Laura Michelle Davis

HMRC Wage Raid Payroll Checks 2026: Who Gets Visited and Why

Payroll compliance checks have stepped up sharply in 2026, with 389 employers named and the new Fair Work Agency investigating without complaints. Who is at risk, and the self-audit that prevents it.

Tax Code 1257L: What It Means and Why You Have It (2026/27)

1257L is the standard UK tax code for 2026/27, giving the full £12,570 Personal Allowance. Here is what it means, when it is wrong and what a wrong code costs.

HMRC Is Fining Lifetime ISA Savers: The 25% Withdrawal Trap

More than 129,000 savers paid LISA withdrawal charges in a single year, averaging £790. Why the 25% charge takes your own money too, who it hits, and what to do instead.

What Is a P45? Every Part Explained and What to Do With It

Your P45 carries your tax position from one job to the next. What each of the four parts does, what to do if you lose it and the emergency tax it prevents.

Tax Code BR: Why You Have It and What It Costs You

BR means every pound is taxed at 20% with no tax-free allowance. Right for second jobs, expensive on main jobs: up to £2,514 a year overpaid.

Is the Pension Tax-Free Lump Sum Being Scrapped? The Facts

The rumour keeps returning; the rules have not changed. What is actually true about the 25% lump sum in 2026, and the two real changes worth planning around instead.

How Many ISAs Can You Have? The 2026/27 Rules Made Simple

Unlimited ISAs, one £20,000 allowance. How the post-2024 rules work, the Lifetime ISA exception and how to split contributions without breaking the cap.

Employment Allowance 2026/27: Cut £10,500 Off Employer NI

Eligible employers can knock £10,500 off employer NI in 2026/27. Eligibility rules, the single-director exclusion, worked examples and how to claim.

Minimum Wage Scotland 2026: £12.71 Rate and Real Take-Home

Scotland uses the UK-wide minimum wage: £12.71 for 21+ from April 2026. What that means monthly after Scottish tax, and how to spot underpayment.

How to Pay Corporation Tax: Deadline, Reference and Methods

HMRC never bills you for corporation tax. The 9-months-and-1-day deadline, the 17-character reference, payment methods ranked by speed and the rates.

Inheritance Tax When the Second Parent Dies: The £1m Rule

The second death is when IHT really gets calculated. How both parents' nil-rate bands combine to £1 million, with worked examples and executor steps.

Autumn Budget 2026: Predictions, Likely Tax Rises and What to Expect

The Autumn Budget 2026 is expected in late October or November 2026, the first under Prime Minister Andy Burnham. With frozen thresholds already raising tax by stealth, the most likely moves are further freezes, higher taxes on dividends, savings and property income, and tighter pension and ISA rules. Here is what is being predicted and how to prepare.

Premium Bonds vs Savings 2026: Which Wins After Tax?

For most people, a competitive savings account beats Premium Bonds on expected return, because the average Premium Bond prize rate is roughly what a good easy-access account already pays — before tax. Premium Bonds win in two cases: you have used up your Personal Savings Allowance and would be taxed on interest, or you value tax-free prizes and the chance of a big win over a steady return.

PIP Rates and Eligibility 2026/27: Who Qualifies and How Much

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) has two parts — daily living and mobility — each paid at a standard or enhanced weekly rate, and it is tax-free and not means-tested. You may qualify if a long-term physical or mental health condition affects daily tasks or getting around, based on a points assessment rather than your diagnosis or income.

Cash ISA Limit Cut to £12,000 from April 2027: What It Means for You

From April 2027 the amount you can put into a cash ISA each year falls to £12,000 for those under 65, while the overall £20,000 ISA allowance stays the same — the remaining £8,000 must go into a stocks and shares ISA. If you rely on cash ISAs, the key move is to use your full £20,000 cash allowance in 2026/27 before the cut lands.

Claiming Tax Relief on Work Expenses: HMRC's Updated P87 Rules

HMRC has updated its P87 guidance and formal directions on what a job expenses claim must contain. Miss the employer PAYE reference, industry type or evidence and the claim is rejected outright. Here is what to include and what your claim is worth.

Payrolling Benefits in Kind: What Changes from April 2027

HMRC has confirmed that company cars, fuel and medical benefits must be taxed through payroll from 6 April 2027, with most other benefits following in 2028. Here is the full timetable, what P11Ds survive, and what employers and employees should do now.

HMRC Mileage Rate Rises to 55p a Mile, Backdated to 6 April 2026

The approved mileage rate for cars and vans rises from 45p to 55p per mile for the first 10,000 business miles, the first increase in 15 years. It applies for the whole 2026/27 tax year, so miles driven since 6 April already qualify.

