Tax

Tax rates in the UK have been modified in recent years to make them increasingly supportive of business. Rates in such areas as corporation tax are designed to be competitive with those imposed by other EU countries.

Information on general issues relating to income tax, VAT and corporation tax can be found at www.hmrc.gov.uk/home.htm

While the tax rules can be complex, HM Revenue & Customs offers help and advice to overseas companies on matters as:

• Capital allowances
• Enterprise zones
• Research and development tax credits
• Taxation of employees
• Residence
• Loan relationships
• Funding
• Treaty claims
• Transfer pricing
• Leasing

Further information can be found at www.hmrc.gov.uk/international/inward.htm

Local authorities in the UK – county councils, district councils or borough councils - are responsible for setting business and domestic charges in their areas. These vary from place to place.