Direct Gov
The central site pointing you to the government’s latest information and advice on their services including information on retirement, caring for someone, motoring, travel, the environment, living abroad, parenthood, disability, plus many others. Matters covered include details of the government help and support available towards the meeting the cost of these items. All of this free advice is available at http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/index.htm
Citizens Advice Bureau
More advice on a wide range of topics can be found on the Adviceguide website operated by the Citizens Advice Bureau. Topics covered include employment law, taxation, debt management and advice, social security benefits, housing issues, health matters, and discrimination law. The advice given is vast. For instance, the health section provides information on what help is available through the NHS, patients’ rights, help with health costs, how to make a complaint, and details of health services for people from abroad. This can all be found at http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/
Companies House
Companies House maintains details of all companies registered within the UK, including details of the company’s directors, registered office, and mortgages, as well as copies of the latest accounts. For a small fee you can order any of these for delivery either electronically or by post. There is also a substantial amount of guidance on forming and running a company, and the obligations and duties of the company’s officers. You will find the site at http://www.companieshouse.gov.uk/.
HM Revenue & Customs
As they are responsible for tax collection in the UK this may not be everyone’s favourite organisation. However, HMRC’s website is a mine of useful information. There are full details of Income Tax, Inheritance Tax, Capital Gains Tax, VAT, Excise duties and Stamp duties, including all rates and allowances. The site can be accessed via their Home page at www.hmrc.gov.uk/index.htm.
You may find the following pages useful:
http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/calcs/esi.htm – This Employment Status Indicator tool will give their opinion of whether someone is your employee or is self-employed.
http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/employment-status/index.htm – Guidance on the employment status of workers
http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/leaflets/se1.pdf – A guide to starting up in business
http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/vat/index.htm – A useful guide to VAT, including when and how to register
http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/paye/intro/basics.htm – A basic guide to how and when to operate PAYE
http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/vat/start/schemes/flat-rate.htm – Advice on the the flat rate scheme of VAT which can be advantageous under certain circumstances