The Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) has raised its savings guarantee for bank deposits, increasing the deposit protection limit from £85,000 to £120,000 per person. This change came into
Category: General
General information on tax, accounting and business.
The likely direction of interest rates in 2026
As we look ahead to 2026, there is growing speculation about how the Bank of England will manage interest rates during what many economists believe will be a period of calmer inflation, steadier wage
Increase in the London congestion charge from January 2026
The daily charge for driving within the London Congestion Charge zone will rise from £15 to £18 from 2 January 2026. This is the first increase in several years and forms part of Transport for
Check when you can expect a reply from HMRC
HMRC offers a helpful online tool that allows agents and taxpayers to check when they can expect a response to a query or request that they have made. The online tool is updated weekly with the latest
Set up your tax app with HMRC
The free HMRC tax app now provides quick access to tax codes, income history, self-assessment details, National Insurance records and even payment options, all from your phone. HMRC’s free tax app is
Tell HMRC about unpaid tax on cryptoassets
Where cryptoasset tokens (also known as cryptocurrency) are held personally, this investment is usually undertaken in the hope of making a capital appreciation in its value or to make particular
Check if you can cash in a Child Trust Fund
HMRC has issued a press release urging 18-23 year olds who have yet to claim their Child Trust Fund (CTF) cash to do so as soon as possible. According to HMRC, over 758,000 young adults in this age
Understanding the tax implications of divorce
When a couple is separating or undergoing divorce proceedings, tax issues are often not the first thing on their minds. However, alongside the emotional challenges, it is important to understand the
Bank deposit protection limits set to rise
The UK-s financial regulator has proposed an increase to the level of savings protection available under the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS). If approved, the changes would take effect
Beware scams pretending to be HMRC
Fraudsters are continuing to target taxpayers with scam emails as the deadline for submission of self-assessment returns for the 2024-25 tax year gets ever closer. In the 12 months to 31 July 2025,
Budget date announced
The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves has confirmed, in a video message, that the next UK Budget will take place on Wednesday, 26 November 2025. Details of all the Budget announcements will
What are the current Income Tax bands and allowances?
Income Tax applies to earnings, pensions, savings, dividends and more, with different bands across the UK nations. Individuals can be liable to Income Tax at any age. There are special rules to stop
Using the 159 helpline
If a call from your bank feels suspicious, just hang up and dial 159 to be connected safely to your bank-s fraud team. The 159 helpline was launched in September 2021. The helpline is designed to
What is Support for Mortgage Interest?
SMI loans can help pay mortgage interest for those on benefits, but repayment is due when the home is sold.
Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI) is a government-backed loan provided by the Department
Rules to protect effects of debanking
Banks must now give 90 days- notice before closing accounts, giving customers more time to respond.
Since April 2026, new government rules strengthen protections for individuals and small businesses
Pre-Budget tax planning - act now
With the next UK Budget approaching, there is speculation about changes to tax rates, allowances, and reliefs. Acting now can help secure current benefits before any new rules take effect.
Key areas
Challenging your Council Tax band
If your property has changed or seems mis-banded, you may have the right to request a Council Tax review.
Properties in England and Wales are assigned Council Tax bands based on their value as of 1
Bank Rate trimmed to 4%
The Bank of England has knocked the main interest rate down to 4% today, cutting it by a quarter?point from 4.25%. It-s the fifth cut in a year and brings the rate to its lowest since March 2023.
The
Shared home ownership
Shared home ownership offers a more accessible route to owning a home for those who cannot afford the full deposit or mortgage on a property that suits their needs. Under this scheme, buyers purchase
The impact of frozen personal allowances
The impact of frozen personal allowances often leads to fiscal drag, a situation where individuals pay more tax as their earnings rise without a corresponding increase in allowances.
This occurs
Autumn Budget 2025: What Changes Might Be on the Horizon?
As we look ahead to the Autumn Budget 2025, it is clear that the Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, will be under pressure to balance public expectations with fiscal reality. A combination of reduced growth
Tax gap estimated at 5.3% for 2023-24
HMRC missed out on -46.8bn in tax last year. Small businesses and Corporation Tax make up the biggest share of the shortfall.
The tax gap for the 2023-24 tax year has been published and is estimated
Winter Fuel Payments reinstated
The government has announced the reinstatement of Winter Fuel Payments for pensioners in England and Wales for winter 2025-26, reversing the previous year’s cuts. Around nine million pensioners are
2025 Spending Review published
The government-s 2025 Spending Review outlines a major funding boost for healthcare, defence, housing, and infrastructure to support long-term recovery and growth.
The 2025 Spending Review was
Effects of Rachel Reeves- Spending Review
Chancellor Rachel Reeves delivered her first Spending Review to Parliament last week, setting out the government-s financial priorities for the next three years. Her approach signals a shift away from
The value of tax planning for high net worth individuals
For high net worth individuals (HNWIs), tax planning is not simply a compliance activity, it is a strategic tool to preserve and grow wealth. With rising scrutiny from HMRC, frozen allowances, and
HMRC interest rates following Bank of England rate cut
Following a Bank Rate cut to 4.25%, HMRC late payment and repayment interest rates will drop from 19 and 28 May 2025. Check which taxes this affects.
The Bank of England-s Monetary Policy Committee
Landmark economic deal with United States
On 8 May 2025, the UK government announced a landmark trade agreement with the United States, aimed at reducing tariffs and bolstering key British industries. This deal is projected to save thousands
Electronic invoicing consultation
The government wants your say on e-invoicing. Quicker payments, fewer errors, and better VAT reporting are on the table. A 12-week consultation could shape the future.
HMRC and the Department for
More in line for savings boost
From April 2025, more low-income workers on Universal Credit can join Help to Save. Save up to -50/month and get a 50% bonus – up to -1,200 over 4 years. A simple way to build your savings.
The
