Self-employed must report profits on tax year basis
Big changes are here for the self-employed! From 2024-25, profits must align with the tax year, replacing the old "current year basis." Overlap relief is ending, and
New self-assessment services announced by HMRC
New digital services have been launched that aim to make filing and managing tax returns quicker and less stressful.
These improvements are part of HMRC’s Transformation Roadmap, which sets out over 50 projects to modernise the UK’s tax system by 2030.
Among the new features are:
improvements
Helping family or friends with their tax
Need to help a relative or friend with tax? HMRC’s Trusted Helper service makes it quick and easy to support someone online. Whether it is checking Income Tax, updating their personal details or reviewing taxable benefits like company cars or medical insurance, you can do it all with their
Jointly owned property – no partnership
Tax on rental income from jointly owned property depends on ownership shares, unless part of a partnership. Married couples default to a 50/50 split unless they notify HMRC of a
Tax rules for savings interest
You could earn up to £18,570 in tax-free savings interest in 2025-26, thanks to the personal allowance, starting rate for savings, and the Personal Savings Allowance.
If your taxable income for the 2025-26 tax year is less than £17,570, you will not pay tax on the interest you receive. This figure
Goodbye remittance basis hello FIG
Since 6 April 2025, the remittance basis of taxation for non-UK domiciled individuals (non-doms) has been replaced by the Foreign Income and Gains (FIG) regime. This shift marks a significant change, as the new FIG regime is based on tax residence rather than domicile. Under the revised rules,
Accounting on a cash basis
From April 2024, the cash basis is the default method for sole traders and most partnerships when preparing Self-Assessment returns. Designed to simplify tax reporting, the cash basis lets businesses record income and expenses when money actually moves, easing the admin burden for many. Those who
Making Tax Digital for Income Tax
Making Tax Digital for Income Tax (MTD for IT) will become mandatory in phases from April 2026. If you’re self-employed or a landlord earning over £50,000, get ready for quarterly
When do the higher rates of Income Tax apply
Once your income passes £100,000, your tax-free allowance starts to shrink. Between £100,000 and £125,140, the effective tax rate climbs to 60%, but smart planning can help.
If you earn over £100,000 in any tax year your personal allowance is gradually reduced by £1 for every £2 of adjusted net
Requesting evidence of earnings
If you're self-employed, lenders may require an SA302 and tax year overview as proof of earnings for mortgages or loans. These documents verify income declared on your
