William Taylor, Author at J J Taylor & Co Solicitors - Page 2 of 3

William Taylor

Co-Ownership 2025: Your Guide to Shared Home Ownership in Northern Ireland

Buying a home has rarely felt tougher—especially for first-time buyers, who face high deposits and strict affordability tests. However, Northern Ireland’s Co-Ownership scheme offers a glimmer of hope, bridging that gap by allowing you to purchase the share you can afford while Co-Ownership NI buys the remainder. You pay your mortgage on your share and […]

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Navigating the 2025 Stamp Duty Land Tax Changes: What Homebuyers and Investors Need to Know

As of April 1, 2025, significant changes to Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) have occurred, impacting property transactions across England and Northern Ireland. These adjustments, which mark the end of temporary relief measures introduced in 2022, are set to increase the financial burden on many homebuyers and investors. Key Changes to SDLT Rates 1. Reduction

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Private Landlords – Ever more Regulatory Burden

With the coming into force of The Electrical Safety Standards for Private Tenancies Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2024, Landlords in Northern Ireland have yet another regulatory burden to satisfy. This new legislation further adds to the costs of operating a Rental Property Business. Whilst electricians, fire-safety experts, and other service providers won’t find the new revenue streams,

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IHT Business Relief – How It Works and What’s Changing

Inheritance Tax (IHT) planning has always been vital to protecting your estate and ensuring your Will reflects your current wishes. With the government announcing significant changes to Business Relief (BR) and Agricultural Relief (AR) effective from 6 April 2026, it is more important than ever to act now to safeguard your assets. We’ve already covered

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AI-Generated Art: Navigating Copyright and Ethical Boundaries

In recent weeks, countless social media feeds in the UK and beyond have been flooded with images that appear to spring straight from a Studio Ghibli film. However, these vividly animated scenes are not the product of the famed Japanese studio: they are generated by the latest version of ChatGPT, powered by OpenAI’s GPT-4o model.

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Agricultural Property Relief and Inheritance Tax: Navigating Challenges for Farmers

Farmers today face a unique set of challenges regarding estate planning and inheritance tax. The recent reduction in Agricultural Property Relief (APR), commencing in April 2026, has intensified concerns about transferring farming assets to the next generation, complicating what was once a straightforward area of estate planning. In this post, we examine the key issues,

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What to Expect During a Personal Injury Claim in Northern Ireland

Suffering a personal injury can be both physically and emotionally distressing. Whether your injury arises from a road traffic accident, a workplace incident, or a public slip and fall, understanding the typical steps and processes involved can help you navigate this challenging time with confidence. In this post, we outline the key stages of a

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Staying on the right said of Capital Gains Tax

With the recent changes to the UK’s capital gains tax (CGT) rates, it’s crucial for individuals trading any assets, but especially crypto, to understand the implications. This article provides a detailed breakdown of the new CGT rates and equips crypto traders with the knowledge they need to navigate these changes effectively. Overview of Capital Gains

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Navigating the New Inheritance Tax Laws for Farm Businesses: Agricultural and Business Allowances Explained

The recent Labour budget introduced significant changes to inheritance tax (IHT) laws that could impact farm businesses across the UK. Understanding these changes and how to best prepare for them is essential for farm owners seeking to protect their legacy and pass on assets effectively. Failure to grasp these changes could lead to unexpected tax

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Comparison Table EPA -v- Controllership

The Importance of Having a Power of Attorney in Northern Ireland: A Comprehensive Guide

In Northern Ireland, preparing for the future by setting up a Power of Attorney is not just advisable—it’s essential. Life can be unpredictable, and the ability to manage one’s affairs can be compromised at any time due to illness, injury, or the natural ageing process. One of the most critical legal safeguards you can put

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Budget Box

Potential Capital Gains Tax Increase in UK Autumn Budget 2024: What You Need to Know

As we approach the UK government’s Autumn Budget 2024, there’s growing speculation about potential changes to Capital Gains Tax (CGT). With the government seeking to balance its books, increasing CGT rates could be on the horizon (as well as inheritance tax changes, but that speculation is for another day). This post will reveal the potential

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Uncovering Hidden Assets in Divorce: What to Do When Cryptocurrency is Involved

Divorce is never easy, and when financial transparency is questioned, the process becomes even more stressful. Suppose you suspect that your ex-partner is concealing assets, especially in a cryptocurrency like Bitcoin. In that case, taking specific steps to protect your interests and ensure a fair settlement is essential. Here’s a guide to help you navigate

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What is a service charge, and what does it have to do with my house?

I’ve just bought a house and I’ve got to pay a yearly service charge. What gives? A yearly service charge will usually relate to the maintenance of common areas. If you have bought a house in a development, it may have common grass/green areas. An apartment will have common areas such as a car park,

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Care Home Fees in Northern Ireland: Who Pays, Financial Assessments & What Happens to the House?

As we or our loved ones age, ensuring they receive the care they need becomes a priority for families across Northern Ireland. The decision to move into a care home can be difficult, fraught with emotional and financial considerations. In this blog post, we aim to demystify the process, focusing on the types of care

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