The latest UK tax news, explained
We follow the latest from HMRC and the Treasury and explain what is changing, who it affects and what to do next. Clear, current commentary from our accountants, not copied headlines.
Making Tax Digital for Income Tax: what changes in 2026
From 6 April 2026, sole traders and landlords with qualifying income over 50,000 pounds must keep digital records and send HMRC a quarterly update, with a final declaration replacing the old tax return. The threshold falls to 30,000 pounds in 2027 and 20,000 pounds in 2028.
Self Assessment 2025/26: the dates you need to know
Register by 5 October if you are new to Self Assessment, file a paper return by 31 October, and file online and pay any tax due…
Read moreThe dividend allowance has fallen to 500 pounds
The tax free dividend allowance is now just 500 pounds, down from much higher levels in recent years, and dividend tax rates have…
Read moreEmployment Allowance rises to 10,500 pounds
For 2026/27 the Employment Allowance is worth up to 10,500 pounds off your employer National Insurance bill, and the old 100,000…
Read moreCapital gains tax rates have risen
Capital gains tax rates rose to 18 and 24 per cent and the annual exempt amount is frozen at 3,000 pounds. With the allowance now…
Read moreNational Insurance for the self employed in 2026/27
Class 4 National Insurance is charged at 6 per cent on profits between 12,570 and 50,270 pounds and 2 per cent above that. Class…
Read moreThe VAT registration threshold
You must register for VAT once your taxable turnover passes 90,000 pounds in any rolling twelve month period, or if you expect to…
Read morePayrolling benefits in kind becomes compulsory from 2027
From April 2027 most staff benefits must be taxed through the payroll in real time, rather than reported on a P11D form after the…
Read moreFurnished holiday lettings tax breaks have ended
From April 2025 furnished holiday lets lost their special tax treatment and are now taxed like any other residential property,…
Read moreHMRC's side hustle data crackdown
Online selling and gig platforms now report seller data to HMRC automatically. If you earn from a side hustle, your income may…
Read moreHMRC will receive your crypto data from 2026
Under new international rules, crypto exchanges must share user data with HMRC from…
Read moreVAT on private school fees
Private school fees now carry 20 per cent VAT following a change in the…
Read moreFrozen tax thresholds and fiscal drag
With tax thresholds frozen, pay rises quietly pull more people into higher tax bands over time, an effect known as fiscal…
Read moreUmbrella company reform from April 2026
From 6 April 2026, responsibility for getting PAYE right on umbrella company workers moves up the supply chain to the recruitment…
Read moreLate payment penalties and interest have got tougher
HMRC has raised its interest rate and toughened the penalties for late returns and late…
Read moreHow the inheritance tax gift rules work
With the nil rate band frozen at 325,000 pounds until at least 2030, sensible lifetime giving can reduce a future inheritance tax…
Read moreThe state pension rises again under the triple lock
The state pension continues to rise under the triple lock, but with personal allowances frozen, more pensioners now find part of…
Read moreISA changes savers should know about
The ISA allowance is frozen, but with the dividend and capital gains allowances cut, sheltering savings and investments inside an…
Read moreThe 2026 business rates revaluation
A revaluation has taken effect with the 2026 rating list, so the rateable value behind your business rates bill may have…
Read moreThe end of non-dom status
The non-dom remittance basis was abolished in April 2025 and replaced with a new residence based…
Read moreThe 2026 tax update: what it means for you
HMRC has set out its 2026 changes under the themes of simplification, modernisation and fairness. The ones that matter most are…
Read moreWant this explained for your business?
Rules change often. Tell us your situation and we will tell you exactly what applies to you and handle the lot.