Service standards at HMRC continue to decline

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has issued a report criticising the declining service standards at HMRC, marking a trend of deterioration for the fifth year in a row. The PAC highlights long wait times for phone support, an increase in complex tax issues, and a...

Maximum council tax hikes imminent

Almost all English councils intend to raise council tax to the maximum allowed without a referendum, as revealed by the County Councils Network (CCN). Of the 136 local authorities in England, 128 have proposed increases of at least 4.99% in April. Some councils facing...

HMRC still awaiting 3.8 million self-assessments

With just one week remaining before the 31 January 2024 self-assessment deadline, prompt action is required for the 3.8 million individuals yet to file their tax returns. Failure to do so may result in a £100 penalty. HMRC anticipates a substantial total volume of...

HMRC announces mandatory payrolling of benefits-in-kind

In a significant move towards digitalising tax affairs, the Government has announced that employers must report and pay income tax and Class 1A National Insurance contributions (NICs) on benefits-in-kind using payroll software from April 2026. This initiative is part...