An endless list of overly complex of business tax reliefs means that claiming the correct allowances and ensuring that claims are effective and meet relevant tax rules is virtually a full-time job, says Yvette Nunn CTA, director of Berkeley Associates

The American Institute of Certified Professional Accountants (AICPA) and blockchain trade association Wall Street Blockchain Alliance (WSBA) have confirmed plans to work together to define the impact of blockchain technology for the accounting profession

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has approved a new auditing standard, marking the first significant change to the auditor’s report in more than 70 years, but has highlighted concerns over the communication of critical audit matters and the disclosure of auditor tenure

The Treasury is seeking views on plans to offer people struggling with serious debt a ‘breathing space’ from their bills, with up to six weeks free from further interest, charges and enforcement action

ICAS is calling on the Scottish government to make changes to the devolved land and buildings transaction tax (LBTT), to remove a range of charges which do not apply to the rest of the UK under stamp duty land tax (SDLT)

HMRC is to look internally and will only consider existing civil servants when recruiting a second permanent secretary to replace tax specialist Edward Troup, who is set to retire at the end of 2017

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has banned a husband and wife team who ran a debt management firm for dishonestly misappropriating client funds, after more than 4000 customers lost over £6m as a result of their actions

HMRC has announced a technical consultation on the draft statutory instrument for the fulfilment house due diligence scheme (FHDDS), which applies to businesses that store any goods imported from outside the EU for or on behalf of someone outside the EU, and is designed to address concerns over VAT payments by online retailers