Hello,
In a slightly quieter news week in the tax world, we look at HMRC’s October Agent Update, the Autumn Budget representations made by some of the professional bodies, and where the UK ranks in terms of international tax competitiveness.
SME Tax News
The International Tax Competitiveness Index 2025, compiled by the Tax Foundation, finds that Estonia has the best tax system in the OECD for the twelfth consecutive year. The United Kingdom languishes at 32 out of 38 nations, with only France and Italy of the G7 states ranking lower.
In September, HM Treasury invited representations from stakeholders ahead of the 2025 Autumn Budget. We take a look at the representations made by some of the professional bodies.
HMRC have published their Agent Update for October 2025. We have summarised the key content with links to our detailed guidance on the topics covered, including the introduction of a new student loan plan type, adjustments for calculating Capital Gains Tax (CGT) for the 2024-25 tax year, and updates to various areas of HMRC guidance.
Hello,
There are several important updates for employers this week, as HMRC publish their latest Employer Bulletin. In other tax news, we have updates on the Scottish and Welsh Budgets, and three new tax cases, including two Court of Appeal (CoA) decisions.
HMRC have published their Employer Bulletin for October 2025. We have summarised the key content for you, which links to our detailed guidance on the topics covered.
In Mainpay Ltd v HMRC [2025] EWCA Civ 1290, the Court of Appeal (CoA) found that an umbrella company did not have overarching employment contracts with its workers. This meant that reimbursed travel and subsistence expenses could not be paid tax-free.
In GW Martin & Co Ltd & Anor v HMRC [2025] TC09650, the First Tier Tribunal (FTT) found that payments made under a tax avoidance scheme were taxable as employment earnings under s.62 ITEPA 2003 and s.3 SSCBA 1992.
The Final Budget 2026-27 for Wales was published on 20 January 2026 and approved by the Senedd on 27 January 2026, ultimately passing its proposals. It had been announced by Mark Drakeford, Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Welsh Language, on 14 October 2025.
Shona Robison MSP, Scottish Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government, has confirmed that the 2026-27 Scottish Budget will be published on Tuesday, 13 January 2026. This is two days earlier than previously expected.
