Publications

Paying for higher education can be one of the largest financial commitments families face. By planning in advance, you can reduce the need for costly borrowing and help your child start adulthood on a strong financial footing. This guide explains current tuition fees, student finance arrangements, and tax-efficient ways to save for university costs in the United Kingdom. The aim is to provide a resource that supports parents, guardians, and anyone involved in preparing a child for university.

The Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) is a vital part of the tax system for workers in construction. Whether you’re a contractor managing subcontractors or a subcontractor working on various projects, understanding how CIS works is key to ensuring compliance and managing cashflow effectively. In this guide, we’ll break down the essentials of CIS, covering who it applies to, how it operates, and the key responsibilities involved.

Most UK businesses are optimistic about the start of 2025, with economic confidence surveys showing plans for growth following a difficult period. However, retail and hiring concerns linger.

As we approach the end of the 2024/25 tax year, it’s a good time to reflect on the year’s financial developments and their impact on tax planning.

HMRC has extended the processing time for agent services account (ASA) and VAT agent reference number applications to 40 working days – eight weeks – up from the previous 28 days.

UK HOUSE PRICES NEAR RECORD HIGH Mortgage rates boost confidence, but affordability remains an issue, with the average price reaching £293,399, just £108 short of the June 2022 peak.

INSIDE THIS STATEMENT The Autumn Budget 2024 tackles fiscal gaps with selective tax hikes on employers, personal wealth, and capital gains, while supporting low-income households and smaller businesses to balance growth with financial responsibility.

HMRC CONTACTS PENDING ROR CLAIMANTS Provisional claimants are urged to make a valid claim by 31 January 2025. HMRC is writing to taxpayers who made a provisional business asset roll-over relief (ROR) claim on asset sales in 2020/21 and haven’t replaced it with a valid claim. The deadline for making a valid claim is 31 January 2025. If a valid claim isn’t made by then, HMRC will withdraw the provisional claim, making the deferred capital gains tax (CGT) payable

HOUSE PRICES FALL FOR THE SECOND MONTH IN A ROW House prices fell by 0.4% in April to £261,962, following a 0.2% drop in March. UK house prices declined for the second consecutive month in April, influenced by uncertainties around interest rates and rising mortgage costs, which impact the traditional spring homebuying season.