Making Tax Digital: A cautious but firm step forward

The most significant administrative update was the proposed, phased extension of Making Tax Digital for Income Tax (MTD for IT). The new timeline will see sole-traders and landlords with income over £20,000 required to join from April 2028. Those earning less than £20,000 remain outside of the scope for now, though the door remains open for further inclusion after evaluation.

Key points:

• Quarterly digital updates will be required
• Use of MTD-compatible software is mandatory
• HMRC is promising better support, including for digitally excluded taxpayers

This longer runway reflects lessons from the somewhat bumpy rollout for VAT. Reeves has chosen to pair technology adoption with a broader simplification agenda, aiming to reduce burdens on small businesses. However, concerns remain that HMRC’s own systems are not yet robust enough to support a seamless experience.

Comment: While the delay gives agents and taxpayers more time to prepare, the widening of the scope will demand strong communication and software readiness. The risk is that smaller landlords and sole traders will be hit by costs and confusion unless HMRC delivers better outreach and support tools than previously managed.

Closing in on promoters of tax avoidance

The government has published a consultation titled “Closing in on Promoters of Marketed Tax Avoidance,” targeting schemes that promise to artificially reduce tax liabilities. This builds on previous reforms but includes:

• New penalty models for scheme promoters
• The introduction of strict liability criminal offences for serial promoters
• Enhanced HMRC powers to publish names of enablers earlier in the process
• Measures to disrupt schemes at the planning stage, not just after the fact

This is part of a broader policy trend that shows HMRC is shifting focus from reactive enforcement to proactive disruption. The goal is to make the UK an increasingly hostile environment for tax avoidance outfits operating on the margins of legality.

Comment: There’s a strong political consensus behind these moves. But care will need to be taken to avoid unintended effects on legitimate tax planning and professional advisory services. Many practitioners will welcome stronger action against cowboys but will be watching closely to ensure that standard commercial tax advice isn’t caught up in the dragnet.

Behavioural penalties reform

HMRC has launched a consultation on overhauling its behavioural penalties regime, which applies to errors in tax returns or failures to notify chargeability. The key aims are to:

• Simplify the rules, which are widely considered complex and hard to apply consistently
• Introduce clearer thresholds for when penalties apply
• Make penalties more proportionate and responsive to actual behaviour, such as whether a taxpayer took reasonable care

This is long overdue. The current system penalises errors and failures inconsistently, especially where reasonable care or human error can be demonstrated.

Comment: Most tax advisers will support efforts to make penalty regimes clearer and fairer. A shift towards a more education-first model could help reduce errors without overly penalising honest mistakes. The final shape of these reforms will depend heavily on the responses gathered during consultation.

Research and Development tax relief: Advance clearance proposals

The R&D tax relief regime continues to be a hot topic. While the merger of SME and RDEC schemes has already taken place, a new consultation explores the option of introducing advance clearances for R&D tax claims.

This could allow businesses to:

• Secure upfront agreement from HMRC on whether their projects meet R&D criteria
• Reduce the need for post-claim reviews and enquiries
• Improve certainty and reduce fraud and error, which have dogged the scheme

There’s no firm policy yet, but HMRC is clearly seeking a route to streamline processes and prevent abuse – especially after high-profile clampdowns on rogue advisers in the R&D claims space.

Comment: For legitimate claimants, this could be an excellent development. Knowing in advance whether work qualifies would save time, money, and stress. However, the devil will be in the detail: any advance clearance process must be accessible and efficient, or it risks becoming a bottleneck in its own right.

Better use of new and improved third-party data

Another forward-looking move is HMRC’s proposal to improve how it collects and uses third-party data under its bulk data-gathering powers. The aim is to:

• Expand sources of data that HMRC can draw upon
• Improve data quality and accuracy
• Use data more effectively to pre-fill returns, prompt compliance, and detect anomalies

Examples might include:

• Gig economy platforms providing earnings information
• Banks and payment processors offering transaction-level insights
• Real-time property income data from letting platforms

This is similar to pre-filling tax returns in some Scandinavian countries and could drastically improve tax administration if handled correctly.

Comment: As always, balance is key. The idea of reducing error through better data is sound, but privacy and data security must be front and centre. If HMRC starts collecting more data, it must also improve how it explains what it holds, and how it uses it.

Enhancing HMRC’s powers over non-compliant tax advisers

Alongside its focus on avoidance schemes, HMRC is consulting on tougher measures against tax advisers who facilitate non-compliance. This includes:

• New civil and criminal sanctions
• Expanding information powers to uncover hidden adviser-client relationships
• Public naming of advisers with track records of enabling tax avoidance

This aligns with a broader international trend towards holding professional enablers accountable, especially in high-value tax fraud cases.

