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UK residents are generally liable to Capital Gains Tax (CGT) when they dispose of overseas property at a gain. A disposal includes selling, gifting, or otherwise transferring ownership of a property located outside the UK. CGT is chargeable on the profit made on the disposal at 18% for basic rate taxpayers and 24% for higher and additional rate taxpayers. You can usually reduce your gain by deducting allowable costs, such as legal fees, estate agent fees and the cost of capital improvements (but not routine maintenance). If you are a UK...

Many people are unaware that gaps in their National Insurance (NI) record can affect their entitlement to the State Pension and certain state benefits. In some cases, it may be worthwhile to consider making voluntary NI contributions to fill these gaps. Gaps can arise for a number of reasons, including periods of low earnings, unemployment without claiming benefits, self-employment with small profits, or time spent living and working abroad. If sufficient qualifying years are not built up, this could reduce the amount of State Pension...

Research and Development (R&D) tax relief is designed to support companies that invest in innovation and seek to make advances in science or technology. The scheme offers businesses the ability to invest in new technologies and scientific development in exchange for generous tax reliefs. However, not every project will qualify, and businesses should carefully consider whether their activities meet HMRC’s requirements before making a claim. Only companies’ chargeable to UK Corporation Tax can qualify for R&D relief. In addition, the...

If you are required to complete a self-assessment tax return, HMRC may charge penalties if you miss the deadline for making a filing or payment. There are also penalties if you fail to register on time for self-assessment. If you register late and do not pay your tax bill by the required deadline, you may receive a ‘failure to notify’ penalty. This is calculated based on the amount of tax still outstanding and is usually issued within 12 months of HMRC receiving your return. If you submit your tax return after the deadline, you will...

The Annual Tax on Enveloped Dwellings (ATED) is a charge that applies to certain high-value residential properties held by non-natural persons (NNPs). It is designed to ensure that residential properties held through corporate or similar structures are subject to an annual tax charge where their value exceeds a set threshold. ATED is payable mainly by companies that own UK residential property valued at more than £500,000. However, this liability can also extend to other NNPs that own interests in UK dwellings including certain partnerships...

Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax is being rolled out in stages for sole traders and landlords who complete self-assessment returns. Liability to register depends on the level of “qualifying income”, which includes income from self-employment and property. Since April 2026, those with qualifying income over £50,000 have been required to maintain digital records and submit quarterly updates of trading or property income and expenses Further registration for MTD will be required from April 2027, when the threshold will reduce...

1 July 2026 - Due date for corporation tax due for the year ended 30 September 2025. 6 July 2026 - Complete and submit forms P11D return of benefits and expenses and P11D(b) return of Class 1A NICs for 2025-26. 19 July 2026 - Pay Class 1A NICs for 2025-26 (by the 22 July 2026 if paid electronically). 19 July 2026 - PAYE and NIC deductions due for month ended 5 July 2026. (If you pay your tax electronically the due date is 22 July 2026). 19 July 2026 - Filing deadline for the CIS300 monthly return for the month ended 5 July 2026. 19 July...

Major changes are continuing at Companies House as part of the government's efforts to improve corporate transparency and tackle economic crime. One of the most significant developments is the introduction of compulsory identity verification for company directors and Persons with Significant Control (PSCs). The transition period is now underway, and affected individuals will eventually need to complete verification before they can file information or carry out certain actions on behalf of a company. Although some businesses are already aware...

The government continues to place growing emphasis on supporting smaller businesses through its “Backing Your Business” programme, which is designed to encourage growth, investment and long term resilience across the UK business sector. The programme brings together a range of initiatives aimed at helping businesses deal with some of the pressures they continue to face, including rising costs, late payment issues, skills shortages and access to finance. The government has also indicated that reducing unnecessary regulation and...

Many married couples and civil partners could be missing out on valuable tax savings available by claiming the Marriage Allowance. If your circumstances are suitable, this is a reminder to consider the Marriage Allowance, as a simple claim could reduce your tax bill by up to £252 during the 2026-27 tax year. The Marriage Allowance allows a spouse or civil partner with income below their Personal Allowance to transfer £1,260 of that allowance to their partner. The standard Personal Allowance is £12,570 for the 2026-27 tax year. To qualify, the...