are you
kissing? By Brenda
I
I remember a time when the only people who air kissed each cheek where the flamboyant, the theatrical. Those from other shores i.e. France and Spain have always kissed cheeks in greetings. The British have always been considered fairly reserved and our staple greeting diet was a good firm handshake; you could easily get a bus between the giver and the receiver of the greeting with almost zero ‘lean-in’, we left that to the Americans. Air kisses were sometimes used by the ladies of the upper classes who wanted to show a smidge of affection but it was strictly air to the side of the face that was kissed, it would have been disastrous if make-up was disturbed. Times have changed but no-one is quite sure to what extent and with each new generation the social barriers are less and less and therefore social etiquette is a bit of a mystery, at least to me. Do we kiss cheeks, kiss air, shake hands, politely nod...? It’s a personal minefield which has led to some disastrous moments. I recall a close relative bringing her new boyfriend to a family gathering. When they arrived I saw him hold out his hand and so took this as a definite indication we would shake hands. As he leant towards me his lips puckered and I realised it was more a kissing cheek motion, so in my confusion we ended up in what can only be described as a ‘kiss-wrestle’. Me, with my hand grasping his at about waist level and our lips meeting in a not so appropriate kiss, this movement almost ended up with both of us losing our balance and could have resulted with us being a tangled heap on the living room rug if it were not for the fact that there were so many people crammed into the small room we were kept upright. There followed
Burling
over-exaggerated apologies and a very red face on my part. Strangely enough, I never saw him again after that Christmas. Another episode which, in my opinion, was equally embarrassing was a chance meeting in a pub of a couple who were at one point regular visitors at our home. I was confident in my cheek kissing decision although highly conscious of the fact I’d eaten copious amounts of a garlic laden dinner the night before, so much so that I could still taste the garlic through the toothpaste that morning. I knew however I was capable of holding my breath sufficiently to accommodate the single cheek kiss greeting we always shared. What threw me was the unexpected second cheek kiss, I had exhaled by that point and judging by my friend’s facial expression she had been subjected to a garlic laden blast. To compound this, in performing a ‘twocheek’ kiss I misjudged timing and we ended in a sort of nose crush. Perfect. I’m now never sure which social greeting is appropriate unless I’m in a work situation where there is still the staple diet of handshakes and nothing more. I did hear of someone inadvertently finishing a job interview with a cheek kiss, wonder if she got the job? It is said, in France the greetings have escalated to a possible four cheek kiss, this would have me in a cold sweat, no holiday in the Dordogne for us in the foreseeable future then, though as it is a nation of garlic lovers that would eliminate one element of embarrassment. I am considering inventing a ‘paddle’ system whereby I could carry an array of social greetings on paddles and when the need arose I would hold one aloft, indicating exactly which greeting would be used. Patent pending, me thinks.
Local Network Magazine Issue 27 2016 | p13
PRIVATE CARE AT HOME delivered your way lets you choose: • The carer who will best suit your needs • The amount of service you want, when and where it suits you • The care which will support you to leave hospital sooner and be at home with confidence, including: • Medication management • Personal care • Shopping & meal preparation • Companionship & accompanying on visits or outpatient appointments • 24 hour or live-in care • Night time care
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• Very competitive rates of pay • Full weeks training • All PPE and uniform costs are covered by Manorcourt Homecare • Enhanced DBS check is required • You offer us your two weeks availability so that you can make plans around that • Holiday pay 28 days pro rata No previous experience in care is required as Manorcourt Homecare will support you every step along the way to becoming a fully functional member of our team. Manorcourt Homecare want all of our employees to be the very best that we believe you can be. All we ask in return is that you are able to drive and have access to a vehicle.
