Update from HMRC on MTD testing

HMRC has published a new Making Tax Digital newsletter. This newsletter is mainly intended for taxpayers and agents who are currently testing the Making Tax Digital for Income Tax (MTD for IT) system. MTD for IT will become mandatory in phases from April 2026.
For nearly two years, HMRC has been
Less than 2 months to self-assessment filing deadline

There are now less than 2 months to the self-assessment filing deadline for submissions of the 2024-25 tax returns. We urge our readers who have not yet completed and filed their 2024-25 tax return to file as soon as possible to avoid the stress of last-minute preparations as the 31 January 2026
Who pays Income Tax in Scotland

The rules that govern who pays Income Tax in Scotland is determined by whether an individual is considered a Scottish taxpayer. For most people, determining Scottish taxpayer status is straightforward. Individuals who live in Scotland are considered Scottish taxpayers, while those who live elsewhere
Autumn Budget 2025 – Personal Tax changes

The chancellor Rachel Reeves announced as part of the Autumn Budget measures that the Income Tax thresholds will be maintained at their current levels for a further three years until April 2031. This will see the personal tax allowance frozen at £12,570 through to April 2031 across the UK. In
MTD – qualifying income

Making Tax Digital for Income Tax (MTD for IT) will become mandatory in phases from April 2026. If you are self-employed or a landlord and have over £50,000 in qualifying income you need to start preparing to submit quarterly updates, keeping digital records and cope with a new penalty system.Your
Christmas crafters and tax

If you earn fees or sell goods as a side hustle, you may need to pay tax on your profits.
HMRC has launched a new press release encouraging Christmas crafters and anyone with a fee earning hobby to check their tax reporting obligations as part of its Help for Hustles campaign. This is relevant to
Paying tax arrears using HMRC payment plans

If you are unable to pay your tax bill, it’s important to reach out to HMRC as soon as possible.
HMRC may offer a Time to Pay arrangement, allowing you to settle the debt in manageable instalments based on your financial situation.
Taxpayers with liabilities of up to £30,000 can use the online
Updating your tax code

It is quite common for tax codes to be wrong, particularly if your income or employment situation has changed, so it is worth taking a few moments to check that HMRC has the correct information about you.
HMRC usually updates your tax code automatically when your income changes, using information
When you don’t need to make payments on account

If you file a Self-Assessment return you may need to pay your tax in three instalments, so it is useful to know when payments on account apply and when they can be reduced or removed.
The first two payments on account are due by 31 January during the tax year and by the 31 July after the tax year
Loss of personal allowance – the £100k ceiling

For the current tax year, taxpayers with adjusted net income between £100,000 and £125,140 will face an effective marginal tax rate of 60%, as their £12,570 tax-free personal allowance is gradually withdrawn.
If a taxpayer earns over £100,000 in any tax year, their personal allowance is gradually