Crystal Blog

If you’re married or in a civil partnership, you might be able to transfer part of your tax-free Personal Allowance to your partner, reducing your tax bill, also known as the Marriage Allowance, this simple move can help you keep more money in your pocket, saving up to £252 a year. What Is the Marriage […]

If you’re a business owner, the UK Autumn Budget 2024 brings some essential updates that impact payroll, HR, and training costs. This isn’t just another policy update; it’s a chance to understand what these changes mean for your business, your budget, and your day-to-day operations. We’ll go through each update with clear examples and practical […]

As a UK employer, it’s crucial to ensure all your employees have the legal right to work in the UK. The law requires you to conduct right-to-work checks before hiring staff. Failing to follow these rules could result in penalties of up to £20,000 per worker. With recent changes in the Workers' Rights Bill, right-to-work […]

The 2024 Employment Rights Bill proposes important changes that UK employers need to prepare for. While this Bill is not yet law, it is expected to be enacted within the next 12-18 months. We hope you find this guide helpful and that it explains the key updates and what actions you should take now to […]

Introduction Paying HMRC on time and accurately is critical for every business, whether you’re a small company or managing a larger workforce. In 2024, there are more ways to pay HMRC than ever which are quick and securely, but choosing the wrong payment method or making mistakes can lead to delays, misdirected payments, and costly […]

Introduction Managing business expenses efficiently is key to maintaining compliance with HMRC regulations while also optimizing cash flow. In this guide, we’ll break down allowable business expenses, how to report them, and how to integrate expense management into your payroll system. We’ll also discuss essential compliance steps for P11d reporting, payroll integration, and audit readiness […]

So, you've reached that glorious milestone where your business is thriving, and you're thinking of hiring staff for the first time. First off—congratulations! Whether you're looking to grow or just want to have someone else help juggle all those spinning plates, hiring is both exciting and, well, a little scary. With a few key steps, […]

Are you wondering about the tax rates and thresholds for the 2024/25 tax year? This guide covers everything you need to know, including income tax rates, National Insurance contributions, National Minimum Wage, and statutory payments. Read on for detailed breakdowns and examples to help you understand the payroll regulations for 2024/25 Income Tax Rates (2024/25) […]

Let’s be real, “auto enrolment” might sound as fun as organizing your tax receipts, but here’s the good news: it’s actually simpler than you think! This quick overview will guide you through the essentials of auto enrolment, ensuring you’re compliant and your team’s future is secure. What Is Auto Enrolment? Auto enrolment is like a […]

We are proud to announce that Crystal HR & Payroll Ltd Sponsors Pelsall Villa Colts U11 Girls Football Team for their away kit. Competing in the Staffordshire Girls and Ladies League, the team is currently second in the league and poised to win the league at the end of the season. Sponsoring a football team […]

In recent years, there's been a sharp rise in HMRC telephone scams, with fraudsters impersonating HMRC. These HMRC scam calls often involve fake tax refunds or threats of legal action to trick individuals and businesses into sharing personal or financial information. It’s important to stay alert and know how to spot these scams to protect […]

Understanding whether a worker is employed or self-employed is a crucial task for businesses in the UK. Misclassifying a worker can lead to significant penalties from HMRC, along with back payments and potential legal action. The HMRC tool for checking if someone is employed or self-employed provides an easy way to clarify a worker’s status. […]