Despite falling behind its peers the UK economy could be on the brink of a turnaround so the government must up rather than run-down its growth strategy, says the Resolution Foundation. A report by the think tank warns that the…
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…
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…
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…
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,…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