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p14 | Local Network Magazine Issue 27 2016
0000 CB A5 Advert.qxp_0000 CB A5 Advert 17/08/2015 13:57 Page 1
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07890 267512 Web: www.caninesassoon.co.uk p16 | Local Network Magazine Issue 27 2016
1
Crufts By Susan Brookes - Morris
C
rufts is the world’s largest dog show held at the NEC Birmingham, 10-13 March. The first of the ‘Crufts’ Dog events took place in 1891 at the Royal Agricultural Hall in Islington. It was the brainchild of Charles Cruft, hence the name. After college, Charles worked for the well-known dog food company called Spratts; initially as an office boy and later as a travelling salesman across Europe. In 1878, he was asked by French dog-breeders to promote the canine section of the Paris Exhibition. Back in England, he managed the Allied Terrier Club Show at the Royal Aquarium, Westminster in 1886 and launched Crufts five years later. When Charles died in 1938, his wife Emma took over the running of the Show. She handed the mantle to the Kennel Club in 1948. The first event had 2,437 entries representing 36 breeds. This year’s show will see over 22,000 dogs competing from around 43 countries. The event is truly international since quarantine laws were lifted in the year 2000. The ultimate accolade, Best in Show has been contested for 87 years, and won by 43 different breeds. The most frequent champion breed with seven wins is the Cocker Spaniel, followed by the Irish Setter and Welsh Terrier which have each taken four titles. The first ever winner was a Greyhound and
The first event had 2,437 entries representing 36 breeds. This year’s show will see over 22,000 dogs competing from around 43 countries.
the 2015 winner was a five-year-old Russian Scottish Terrier called Knopa. Winners receive a replica silver trophy and a small cash prize, but it is the prestige and future stud-money that are the real attraction. In addition to the Best in Show and Best in Breed awards, there are now many other competitions including Scruffs - for crossbreeds. Visitors can also enjoy the spectacle of activities such as fast-paced flyball; skilful agility and heelwork to music. In many of the competitions there are junior as well as adult classes. Attendees also look forward to seeing famous names such as celebrity vets and TV personalities known for their love of dogs. There is a wealth of shopping opportunities with over 400 exhibition stands and for those thinking of purchasing a dog, the Discover Dogs section features examples, advice and information from owners of around 200 breeds. Over the last decade, £138,000 has been raised from dog exhibitors for the Kennel Club’s charitable trust which distributes money to dog rehoming, assistance dog charities and funds research into the understanding and prevention of dog diseases. Huge efforts are now made to ensure all dogs in the Show are healthy following previous concerns about welfare. Crufts is a great day out, and for dog-lovers it’s not to be missed!
Local Network Magazine Issue 27 2016 | p17
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ebruary is usually far colder than we are experiencing at the moment and we are already seeing early signs of spring with bulbs appearing and wildlife waking up as temperatures increase. February is a great month for planting as the soil is warming up, encouraging new roots to grow and helping plants become established so don’t be fooled into thinking that that means there’s not an awful lot to be done in the garden! We have come up with a handy little checklist for you to make sure that your garden is in tip top condition and will grow beautifully over the spring and summer months for everyone to enjoy.
Lawns: u Buy yourself a big sign that says ‘Keep off the grass!’ If your lawn is still wet it will become easily damaged by treading on it. If later on in the month it has dried out, you can give it a gentle trim on a high blade setting. However, if you are thinking re-turfing or laying grass seed, then now is a perfect time to do this. Wildlife: u It’s another cold and sparse month for wildlife, especially for the birds that may visit your garden. If you are a cat-free house, and enjoy watching your feathery friends, please put out fresh water and good quality bird food or fat/suet balls to help keep them going. Happy gardening!