MTD Sign-Up Service Down 10 to 13 July: Act Before the 7 August Deadline

HMRC is taking its Making Tax Digital sign-up services offline from 5pm on Friday 10 July until 9am on Monday 13 July 2026. With the first quarterly update due 7 August, anyone mandated from April who has not signed up needs to plan around the outage.

Born 2002-2011? You Could Have £2,000+ in Forgotten Cash

Around hundreds of thousands of young adults have an unclaimed Child Trust Fund worth £2,000+ on average. Here is how to find yours free in about 3 weeks - and claim what is yours.

Dividend Tax Rise 2026/27: New 10.75% and 35.75% Rates Explained

From 6 April 2026 the basic dividend rate rose from 8.75% to 10.75% and the higher rate from 33.75% to 35.75%. The £500 tax-free allowance and the 39.35% additional rate are unchanged. Most people with dividends outside an ISA will pay more - here is exactly how much, with real examples, and how to reduce it.

Need tax help? Gen Zs wish they had learnt basics about tax

Summer jobseekers urged to use the HMRC app to demystify tax and money matters

ISA Allowance 2026/27: £20,000 Tax-Free and How to Use It

You can save or invest up to £20,000 in ISAs in 2026/27 with no tax on the interest, dividends or gains. With savings, dividend and capital gains taxes all biting harder, using your ISA allowance is now one of the most valuable money moves you can make. Here is how, with examples.

Tax Gap 2024-25 estimated at 6.4%

HMRC publishes the estimated tax gap for the 2024 to 2025 tax year.

Government backs high street with acceleration of cheap import reforms and crackdown on dodgy online sellers

High street businesses are set to benefit from action to level the playing field as the government sets out tax and customs reforms.

National Insurance 2026/27: Employee and Self-Employed Rates

For 2026/27, employees pay 8% National Insurance on earnings between £12,570 and £50,270, then 2% above. The self-employed pay 6% Class 4 between the same thresholds. Here is how it works, with real examples, and how to check what you owe.

Stamp Duty 2026: What You Pay and First-Time Buyer Relief

In England and Northern Ireland, Stamp Duty Land Tax now starts at £125,000, with first-time buyers paying nothing up to £300,000. Scotland (LBTT) and Wales (LTT) have their own separate taxes and thresholds. Here is what you pay, with real examples for each nation.

High Income Child Benefit Charge 2026: The £60,000–£80,000 Trap

The High Income Child Benefit Charge applies when someone in the household has adjusted net income over £60,000, clawing back Child Benefit gradually until it is fully removed at £80,000. It is based on the highest individual income, not household income - and pension contributions can reduce or remove it.

Marriage Allowance 2026: Claim Up to £252 (and Backdate It)

If one of you earns under £12,570 and the other is a basic-rate taxpayer, Marriage Allowance lets you transfer £1,260 of personal allowance - worth up to £252 a year, and backdatable four years for a payout of over £1,000. Millions of eligible couples never claim. Here is how, with examples.

Tax on Savings Interest 2026/27: The Personal Savings Allowance

With savings rates the highest in years, more people are breaching their Personal Savings Allowance - £1,000 for basic-rate, £500 for higher-rate and £0 for additional-rate taxpayers - and owing tax on interest for the first time. Here is how it works, with examples, and how to stay tax-free.

Why More Pensioners Are Getting Surprise Tax Bills in 2026

A frozen £12,570 personal allowance, a rising state pension and higher savings interest are combining to push more retirees into paying income tax - often for the first time, and sometimes via an unexpected HMRC "Simple Assessment" letter. Here is why, with examples, and what to do.

Capital Gains Tax 2026/27: £3,000 Allowance and 18%/24% Rates

The capital gains tax-free allowance has been slashed to £3,000 for 2026/27, down from £12,300 three years ago. Gains are taxed at 18% (basic rate) or 24% (higher rate). Far more people now owe CGT on shares, second homes and crypto - here is how to work out and reduce your bill.

Tax Minister to owners of dodgy shops: “We are coming for you”

HMRC crackdown targets criminals exploiting the high street.

Frozen Tax Thresholds to 2031: The Stealth Tax Explained

The £12,570 personal allowance and £50,270 higher-rate threshold are frozen until April 2031. As wages rise but thresholds stay still, millions are dragged into paying more tax - and many into the 40% band for the first time. This is the "stealth tax", explained with real examples.

The 60% Tax Trap Explained: How High Earners Lose Their Personal Allowance (and How to Avoid It) - 2026/27

Earning between £100,000 and £125,140? The 60% tax trap quietly taxes every extra pound at around 60%. Here is the maths, who it hits, and how to escape it for 2026/27.

