Business News

GOV.UK Chat - a new AI tool for Tax Answers

10th Jul 2026 | Posted by: Suzy Hill

The government has introduced GOV.UK Chat, an Artificial Intelligence (AI) chatbot designed to help users find information more quickly. It allows people to ask questions in plain language and receive instant answers based on official GOV.UK guidance.

Small businesses account for two-thirds of Britain’s tax shortfall

9th Jul 2026 | Posted by: Suzy Hill

The latest figures from HMRC reveal that the Treasury had a substantial £59.2 billion shortfall from unpaid taxes for the tax year 2024-2025.

Hike in probate fees by 75% from mid-July

9th Jul 2026 | Posted by: Suzy Hill

The probate fee will increase from £300 to £526 from 13 July with the government claiming the 75% rise ‘accounts for rising inflation as well as investment in delivering an efficient and modern service’.

MTD for Income Tax: 7 August Deadline is Near

3rd Jul 2026 | Posted by: Suzy Hill

Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax is now live. Most self-employed individuals and landlords who had turnover above £50,000 in 2024/25 were mandated into the regime from 6 April 2026.

Upcoming deadlines for SME reporting to HMRC

2nd Jul 2026 | Posted by: Suzy Hill

Keeping on top of HMRC deadlines is an essential part of running a successful business. From VAT returns and PAYE submissions to Corporation Tax and self-assessment obligations, missing key reporting dates can result in unnecessary penalties and interest charges.

Look twice to spot bad tax advice

1st Jul 2026 | Posted by: Suzy Hill

HMRC's 'Don't get caught out' campaign encourages contractors working through umbrella companies to take a closer look at their circumstances and watch out for tax avoidance.

High energy bills force a quarter of UK manufacturers abroad

23rd Jun 2026 | Posted by: Suzy Hill

One in four of Britain’s manufacturers has moved production abroad or is seriously considering it, according to research by Make UK, formerly the Engineering Employers' Federation.

Income tax take up 53% since tax threshold freeze

22nd Jun 2026 | Posted by: Suzy Hill

Analysis of the latest HMRC tax receipts showed employer national insurance contributions (NICs) hit £11.3bn in May, up £848m on the same month last year when the total was £10.66bn, marking an 8% rise in immediate tax costs for business.

HMRC delays full rollout of payrolling for benefits in kind

18th Jun 2026 | Posted by: Suzy Hill

HMRC has confirmed mandatory real-time reporting of income tax and Class 1A National Insurance contributions (NICs) for certain benefits in kind (BiKs) and taxable expenses will now be phased in from 6 April 2027, rather than rolled out in a single start date as originally planned.

Companies House to bring in changes to accounts filing from April 2028

16th Jun 2026 | Posted by: Brearley & Co Team

Companies House will introduce changes to accounts filing due to governmental reforms under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCT Act 2023).

Delayed payments and rising costs see Britain’s builders tottering on collapse

15th Jun 2026 | Posted by: Brearley & Co Team

A new report has concluded that late payments and rising costs are crippling Britain’s construction sector. Firms already in or at risk of financial distress make up more than eight in ten companies.

HMRC crackdown targets criminals exploiting the high street

12th Jun 2026 | Posted by: Suzy Hill

Action targets organised crime groups and others exploiting vape shops, barbers and convenience stores in hotspot areas

528k landlords and sole traders not signed up for MTD

9th Jun 2026 | Posted by: Suzy Hill

Only 336,000 of the first wave of Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax taxpayers have signed up for the new system as the 7 August deadline for quarterly filing looms,

How can you make AI work effectively for your business?

8th Jun 2026 | Posted by: Suzy Hill

Artificial Intelligence (AI) continues to make headlines. Anthropic, the company behind chatbot Claude, has filed paperwork in the US to go public. At its last valuation, the company was worth £717 billion.

Temporary VAT reduction on children’s meals, tickets and family attractions

3rd Jun 2026 | Posted by: Suzy Hill

The government has announced a temporary reduced rate of VAT for children’s meals in restaurants and family leisure activities over the summer.

Companies House and the IPO warn about fake payment requests

2nd Jun 2026 | Posted by: Suzy Hill

Companies House and the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) are asking businesses to take special care of misleading requests for payment sent by fraudulent organisations.

Tax-free mileage rate increases by 10p per mile

1st Jun 2026 | Posted by: Tax-free mileage rate increases by 10p per mile

The Chancellor of the Exchequer has announced a 10p per mile increase in the tax-free mileage rate that applies to the first 10,000 business miles travelled in a car or van in a tax year.

HMRC Advisory fuel rates for company car users from 1 June 2026

28th May 2026 | Posted by: Suzy Hill

HMRC have announced the advisory fuel rates for company car users from 1 June 2026

HMRC introduces targeted advance assurance service for R&D claims

27th May 2026 | Posted by: Suzy Hill

Originally proposed in last autumn’s Budget, HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) have introduced a targeted advance assurance service for Research and Development (R&D) tax relief claims.

Independent review commissioned on face-to-face banking access

26th May 2026 | Posted by: Suzy Hill

An independent review will consider what needs to be done to protect access to face-to-face banking in the UK.

Making Tax Digital is coming

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