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.