Comment: While the vast majority of tax professionals are diligent and compliant, there’s an appetite within HMRC to weed out persistent offenders who enable grey-market schemes. The challenge is setting clear definitions so that robust, legal tax planning is not conflated with abusive avoidance.

Broader fiscal context and spending commitments

Outside of tax, the Spring Statement confirmed the government’s commitment to:

• A defence spending increase to 2.5% of GDP by 2027
• £3.25 billion for a new public sector transformation fund focusing on AI and tech
• Further work on the childcare and work incentives agenda to encourage people into employment

The welfare reform package – including changes to Personal Independence Payments and Universal Credit – has drawn criticism from some quarters, particularly disability rights groups. However, the Treasury is standing firm on needing to reduce what it calls “unsustainable welfare spending.”

Final thoughts

Spring Statement 2025 didn’t deliver any dramatic tax rate changes or giveaways, but that was never likely. Instead, it focused on long-term system modernisation, stricter enforcement, and targeted reforms that could reshape how HMRC interacts with taxpayers and advisers.

For tax professionals and small business owners, the key takeaways are:

• The expansion of MTD for IT is real, though delayed
• Compliance standards are being tightened, with emphasis on behaviour and third-party data
• HMRC wants to be more proactive, both in stopping avoidance and in supporting legitimate claims, like R&D
• The next few years will require investment in systems, understanding of HMRC’s new powers, and ongoing engagement with consultations

None of these changes will happen overnight, but the direction of travel is clear: more digital, more data-driven, and more interventionist.

The UK government has recently unveiled a revamped Board of Trade aimed at bolstering the export capabilities and growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This initiative is part of the broader ‘Plan for Change’ strategy, which seeks to empower the nation’s 5.5 million SMEs to expand their reach in global markets.

Composition and Objectives of the New Board

The restructured Board comprises a diverse group of CEOs and business leaders, each selected for their expertise in various sectors. Notable members include:

• Mike Soutar: Entrepreneur and former star of ‘The Apprentice’.
• Allison Kirkby: Chief Executive of BT Group.
• Michelle Ovens CBE: Founder of Small Business Britain.

These advisors will function as ambassadors for their respective sectors, providing guidance and support to businesses, particularly SMEs, to enhance their trading activities and foster growth.

Government’s Commitment to SMEs

Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds emphasized the pivotal role of small businesses in the UK’s economy, both locally and nationally. He stated that the government is committed to equipping all SMEs with the necessary tools to thrive. The Board of Trade is envisioned as a proactive entity focused on increasing the number of SMEs engaging in international trade, leveraging the UK’s free trade agreements (FTAs). The underlying belief is that a higher number of exporting small firms will lead to job creation, increased wages, and overall economic growth.

SME Summit and Call for Evidence

In conjunction with the Board’s launch, a three-day summit at Wilton Park has been organized, bringing together government officials, trade bodies, small business representatives, and experts. The summit aims to address common challenges faced by SMEs and to contribute to the development of the forthcoming Small Business Strategy. Key discussion topics include:

• Encouraging entrepreneurship and the adoption of digital technologies among SMEs.
• Enhancing access to finance.
• Increasing the number of SMEs exporting overseas.

A significant aspect of this initiative is the ‘Call for Evidence’ focusing on SME access to finance. This effort seeks to gather insights into current financial demands, identify measures to boost funding, and understand barriers faced by underrepresented groups, including those with disabilities and ethnic minorities.

Additional Government Support

The government has also announced plans to tackle late payments, protect small firms from National Insurance increases, extend business rates relief, and introduce a new Business Growth Service. These measures aim to simplify and expedite access to government advice and support for businesses.

In summary, the establishment of the new Board of Trade and the associated initiatives underscore the government’s dedication to supporting SMEs. By providing expert guidance, addressing financial challenges, and fostering an environment conducive to growth, these efforts aim to enhance the global competitiveness of UK small businesses.

The Charity Commission has recently issued a warning about fraudulent letters being sent to charities and their trustees, impersonating the Commission to deceive recipients.

These deceptive communications often request actions such as:

• Removing a trustee or chief executive from their position.
• Releasing funds as part of a supposed grant.
• Supplying sensitive documents like passports or utility bills.

The letters may be signed as coming from ‘the Commission,’ it’s Chief Executive Officer, or its Directors.