Trees, shrubs and climbers: u Plant your barerooted shrubs and trees and container-grown climbers, but remember to plant any climbers about 10” away from any walls u Prune established shrubs and climbers u Move any established deciduous trees and shrubs provided the ground is not frozen or waterlogged u Remember to always use stakes and rabbit guards when you have replanted as this prevents damage to the root ball or the bark u Plant your roses in new areas of the garden as if you plant in an area that you have previously used you could be introduced to replant disease or sick soil syndrome u Plant fragrant winter flowering shrubs such as Daphne, Viburnum x bodnantense, Witch Hazel or Wintersweet
General maintenance should include: u Check tree ties and stakes – tighten or replace as necessary u Tie up or remove any damaged branches from conifers that may have been affected by bad weather or strong winds u Ensure newly planted trees and shrubs have not been disturbed by any wildlife or strong winds u Remove weeds from tree bases, flower beds and patio areas u Check or introduce protective coverings if we are due any severe frosts
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p22 | Local Network Magazine Issue 27 2016
B With ladies from 18-80 years old, the group is constantly growing and everchanging to ensure everyone’s needs are met. As a not for profit charity
rafternoon was launched back in 2012 and is a unique kind of ladies-only support group for those affected by all forms of cancer. So whether you have experienced it yourself or you have been touched by the illness of a friend or family member, Brafternoon supports everyone. Hosted in a wonderful setting in Sawbridgeworth at the beautiful Manor of Groves Hotel, every 4th Monday of the month between 11am-3pm, it is well attended by a great bunch of women. It has been succinctly said, that whilst “having cancer is a club that no one wants to be in, Brafternoon is one club that everyone wants to be in!” Having cancer can be a very lonely experience once treatment has finished and the appointments are no more, so Brafternoon offers a rare opportunity to drop in and spend time with like-minded ladies who really do understand; discussing a wide range of issues, swapping suggestions and experiences and ultimately sharing one another’s journey. With ladies from 18-80 years old, the group is constantly growing and ever-changing to ensure everyone’s needs are met. As a not for profit charity, Brafternoon relies heavily on its volunteers who have made a real impact to the local community and as such in 2015, Brafternoon was recognised by The Rivers Hospital and the Helen Rollason Charity and became their official cancer support group; they really did see the value of having a support group, open to all, away from
the hospital environment for ladies throughout Herts and Essex. Brafternoon Ladies Days are supportive but they are very importantly, fun too! With refreshments and a sandwiches provided, the group often welcomes guest speakers (even a comedienne) who offer some insightful and refreshing information on a diverse range of hot topics such as wigs, makeup and fashion. There is also a social events programme which includes Christmas and Chinese New Year celebrations, day trips to the coast, vintage tea parties, fashion shows, boat trips, pub evenings and theatre visits to name but a few. Founded by Anita Gray, she is best placed in her field of image consultancy to offer the Brafternoon ladies a helping hand in finding a way back to being confident, beautiful and to reaching an overall feeling of wellbeing again. Anita said “It’s not all about cancer; it’s about giving women some ‘me time’ and an opportunity to leave everything else at the door for an afternoon and to hopefully provide a positive social experience. It really does make an incredible difference to ladies affected by cancer as well as supporting their families and friends”.
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If you would like to have an informal and friendly chat about visiting Brafternoon, please call Anita Gray on 07703 254001. More information can be found at www.brafternoon.co.uk
Local Network Magazine Issue 27 2016 | p23
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p24 | Local Network Magazine Issue 27 2016
Buying Overseas! By Nick Hyde
T
he start of the New Year also means the start of the planning process for many considering buying a property abroad. Whether you are still in the research stages, or ready to make an offer, it is important you plan! Buying property is not a process to be rushed. You need time to research the market as a whole and also spend time researching the companies in the market place - using the right professionals will save you time, money and stress. Investing time and being prepared to spend money on good service providers at the beginning of the process will save you a lot of hassle later and potentially avoid expensive mistakes.
Here are some top tips! Use an Independent lawyer. No matter what anybody tells you, no matter how easy it all seems and no matter how lovely the agent seems, always use an independent lawyer to represent you throughout the purchase of your property overseas. An ‘independent’ lawyer represents you and only you; it is the lawyer’s job to protect you and inform you.
