Penningtons "optimistic" that Manches tie-up will go ahead

The Lawyer: Merger talks are rumbling on between Manches and Penningtons as the private client firm confirms it is “optimistic” that a deal will be done to create a £60m firm of roughly 250 lawyers.



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HMRC ups ante in warning leaflet to would-be tax avoiders

Accountancy Age: HMRC has stepped up its campaign against tax avoidance, by issuing a document warning of the risks of entering into contrived schemes.

Full story: http://www.accountancyage.com/aa/news/2299776/hmrc-ups-ante-in-warning-leaflet-to-would-be-tax-avoiders

UK’s personal tax rate cut “highest seen globally”

Accountancy Age: The drop  in the UK's top personal tax rate from 50% to 45% was the highest seen globally, and saw it move from 5th highest in the EU to 11th, according to research by KPMG International.

Full story: http://www.accountancyage.com/aa/news/2299823/uk-s-personal-tax-rate-cut-highest-seen-globally?

Richard Branson denies being a tax exile

The Guardian: Virgin Group founder says he moved main residence to private Caribbean island seven years ago for health reasons

Full story: http://www.theguardian.com/business/2013/oct/13/richard-branson-tax-exile-virgin

Jersey minister plans tax cuts in 2014 budget

BBC News: Taxpayers in Jersey could be up to £800 better off next year as the treasury plans to cut income tax.

Full story: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-jersey-24434080?

Tax havens are finished says SocGen CEO

City AM: Societe Generale, chief executive, Frederic Oudea has told French television channel BFM that the days where individuals and companies could channel money into secretive accounts in order to avoid tax are over

Full story: http://www.cityam.com/blog/1381228950/tax-havens-are-finished-says-socgen-ceo?