To help identify genuine correspondence from the Charity Commission, consider the following guidelines:

• Mode of Communication: The Commission will only send letters by post if they do not have your current email address. It’s advisable to check and update your contact details to ensure accurate communication.
• Addressing: Authentic letters are rarely addressed generically (e.g., ‘to whom it may concern’).
• Certification Requests: The Commission does not issue letters or emails of certification on behalf of UK charities regarding tax exemption or other matters.
• Personal Information: They will not ask you to authenticate an account online by supplying personal identity documents or banking information.

When receiving letters by post from the Charity Commission, note that they will:

• Be franked, not stamped.
• Typically include a case number or reference.
• Unlikely be marked as ‘Strictly Private and Confidential’.
• Come from the Charity Commission of ‘England and Wales’, not the ‘UK’ or ‘England’.

Serious allegations against individuals are unlikely to be detailed in a letter, nor would individuals be named without clear evidence of wrongdoing. Matters related to casework or investigations would usually come from a specific caseworker or team at the Commission.

If you receive suspicious correspondence, verify its authenticity by contacting the Charity Commission directly. Reporting such incidents to Action Fraud helps in monitoring and addressing these fraudulent activities.

By staying vigilant and informed, charities can protect themselves from potential fraud and continue their vital work without disruption.

What to Expect

As we move further into 2025, the direction of UK interest rates remains a key focus for businesses, homeowners, and investors alike. The Bank of England (BoE) has already adjusted rates, and speculation is rife about what comes next.

Current State of Interest Rates

The BoE recently reduced the base interest rate from 4.75% to 4.5%, marking the third cut in six months. This move reflects the central bank’s efforts to support economic growth while balancing inflationary pressures.

Economic Growth and Inflation

Economic growth forecasts for the UK have improved, with estimates suggesting a 1.5% expansion in 2025. This growth is partly driven by increased public spending and fiscal stimulus. However, inflation remains a concern, with projections indicating a rise to around 3.7% later in the year due to higher energy costs and regulated prices.

Diverging Opinions on Rate Cuts

Economists remain divided on how far interest rates will fall. Some analysts predict that the BoE will cut rates at least four more times in 2025, potentially bringing the base rate down to 3.75%. Others argue that the scope for further reductions is limited, with expectations that rates will only fall to around 4% by year-end. This more conservative view stems from fears that inflationary pressures will persist, making aggressive rate cuts unlikely.

Global Influences and Fiscal Policy Considerations

UK interest rate decisions are not made in isolation. Government spending, taxation policies, and borrowing levels will all impact how much room the BoE has to manoeuvre. A boost in public spending could stimulate growth but may also contribute to inflation, which could make further rate cuts less feasible. Additionally, global economic conditions, trade tensions, and financial market trends will influence the central bank’s policy stance.

Market Expectations

At the start of 2024, financial markets had expected a series of BoE rate cuts throughout the year. However, fewer cuts than anticipated materialised, leading analysts to reassess their outlook. As of early 2025, markets are pricing in one more cut, with some speculation over a second. This suggests that rate reductions may be more gradual than previously expected.

Conclusion

Looking ahead, any reduction or increase in interest rates will depend on how inflation evolves and how resilient the UK economy proves to be. While the BoE has already lowered rates, further cuts may be measured rather than rapid. A balanced approach is likely, ensuring that inflation remains controlled while supporting economic recovery.

Interest rates remain a crucial factor for households, businesses, and investors, and keeping an eye on future BoE announcements will be essential in navigating the financial landscape in the year ahead.

Many UK small businesses rely on imported goods, materials, and components. Trade disruptions-whether due to geopolitical tensions, shipping crises, pandemics, or regulatory changes-can lead to:

• Delays and shortages, making it harder to meet customer demand.
• Increased costs, as businesses may need to source alternative, often more expensive, suppliers.
• Stockpiling and cash flow pressure, where businesses tie up funds in securing inventory.

Rising Costs and Inflation

Disruptions in trade can push up the price of raw materials, fuel, and transport. This inflationary pressure forces small businesses to either absorb costs (reducing profits) or pass them on to customers, potentially losing business to larger competitors with better pricing power.

Export and Market Access Challenges

For small businesses that export goods, global trade disruptions can result in:

• Tariffs and trade barriers, limiting access to key markets.
• Currency fluctuations, affecting competitiveness.
• Delays at borders, impacting delivery times and customer trust.

Consumer Behaviour Shifts

Uncertainty in global trade can influence domestic spending habits. If costs rise, consumers may cut back on non-essential purchases, affecting retail, hospitality, and other small businesses reliant on discretionary spending.

