New figures from the Office for National Statistics suggest that business creation in the UK slowed during the third quarter of 2026, although the number of businesses closing also declined slightly. According to statistics published on 29 October, 69,895 businesses were added to the Inter-Departmental Business Register between July and September 2026, representing a decrease […]
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Import tariff relief extended for businesses
November 5th, 2026
Businesses importing certain goods into the UK have received welcome news following the government's announcement on 23 October 2026 that existing import tariff suspensions on more than 250 products will be extended. The measures are intended to reduce costs for businesses using imported materials and components, particularly in industries where suitable domestic alternatives may be […]
Are rising costs squeezing your margins?
November 4th, 2026
New figures from the Office for National Statistics suggest that many UK businesses are facing renewed pressure on their operating costs, even where they have not been able to increase the prices charged to customers. In its Business Insights and Conditions Survey published on 22 October 2026, the ONS reported that 33% of trading businesses […]
Need proof of UK tax residence?
November 3rd, 2026
HMRC has updated its guidance on how individuals and organisations can apply for a certificate of residence or letter of confirmation to prove UK tax residence. A certificate of residence can be used to claim tax relief in another country where UK residents pay tax on foreign income. It confirms to the overseas tax authority […]
Paying the 2025-26 Child Benefit tax charge
November 3rd, 2026
Taxpayers who need to pay the High Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC) for 2025-26 may be able to pay it through PAYE rather than completing a self-assessment tax return solely to report the charge. The HICBC applies where an individual or their partner receives Child Benefit and the individual's adjusted net income exceeds £60,000. The […]
HMRC introduces faster National Insurance refunds
November 3rd, 2026
HMRC has introduced an automated payment process to speed up refunds for people who may have overpaid National Insurance contributions. The process has been in use since early summer, according to HMRC's latest Agent Update. HMRC will write to people it identifies as potentially having overpaid, providing details of their past employment and National Insurance […]
New HMRC tax assessments for savings interest
November 3rd, 2026
HMRC is beginning to issue tax calculation letters (P800) and Simple Assessment notices (PA302) to collect any tax owed on bank and building society interest earned during the 2025-26 tax year. Some taxpayers may already have received a Simple Assessment for the 2025-26 tax year that did not include their savings interest. If HMRC subsequently […]
Tax Diary November/December 2026
November 3rd, 2026
November 2026 1 November 2026 - Due date for Corporation Tax payable by companies with an accounting period ended 31 January 2026, unless the company is required to pay Corporation Tax by instalments. 7 November 2026 - Deadline for the second quarterly update under Making Tax Digital for Income Tax for the 2026-27 tax year. […]
Autumn Budget Report 2026
October 29th, 2026
The Chancellor's Budget includes changes affecting savings, property income, business disposals, payroll, pensions and the way tax is reported and paid. Some measures are new, while others confirm plans announced previously. Many will not take effect immediately, giving taxpayers time to consider their options. This update highlights developments likely to be of interest to individuals, […]
Business software competition
October 28th, 2026
Could businesses benefit from greater software choice? The Competition and Markets Authority has announced a new investigation into competition within the UK business software market, raising questions about whether organisations have sufficient freedom to select, combine and change the software they use. On 16 October 2026, the regulator proposed designating Microsoft as having strategic market […]
