There has been a huge increase in the number of scam emails claiming to be from HMRC this month and promising a tax refund. The emails all ask you to click through to a website and enter bank and/or credit card details for the repayment to go to. Some request 3 digit security codes from credit cards, as well as your mother’s maiden name.

All this provides fraudsters access to your account and gives them information to sell on to others. Remember the golden rule, ‘If it seems to be too good to be true, it probably is’!

Those wishing to report a phishing email should contact phishing@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk, should delete the email and should not click through to the website as requested. There is more information on the HMRC press release.

Companies Act 2006 – Countdown to October 2009

The Companies Act 2006 is changing the law for companies. These changes affect every company operating in the United Kingdom. Passed in 2006, the Act reaches the final stage of implementation on 1st October 2009.

What are the key changes for October?

This is the main implementation of the Companies Act 2006, with a number of changes for companies. A list of all the changes can be viewed here. However, we have listed the main changes below with a small explanatory paragraph beneath each:

Directors’ addresses protected from disclosure
Alternative address for registers
Easier to set up a company
Notifying us of articles changes
UK wide company registry
Guidance
Forms
Fees
Dealing with us online
Protecting your company from hijack
Important tips for companies to make the transition to the new Act a smooth one