Small businesses such as cafes, shops and hairdressers are facing three years of business rates misery with an average 52% hike in bills, analysis from the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has revealed. This is due to the removal of business rates relief for 230,000 small firms across the retail, hospitality and leisure (RHL) sectors
More than 4,600 self assessment taxpayers filed their tax return on Christmas Day, according to data from HMRC. In total, 37,435 customers filed between 24 and 26 December. Christmas Eve was the most popular day with 22,350 tax returns filed while Boxing Day saw 10,479 tax returns filed. The most popular times to file were
Use of the HMRC app surged last year as millions of users downloaded it for the first time, according to the tax authority’s figures. HMRC says the app was downloaded 4.2 million last year and people logged in to the app 136 million times, a 20% increase on 2024, reflecting growing confidence in managing tax
A third of UK firms are worried about their business rates, according to data from the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC). Concern is at its highest since the BCC began keeping track. It is most acute in the hospitality sector, with manufacturing and logistics close behind. Companies cite cost pressure from business rates as a
More than 4,800 self assessment scams have been reported since February 2025, according to data released by HMRC. The tax authority says scammers are using persuasive and threatening tactics to target people when they are more likely to receive correspondence from HMRC. The scammers send fake tax demands or attempt to pressurise people to hand
The Spring Statement has been scheduled for 3 March 2026 by the Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves. Ms Reeves has asked the Office for Budget Responsibility to prepare an economic and fiscal forecast for publication on that date. The government said: ‘As set out at the Budget, the Spring forecast will not make an
The level of the Agricultural Property Relief (APR) and Business Property Relief (BPR) thresholds will be increased from £1 million to £2.5 million, the government has announced. The change will allow spouses or civil partners to pass on up to £5 million in qualifying agricultural or business assets between them before paying Inheritance Tax (IHT),
HMRC has published the latest issue of the Employer Bulletin. The December issue has information on various topics, including: Changes take effect 6 April 2026 — prepare for new PAYE responsibilities in labour supply chains. Clarifying the Optional Remuneration Arrangement rules at section 228A ITEPA. Important update regarding tax refunds. Payrolling of benefits in kind.
The UK will bring cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, into a regulatory framework with legislation due by 2027. The government says that firm and proportionate rules will give legal clarity over the sector’s regulatory position. It says they will also boost consumer confidence by ensuring consumers are robustly protected. The changes mean that firms will need to
HMRC is sending self assessment taxpayers a reminder that help is available to manage their tax bill. The deadline to file and pay any tax owed is 31 January 2026, but people who are unable to pay in full by then may be able to set up a Time to Pay arrangement online and spread