General

HMRC online services allow individuals, businesses and agents to manage tax matters securely over the internet. Using an HMRC online account, you can send information such as self-assessment tax returns...

The term “silver economy” is used to describe the growing economic activity linked to an ageing population. In the UK and across much of the developed world, people are living...

The Welsh Final Budget for 2026-27 was published on 20 January 2026. The Budget sets out the Welsh government’s revenue and capital spending plans, including detailed portfolio spending plans. Mark...

Scotland’s Finance Secretary, Shona Robison delivered her third Budget statement to the Scottish parliament on 13 January 2026. This is the final Budget before the Holyrood elections due to take...

With so many online accounts now in daily use, including banking, shopping, email and HMRC services, password security has never been more important. A weak or reused password can lead...

The Chancellor, Rachel Reeves has confirmed that she will deliver the Spring Statement to the House of Commons on Tuesday, 3 March 2026. The Spring Statement is used to give...

A person’s credit rating (often referred to as a credit score) is a measure used by lenders to assess how reliably someone manages borrowing and financial commitments. It can affect...

If your business is planning a major UK investment, HMRC’s new advance tax certainty service could give you binding clarity on the tax position before you commit. HMRC has recently...

Pre-tax year end planning is one of the most practical and controllable ways for UK businesses and higher rate taxpayers to reduce unnecessary tax exposure. Unlike long term restructuring, it...

For many individuals and business owners, paying tax is one of the largest regular financial commitments they face. Yet tax bills often arrive as a shock, not because the amounts...

The Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) last met on 18 December and, in a narrow 5-4 vote, decided to reduce the interest rate by 25 basis points, bringing...

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 effect...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 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 from...

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...

The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves confirmed, in a video message, that the next UK Budget will take place on Wednesday, 26 November 2025. Details of all the Budget...

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...

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 at...

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...

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....

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...

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...

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...

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...