Digital and Local Opportunities

Despite these challenges, some businesses may benefit from shifting strategies, such as:

• Sourcing locally, reducing reliance on international supply chains.
• Digital transformation, selling online to a broader audience.
• Agility and diversification, offering alternative products or services to offset losses in disrupted areas.

Conclusion

While global trade disruptions pose risks, small UK businesses that adapt-by diversifying suppliers, embracing digital solutions, and exploring local alternatives-can navigate challenges and even find new growth opportunities. However, long-term uncertainty may still pressure those with narrow margins and limited flexibility.

As we approach the end of March 2025, anticipation builds around Chancellor Rachel Reeves’s upcoming Spring Statement. Given the current economic landscape, it’s insightful to consider the potential measures she might introduce and their implications for businesses and individuals alike.

Economic Context

The UK economy faces several challenges: sluggish growth, elevated borrowing costs, and persistent inflationary pressures. The British Chambers of Commerce recently downgraded the 2025 growth forecast from 1.3% to 0.9%, highlighting a “long and challenging year” ahead for UK firms. Additionally, global economic uncertainties, such as potential trade tensions, add to the complexity of the fiscal environment.  

Potential Measures in the Spring Statement

1. Spending Cuts
2. Taxation Adjustments
3. Support for Small Businesses
4. Infrastructure and Growth Initiatives
5. Regulatory Reforms

To address the fiscal deficit, Chancellor Reeves is reportedly considering significant spending cuts, particularly in welfare. The Institute for Fiscal Studies warns that without explicit benefit cuts, achieving the desired savings is uncertain. These measures aim to reduce the welfare bill and reallocate resources to other pressing needs.

While Reeves has pledged not to introduce extensive tax hikes, fiscal realities might necessitate subtle adjustments. One possibility is extending the freeze on income tax thresholds beyond 2028, effectively increasing tax liabilities as incomes rise with inflation. Additionally, there might be revisions to existing levies, such as those on agricultural and business assets, to enhance revenue without overtly increasing tax rates.

Recognizing the pivotal role of small businesses in economic growth, the Chancellor may introduce measures to bolster this sector. This could include simplifying procurement processes, especially in defence contracts, to enable smaller firms to compete more effectively. Such initiatives would aim to stimulate innovation and job creation at the grassroots level.

To rejuvenate the economy, Reeves might emphasize infrastructure projects, particularly in regions like the Oxford-Cambridge corridor, aiming to transform it into “Europe’s Silicon Valley.” Investments in transportation, technology hubs, and housing could be on the agenda to spur regional development and attract private investments.

The Chancellor has expressed intentions to dismantle regulatory barriers hindering economic expansion. This could involve overhauling planning processes, expediting approvals for significant projects, and revising ESG financing rules that currently constrain certain industries, such as defence. Such reforms aim to create a more conducive environment for business operations and growth.

It’s hard to see a glimmer of light at the end of this fiscal tunnel. We will be reporting on the actual plans laid before Parliament following the Chancellor’s presentation on 26th March.

As an accountant, we’ve seen businesses thrive-and seen them struggle. One key difference between those that weather storms and those that flounder is simple: planning.

It’s great to be optimistic. No one starts a business expecting it to fail. But while optimism fuels ambition, realism ensures survival. That’s why the old saying holds true: wish for the best, but plan for the worst.

Why It Matters

Running a business is unpredictable. Market downturns, late payments, supply chain issues, and unexpected tax bills can all catch you off guard. Hoping for the best isn’t a strategy-preparing for challenges is.

A lack of financial foresight is one of the biggest reasons businesses struggle. Many companies operate on tight margins, assuming that consistent sales or steady client payments will keep them afloat. But what happens when a key client pays late, or worse, stops trading? What if an economic downturn slashes demand for your services? These scenarios are not just possibilities-they are realities that many businesses face.

How to Plan for the Worst

1. Build a Cash Buffer – A rainy-day fund can cover unexpected costs and give you breathing space when cash flow is tight. Aim for at least three to six months’ worth of expenses.
2. Monitor Cash Flow – Stay on top of your numbers. Regularly review income, outgoings, and potential risks. Spotting problems early allows you to take corrective action before they become crises.
3. Budget for Tax – Don’t get caught out by an unexpected tax bill. Set aside money for VAT, Corporation Tax, and PAYE liabilities so there are no nasty surprises.
4. Review Contracts and Insurance – Ensure you have strong contracts with clients and suppliers, and adequate insurance for potential risks, including business interruption cover.
5. Plan for Economic Downturns – Have contingency plans in place. If sales drop, what expenses can you cut? What alternative revenue streams can you explore?

