Tax e-News August 2026

Our August 2026 Tax E-News rounds up a busy month for UK tax. We look at what the new Prime Minister’s cost-of-living focus might mean for future tax policy, including the planned removal of VAT on household electricity from October 2026, and why speculation ahead of the Autumn Budget is no reason to rush major decisions. We also unpack HMRC’s wide-ranging 23 June update, covering proposals for more frequent tax payments, a review of benchmark scale rates, mandatory e-invoicing from 2029 under the Peppol framework, and reform of how company payments to shareholders are taxed. Plus, HMRC’s renewed campaign targeting side hustle income and the £1,000 trading allowance, and the key tax dates for August and September.

Tax e-News July 2026

Welcome to the July 2026 edition of Tax E-News. In this month’s newsletter, we highlight several important tax and payroll developments that may affect both businesses and individuals. Key topics include the confirmed phased introduction of mandatory payrolling of Benefits in Kind, the approaching first Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax filing deadline, and the launch of the new GOV.UK AI chatbot for tax-related queries. We also cover the latest HMRC guidance on VAT and public electric vehicle charging, along with updated advisory fuel and mileage rates for company cars and business travel.

We hope you find these updates useful. If you have any questions or would like to discuss how any of these changes may affect you or your business, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Tax e-News June 2026

The June 2026 edition of Tax E-News highlights the Chancellor’s “Great British Summer Savings” package, which introduces a 10p per mile increase in tax-free mileage rates backdated to April 2026, alongside a temporary 5% reduced VAT rate for eligible children’s meals and activities from June to September. The document also details stricter reporting rules and potential £60 penalties for close company dividends on 2025/26 Self Assessment returns.

Additionally, the newsletter outlines HMRC’s new targeted advance assurance pilot for SME Research and Development (R&D) claims, warning businesses against faulty R&D claims by citing a recent First-tier Tribunal case. It finishes with a breakdown of a landmark employment status case involving professional football referees and lists key compliance deadlines for June and July 2026.

Tax e-News May 2026

This May 2026 edition of Tax E‑News highlights several important developments affecting individuals and businesses, from the launch of Making Tax Digital for Income Tax to key updates on loans to participators, VAT rulings, capital allowances, and changes to the Construction Industry Scheme. It also explores recent case law on Stamp Duty Land Tax and mixed‑use property. Together, these updates reflect a rapidly evolving tax landscape and the need for timely planning and compliance.

Tax e-News April 2026

Welcome to the April 2026 edition of Tax E-News, where the headline story is the official “go-live” of Making Tax Digital (MTD) for income tax. This new regime applies to self-employed individuals and landlords with business or property income exceeding £50,000 per annum, requiring digital record-keeping and quarterly updates, the first of which is due by 7 August 2026. Beyond MTD, taxpayers should prepare for a hike in dividend tax rates, which are increasing to 10.75% for basic rate taxpayers and 35.75% for those in the higher rate band.

HMRC is also tightening its grip on corporate reporting, with new data requirements for company directors in 2025/26 self-assessments and a consultation on more detailed disclosures for transactions between close companies and their shareholders. Other key changes include a rise in Capital Gains Tax rates for Business Asset Disposal Relief to 18%, stricter penalties for late-filed corporation tax returns, and a potential VAT shift for public electric vehicle charging following a recent tribunal ruling. Stay ahead of these updates to ensure your 2026/27 tax planning remains compliant and efficient.

Tax e-News March 2026

The March 2026 Spring Forecast warns of a record-high tax burden as frozen thresholds and rising National Insurance contributions continue to squeeze budgets. With the state pension set to exceed the personal allowance by 2027/28, hundreds of thousands of retirees may soon face new tax liabilities. Now is the time to review your allowances and capital gains strategies, especially as the government keeps a close watch on capital taxes and transactions.

Critical deadlines are also looming: the Making Tax Digital (MTD) regime kicks off in April 2026 for landlords and the self-employed earning over £50,000. Furthermore, you must submit any overpayment relief claims for the 2021/22 tax year by 5 April 2026, and businesses should audit third-party labor providers now to avoid joint liability for unpaid PAYE under new rules effective this April. New advisory fuel rates are already in effect as of 1 March.

Personal Tax – Year End Tax Planning Guide 2025/26

With the end of the 2025/26 tax year fast approaching, it is now the time to consider some opportunities for saving tax with some careful end of year tax planning. This guide will provide you with lots of tax saving tips, but not all of these will be relevant to your particular circumstances.

Tax e-News February 2026

This Tax E-News focuses on critical year-end planning opportunities that individuals and businesses should address before the April 5 deadline. Key recommendations include maximizing the £20,000 ISA allowance and considering the 25% government bonus available through Lifetime ISAs. Pension contributions remain a powerful strategy, particularly for those earning between £100,000 and £125,140 who can benefit from an effective 60% tax saving. Businesses are also encouraged to review equipment spending to utilize the £1 million Annual Investment Allowance or the new 40% first-year allowance introduced in January 2026.

Significant legislative shifts are approaching in April 2026, including a two percentage point increase in dividend tax rates and a rise in Capital Gains Tax for certain reliefs to 18%. A notable government “U-turn” will increase the Inheritance Tax relief cap for qualifying agricultural and business assets to £2.5 million, potentially allowing couples to pass on £5 million tax-free. Furthermore, the newsletter outlines the upcoming Making Tax Digital (MTD) mandate for self-assessment taxpayers , the removal of employee tax relief for working from home , and the future requirement for mandatory payrolling of benefits in kind starting in 2027.