Know your numbers Make sure you know your budget before you start looking at properties - this should include at least a provisional mortgage offer if you’re borrowing money. If borrowing money, your repayments will stretch over several years, years in which lending criteria and borrowing costs may change. Discuss the long term repayment with a financial specialist before proceeding. You will also need to factor in around 11% of the purchase price in additional legal and admin costs such as land registry and taxes.
already signed contracts to buy, this could cause you a problem. Speak to a currency specialist discuss the option of securing your rate of exchange early. The rate fluctuations will also affect the costs of mortgages (if you raise the mortgage overseas and earn your income at home). Again, speak to a currency exchange specialist to highlight the risks and to take appropriate action.
Use professional agents and developers There are few, if any, guarantees when buying property, at home or overseas. Using an independent lawyer significantly reduces the risks you take on an overseas property purchase and employing a professional agent or buying from a professional developer will also help you. Ask lots of questions. Initially, focus questions on the company itself, not the properties for sale. Dig around for details on the founders of the company and the track record of the company. Ask for client testimonials and make sure you find out in detail exactly what service they offer. Don’t just take their word for it - ask for details on their service in writing, preferably in the form of some type of ‘Terms of Business’.
Remember the risk to reward ratio If you are buying property overseas as an investment (as many people have done in recent years), you need to bear in mind that big returns may come with significant risks. Be careful to assess the possible downsides to an investment property as well as the enticing investment numbers that could be achieved if all goes to plan.
Beware exchange rate movements The rates do not need to move substantially to affect the value of your purchase. When you start looking, £100,000 may buy you a certain property - a 10% drop in the value of the £ against the Euro, for example, may then put that property out of your budget. If you’ve
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Live Financial, 50 Liverpool Street, London, EC2M 7PY Tel: +44 (0) 203 510 0998 Skype: livefinancialuk www.livefinancial.co.uk
Local Network Magazine Issue 27 2016 | p25
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Wills Trusts Liberty Wills and Trusts Ltd operate across Hertfordshire, Essex and London offering a fully qualified and indemnified Will Writing & Estate Planning Service. All of us have considered making a Will at some point but only 30% of us have actually done so, leaving 70% of estates unprotected. What happens when you die without a will or with an out of date will? Appointment of Guardians for your Children
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simon Lee 07967 353 976 Andy Crocker 07967 157 577 Head Office 4 Fairway, Sawbridgeworth, Herts, CM21 p28 | Local Network Magazine Issue 27 2016
I
n the travel industry this time of year is known as ‘the peaks’ for obvious reasons. It’s the time of year when a lot of people are thinking about and booking their summer holidays. No sooner have we all finished our Christmas lunch, we see adverts by the holiday companies all ending “ATOL Protected” so why is it so important? ATOL (Air Tour Organisers License) and ABTA (Association of British Travel Agents) are badges of trust sitting behind which are government rules and regulations to protect you and your money. ATOL mainly protects against the financial failure of airlines and ABTA protects should something happen to the travel agent or tour operator you booked with. Perhaps the biggest risk to the consumer these days are companies purporting to have ATOL licenses or being members of ABTA but in fact are not and sometimes don’t exist at all. It is so easy to create a website and copy and paste a couple of logos and look entirely legitimate allowing fraudsters to advertise accommodation and flights that do not exist, promising bookings that were never made. Recent examples include a family who handed over £1,500 for a rented cottage in Cornwall at New Year only to discover when they arrived that it was already occupied and fraudsters had hacked into the owner’s website. Another victim was stopped from catching a return flight and left stranded in the US after paying £1,200 to a bogus travel agent. Cases like these run into the thousands each year; holiday fraud is particularly distressing as the loss to the victim is not just financial but it can also have a high emotional impact. So how do you avoid being taken for an expensive ride? Here are some key warning signs:
Beware By Ian Gilmour
the Holiday Scammers
u If an advert refers to membership of a trade body or consumer protection scheme such as ABTA, make sure the membership is genuine. u If a price looks too good to be true, it probably is. Take time to do some research into prices to get a good idea of what ballpark you’re looking at. u If the only payment option is a bank transfer or cash. Not only is this an indication that no bank is prepared to provide credit card facilities, but if you are dealing with a scammer it will be virtually impossible to get your money back. u Low resolution, ‘fuzzy’ logos for trade associations and credit card companies. u Be wary of firms who offer a discount if you pay the whole bill upfront, it doesn’t work like that and reputable companies will usually take a deposit with the balance payable two or three months before the trip.
