The computer says – don’t get caught out as HMRC takes self-assessment digital
Amy Stubbins, who heads up the Personal Tax teams in our Colchester and Mersea offices, looks at the new MTD (Making Tax Digital) rules which are coming into force in April and asks whether all those who are affected are aware of their new commitments? Approximately 12.5million people are currently required to file self-assessment tax […]
Making Tax Digital: What Landlords Need to Know and Do to Prepare
By Ben Steele, Managing Director, Streets Steele Making Tax Digital (MTD) is one of the most significant changes to the UK tax system in a generation. Designed to modernise tax reporting and reduce errors, MTD for Income Tax Self Assessment (MTD ITSA) will directly affect landlords with qualifying rental income. While the principles apply broadly, […]
HMRC’s Digital Shift: Are You Ready?
This spring, HMRC is introducing a seemingly small but highly impactful change: the phased withdrawal of traditional postal letters in favour of a digital by default communication system, a transition that will directly affect anyone filing under Self-Assessment. Historically, postal reminders have played a vital role in helping taxpayers remain aware of filing deadlines, upcoming […]
Winter Fuel Payments: New £35,000 Income Clawback Explained
Recent headlines have highlighted the potential for a “clawback” of Winter Fuel Payments (WFP). This winter marks the first year of a new income based system, and higher income pensioners may find they are required to repay the full amount through the tax system. What has changed? From winter 2025/26, almost all pensioners again receive […]
HMRC to End Most Postal Letters from Spring 2026
By Jennie Brown, Tax Partner HMRC has confirmed that from spring 2026, it will begin phasing out traditional postal letters in favour of a digital by default communication model. Taxpayers who use the HMRC app or their Personal Tax Account will stop receiving paper letters automatically and will instead receive email notifications when new correspondence […]
Autumn Budget 2025 – High Value Council Tax Surcharge
Starting in 2028-29, the government will introduce a High Value Council Tax Surcharge (HVCTS) for residential properties in England valued at £2 million or more. This surcharge will be collected by local authorities, but the revenue will go to central government.
High Value Council Tax Surcharge
Have you renewed or subscribed to our tax enquiry fee protection service?
We have recently sent reminders to renew or subscribe to our tax enquiry fee protection service. With the UK Government facing increasing pressure to fill the public finance black hole and reduce the fiscal deficit, HMRC is expected to take a more proactive approach to tax enquiries and investigations. In its efforts to maximise revenues […]
New UK Foreign Income & Gains (FIG) regime: what you need to know
From 6 April 2025, the UK is introducing major changes to how foreign income and gains are taxed for individuals who move (or return) to the UK after 10 years abroad. The old “remittance basis” is being replaced by a new Foreign Income & Gains (FIG) regime: FIG Regime: Qualifying new arrivals, those who have […]
Childcare grants
Juggling higher education and parenting? Childcare Grants can ease the pressure by covering up to 85% of your childcare costs. If you’re a full-time student with young children, this grant could make a real difference—and it doesn’t need to be repaid.
Childcare Grants provide financial
Child Benefits for over 16s
From April 2025, Child Benefit increases to £26.05 for the eldest child and £17.25 for others. Payments stop after a child turns 16 unless they continue in approved education or training. Parents must update HMRC by 31 August to avoid disruptions.
Taxpayers entitled to the child benefit should be