A FREE seminar is being held for businesses at which tax and accountancy experts will talk through the sweeping changes coming into effect this year.

The event, hosted by finance and tax specialists Hayward Wright Group, will focus on a variety of topics, including how changes to company dividends will see directors and investors paying more tax from April 6. The latest in a series of seminars held by the accountancy firm, it will take place on Thursday, March 10 from 9am to 11am at Bromsgrove Golf Club.

Hayward Wright’s client manager Danielle Campbell will cover the new taxation rules, changing dividend regulations over the coming financial year and matters affecting landlords. The seminar will also feature independent financial adviser Mark Evans from Prosperity Wealth, who will talk about pension administration, contributions and allowances and tax efficient investments, explaining how tax can be saved by incorporating dividends into a pension.

Ms Campbell said: “These are big changes to the way that people receive an income through their dividends and they could have serious implications for businesses and individuals. It is not bad news for everyone and there are ways to ensure that you are not paying more than you are obliged to. Our seminar is a chance for businesses to receive free, expert, impartial advice on what is happening in the new tax year so that they can make the right decisions for themselves and their shareholders.”

The tax changes announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer last year, will abolish the 10 per cent tax credit on dividends and bring in a new £5,000 tax-free cap. Any dividends above this will be taxed at 7.5 per cent for basic rate taxpayers, 32.5 per cent higher rate and 38.1 per cent additional rate. Dividends in tax-efficient schemes such as ISAs or those received by pensions will be unaffected. To book a place at the seminar, or for more information, call 01527 69321.