The Bottom Line

Hoping for success is natural. But a solid financial plan ensures you can manage setbacks without panic. The best businesses aren’t just built on big dreams-they’re supported by smart planning.

If you need help stress-testing your business finances, get in touch. Let’s make sure you’re prepared for anything.

Health professionals providing medical services may be exempt from VAT if their work falls within their registered profession and primarily protects, maintains, or restores health. HMRC outlines specific exempt services, including diagnosis and treatment.

The VAT liability of goods and services provided by registered health, medical, and paramedical professionals, can be a complex area of tax law. HMRC’s guidance provides clarification on the definition of medical services and outlines the specific health services performed by registered professionals that are exempt from VAT.

If a health professional, as defined by HMRC, provides services, those services are generally exempt from VAT, provided that both of the following conditions are satisfied:

1. The services fall within the profession in which you are registered to practice.
2. The primary purpose of the services is the protection, maintenance, or restoration of the health of the individual concerned.

For VAT purposes, the definition of medical services (including medical care and treatment) is limited to those that meet the second condition outlined above. This includes services such as the diagnosis of illnesses, the provision of analyses of scans or samples, and assisting a health professional, hospital, or similar institution in making a diagnosis.

HMRC provides examples of services that are considered to meet the primary purpose of protecting, maintaining, or restoring a person’s health. These include:

• Health services provided under General Medical Services (GMS), Personal Medical Services, Alternative Provider Medical Services, General Dental Services, and Personal Dental Services contracts
• Sight testing and prescribing by opticians (limited to England, Wales, and Northern Ireland)
• Primary and secondary eye examinations (limited to Scotland)
• Enhanced eye health services
• Laser eye surgery
• Hearing tests
• Treatment provided by osteopaths and chiropractors
• Nursing care provided in a patient’s own home
• Pharmaceutical advice
• Services involving the diagnosis of an illness or the provision of analyses of samples that are a key part of a diagnosis

Additionally, certain insurance or education-related services may also be exempt from VAT, regardless of their primary purpose, as they could qualify under other independent exemptions.

If redundancy strikes, you could receive up to £30,000 tax-free. Whether it’s statutory or a more generous employer offer, understanding your entitlements and the latest caps on weekly pay can make a real difference to your finances.

There is a tax-free threshold of £30,000 for redundancy payments, regardless of whether the payment is your statutory redundancy pay, or a more generous amount offered by your employer.

If you have been employed for two years or longer and are made redundant, you are typically entitled to redundancy pay. The legal minimum you are entitled to receive is known as “statutory redundancy pay.” However, there are exceptions to this entitlement, such as if your employer offers to retain you in your current role or provide suitable alternative employment, and you refuse the offer without a valid reason.

The amount of statutory redundancy pay is determined by your age and length of service, and is calculated as follows:

• Under 22: Half a week’s pay for each full year of service
• Aged 22 to 40: One week’s pay for each full year of service
• Over 41: One and a half weeks’ pay for each full year of service

Weekly pay is capped at £700, with a maximum of 20 years of service considered. The maximum statutory redundancy payment for the tax year 2024-25 is £21,000, with slightly higher limits applicable in Northern Ireland. The cap on weekly pay for redundancy calculations is expected to increase in April 2025, though details have yet to be announced.

Employers may opt to offer a higher redundancy payment, or you may be entitled to an increased amount based on the specific terms outlined in your employment contract.

HMRC has launched a new “Help for Hustlers” campaign to help people who are earning extra income, figure out if they need to pay tax on the additional earnings. The campaign runs until the end of March and focuses on five key areas where tax might apply:

1. I’m buying or making things to sell.
2. I’ve got a side gig.
3. I work for myself with multiple jobs.
4. I’m a content creator or influencer.
5. I rent out my property.

The good news is there are two £1,000 tax allowances – one for property income and one for trading income. If you have both types of income, you can claim £1,000 for each.

• Trading Allowance: If you make up to £1,000 from self-employment, casual services (like babysitting or gardening), or renting out personal equipment (such as power tools), this income is tax-free and does not need to be declared.
• Property Allowance: If you earn £1,000 or less from property-related activities (like renting out a driveway), you do not need to report it to HMRC or include it in your tax return.

These allowances cover all relevant income before expenses. If your income is under £1,000, it’s tax-free. If you earn more than £1,000, you can choose to either deduct the £1,000 allowance from your income or list your actual expenses when calculating your taxable profit.

However, if your side hustle income goes over £1,000 in a tax year, you may need to complete a self-assessment tax return. Keep in mind this only applies if you are actively trading or selling services. If you are just clearing out some old stuff and selling it, there is usually no need to worry about tax.