Blog
Cryptoasset disclosure
Despite running for over two years, HMRC’s cryptoasset disclosure service has only generated just over £4 million in disclosures. An indication, perhaps, of the low level of awareness and compliance surrounding cryptoassets.
Are you ready for April’s tax changes?
The start of the tax year on Monday 6 April (Easter Monday) heralds a variety of changes to tax rules, few of them welcome. We take a look at the main changes coming into effect.
Don’t fall into the communication gap on Making Tax Digital
Making Tax Digital is due to start from April and it is expected that a number of taxpayers will be unaware of their requirements.
CGT increases lead to reduced tax take
The government cut the capital gains tax (CGT) annual exemption from £12,300 in 2022/23 to just £3,000 from 2024/25 onwards. You might expect this to lead to a higher tax take, but the results so far have been quite the opposite.
Beating the dividend tax rates rise
From 6 April 2026, the basic and higher tax rates on dividend income are going to increase by two percent. This means owner-managers need to act as a matter of urgency if they wish to benefit from some fairly basic tax planning.
Cracking the (PAYE) code
More than 5.6 million employees were issued the wrong tax code last year, resulting in £3.5 billion in tax overpaid to HMRC. Reclaiming overpayments, however, can be a slow and frustrating process.
Property income tax rates going up
Landlords are now facing an across-the-board two percent increase for property income tax rates from 6 April 2027.
Inheritance Tax Business Property Relief – Where are we now?
The inheritance tax (IHT) agricultural relief U-turns have been well publicised, but the changes apply equally to Business Property Relief.
Tax charges to rise on overdrawn Directors Loan Accounts
The tax charge when a director, who is also a participator, has an outstanding loan with a close company is going up by two percent, to 35.75%, from 6 April 2026.
Venture Capital Trust changes
The rate of income tax relief for individuals investing in venture capital trusts (VCTs) is to be cut. However, gross asset and investment limits for the scheme will become more beneficial.
And now for the next New Year
With the festivities behind us, it is time to turn our thoughts to the next ‘new year’, on 5 April. We take a brief look at a few things to consider before the end of the tax year.
The 31 January Deadline is Approaching!
With the end of January rapidly approaching, many will be turning their attention to the Self-Assessment tax return deadline. If you need to file a tax return and haven’t yet now is the time to act.
Companies House changes and fee increases
Companies House have announced a substantial increase to the fees charged. The doubling cost of incorporating a business is a particular sting in the tail.
Untangling red tape on company reporting
Government plans on company reporting appear somewhat contradictory. Some regulations are set to tighten from April 2027, but latest announcements suggest a move in the opposite direction.
New online service for high income child benefit charge
HMRC’s newly launched online service means that taxpayers can pay a high income child benefit charge (HICBC) in real time. It should reduce the number of individuals who have to register for self assessment only for HICBC.
Budget 2025 Key Points
Today the Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, delivered her 2025 Autumn Budget – not before the OBR accidently published its official forecast early - where a number of changes were announced.
Director’s loans tax implications
Used wisely, a company loan can be an attractive option for directors who need to access company funds, especially if the need is urgent. However, there can also be serious tax implications for the unwary.
Cash ISAs twice as popular as stocks and shares ISAs
HMRC figures show cash ISA subscriptions have increased by almost 224% more than stocks and shares ISAs in the last decade.
Exemptions from Making Tax Digital
From April 2026, Making Tax Digital (MTD) will become mandatory for sole traders and landlords with an annual income of more than £50,000. However, some may be able to avoid the requirements.
Crypto - Proposed cap on Stablecoin Holdings
A Bank of England proposal to cap stablecoin holdings at a maximum of £10,000 or £20,000 for individuals has received fierce criticism; however, there are signs the Bank is softening its stance.