So, if you’re booking online use a company that you know or at least research them properly on the ABTA website, check the ATOL license and if you use a travel agent do the same. Remember if you see a deal you can always ask your travel agent to check it out for you or match it, a good one always will. Happy Holidays! Ian Gilmour Travel Director T: 01279 210658 E: ian@oneweekortwo.com W: www.oneweekortwo.com
ℹ
Local Network Magazine Issue 27 2016 | p29
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p30 | Local Network Magazine Issue 27 2016
Pawley & Malyon Chartered Accountant Welcome to Pawley & Malyon Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditors. In today’s ever changing world, clients need to be confident their affairs are in good hands. At Pawley & Malyon this confidence is gained by our personal approach to your finances and from the results achieved by our advice and recommendations.
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We provide a complete range of accountancy services and have a broad range of clients, both corporate and personal, located throughout the UK. As we are a small firm we strive to offer you a high level of personal service so often lacking in business these days. Whether you are a commercial business, or a non profit’ organisation or an individual, we pride ourselves in always offering you a personal, efficient and professional service. Please contact us on 020 7065 6870 to arrange a free, informal and no obligation initial Meeting.
We are not just a London office we see clients locally Registered to carry on audit work and regulated for a range of investment business activities by The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales.
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ncome from the sale or letting of property is generally exempt from VAT with 3 exceptions where VAT is chargeable at 20%. u The freehold sale of new commercial buildings (less than 3 years old). u Certain classes of commercial property that meet HMRC conditions such as hotel and holiday accommodation and storage buildings. u The sale or letting of commercial property where the owner has made a valid option to tax. The owner should always carefully consider whether or not to make an option to tax and take proper professional advice as while doing so allows them to recover input VAT on expenditure, refurbishment costs and so on, they will also then have to charge VAT on the sale or rental of the building which may not be recoverable by the purchaser or tenant. For example a prospective tenant who makes exempt supplies in the financial services or insurance business looking at 2 potential premises with similar net rent payments would find the one that hadn’t opted to be taxed more attractive because they wouldn’t have to pay VAT at 20% which they were unable to recover from HMRC. However many potential tenants for a property would be VAT registered and therefore able to recover the VAT incurred. One common misconception is that an option to tax relates permanently to a commercial property but this is not the case. It relates only to the ‘opter’ and their VAT number so the new purchaser needs to elect and submit their own option if required. This is particularly important when buying a tenanted property as a transfer of going concern, as maintaining the option means that no VAT is chargeable which in turn may reduce Stamp Duty Land Tax costs. When a business ceases it is often best to keep a VAT registration open until it is known how the property will be used in future as otherwise VAT may be due based on the value of the property at the point of de-registration. An option to tax can be revoked in certain cases such as selling to a housing developer or where the owner has had the option in place for 20 years but again please take proper professional advice before making any changes as this area can become quite complex and if an error is made the sums of VAT involved can be very large.
Next month - Changes affecting Buy to Let Landlords
Local Network Magazine Issue 27 2016 | p31
Our Conservatories are not just for Summer! For all year use, and fitted with our new ‘Smartglass’, you’ll notice the difference!
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49/51 Knight Street, Sawbridgeworth, Hertfordshire, CM21 9AX www.sovereignwindows.uk.com info@sovereignwindows.uk.com p32 | Local Network Magazine Issue 27 2016