HMRC News and Updates: What You Need to Know
Looking for the newest HMRC info? You’ve come to the right spot. From tax tweaks to benefit changes, we break down the headlines in plain English. No jargon, no fluff—just the stuff that matters for your wallet and business.
Recent Tax Changes
HMRC announced a few tax tweaks this quarter. The basic rate of income tax stayed at 20%, but the personal allowance was nudged up by £100, giving most earners a tiny breathing room. If you’re self‑employed, expect a new filing deadline on October 31st, giving you a bit more time to sort receipts.
Corporation tax also saw a slight shift. Companies with profits over £250,000 now face a 25% rate, while smaller firms keep the 19% rate. The change aims to keep the tax burden fair across different business sizes. If you run a small startup, you won’t feel the impact, but it’s worth double‑checking your accounting software.
Benefits and Compliance Tips
HMRC’s benefit rollout got a refresh too. Universal Credit payments are being processed faster, with most claims now approved within two weeks. If you’re claiming, make sure your bank details are up to date to avoid delays.
On the compliance side, HMRC is cracking down on late filing. A new penalty structure adds a £200 fine for each day a return is overdue beyond 30 days. The message is clear: get your paperwork in on time, or it’ll cost you.
For individuals, the simplest way to stay compliant is to use HMRC’s online portal. It flags missing information and offers step‑by‑step guidance. Businesses can benefit from the “Making Tax Digital” tools, which sync directly with accounting software and cut down on manual entry errors.
Remember, you don’t have to navigate HMRC alone. Plenty of free webinars and guidance videos are available on the HMRC website. Bookmark the “Guidance and Help” section and set a monthly reminder to check for updates.
Staying on top of HMRC changes doesn’t have to be a headache. Keep an eye on our tag page for the latest posts, and you’ll always be a step ahead of the tax man.
Kieran Lockhart, Jun, 3 2025
HMRC is under fire for taking over four months to process some tax refunds, far beyond normal timelines. The Public Accounts Committee is demanding urgent system upgrades and AI use to tackle these delays and regain public trust, warning that escalating costs and complexity are damaging confidence.
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