Scottish Income Tax vs England: How Much More (or Less) You Pay in 2026/27

A clear 2026/27 comparison of Scottish income tax rates against England, showing who pays more, at what income, why, and what stays the same across the UK.

HMRC doubles funding for customers who need extra support

£11 million in grant funding available to help customers who need extra support

State Pension Top-Up: Is Buying Back Missing National Insurance Years Worth It? (2026)

A 2026 guide to buying back missing National Insurance years: how the new State Pension works, how to check your NI record and forecast, voluntary Class 3 and Class 2 contributions, the break-even concept, deadlines, and when a top-up is not worth it.

How to Legally Reduce Your Income Tax in the UK (2026/27)

A comprehensive guide to legally reducing your income tax in the UK for 2026/27 - pensions, salary sacrifice, ISAs, Marriage Allowance, Gift Aid, work expenses and smart timing.

How Much Tax Will I Pay on a £50,000 Salary? (2026/27)

On a £50,000 salary in England, Wales or NI for 2026/27 you take home about £39,520 a year (£3,293 a month) after tax and National Insurance.

What Affects Your Credit Score in the UK?

A plain-English guide to what affects your credit score in the UK, from payment history and credit utilisation to the electoral roll, defaults, hard searches and financial associations, plus how the three agencies differ.

Soft Search vs Hard Search: Check Eligibility Without Hurting Your Credit

A soft search lets you check your likely chances of approval without leaving a mark lenders can see. Here is how soft and hard searches differ, and how to shop for credit safely.

PAYE vs Self-Employed: Which Leaves You Better Off?

Comparing PAYE vs self employed is about more than the headline figure. We break down how income tax, National Insurance, expenses and employee benefits change your real take-home pay in 2026/27.

Lifetime ISA Explained: The 25% Bonus, Rules and Is It Worth It?

A plain-English guide to the Lifetime ISA: how the 25% government bonus works, who can open one, using it for a first home or retirement, the withdrawal charge to watch, and whether a LISA is worth it for you.

Is Buy-to-Let Still Worth It in 2026? The Real Numbers

Wondering if buy to let is worth it in 2026? We walk through gross vs net rental yield, the real running costs, Section 24, the 5% stamp duty surcharge and CGT - so you can judge a deal honestly.

How to Improve Your Credit Score (and What You Need for a Mortgage)

A practical, ordered guide on how to improve credit score in the UK, with realistic timeframes, the steps lenders reward, and what credit score you need for a mortgage.

Director's Loans Explained: S455 Tax and the £10,000 Rule

A plain-English guide to the director's loan account for company directors: overdrawn versus in-credit balances, S455 tax, the £10,000 benefit-in-kind rule, bed-and-breakfasting, and how a director's loan compares with salary and dividends.

Debt-to-Income Ratio Explained: What's a Good DTI in the UK?

Your debt to income ratio is a quick way to gauge whether your borrowing is comfortable or stretched. This plain-English guide explains how to calculate DTI, front-end vs back-end, and what counts as a good ratio in the UK.

Credit Utilisation Explained: The 30% Rule and Your Credit Score

A plain-English guide to what credit utilisation is, how the maths works, why the 30% rule matters for your credit score, and simple, practical ways to lower your credit usage in the UK.

UK Mortgage Rates 2026: What to Expect and How to Compare

A plain-English guide to mortgage rates in the UK: what drives them, fixed vs tracker deals, a worked example of monthly costs, and practical ways to secure a better rate when buying or remortgaging.

Tax on Savings Interest: The Personal Savings Allowance Explained (2026/27)

Worried about tax on savings? Most people pay nothing thanks to the Personal Savings Allowance. Here's how the allowance, the starting rate for savings and ISAs fit together for 2026/27 - with a clear worked example.

Tax on Rental Income: A Landlord's Guide (2026/27)

A plain-English guide to tax on rental income for UK landlords in 2026/27: how rental profit is taxed, the property allowance, allowable expenses, the Section 24 mortgage interest rules, and a full worked example.

Should You Overpay Your Mortgage? The Pros, Cons and Maths

A mortgage overpayment can save you thousands in interest and shave years off your term, but it is not always the smartest move. Here is the maths, the trade-offs and when to think twice.

Premium Bonds Explained: Odds, Prizes and Is It Worth It?

Premium Bonds swap interest for a monthly tax-free prize draw, backed by HM Treasury. We explain how they work, the real odds, the prize fund rate and who they actually suit.

PIP Explained: Eligibility, Rates and How to Claim (2026)

A clear, compassionate guide to Personal Independence Payment (PIP): what it is, who qualifies, how the points-based assessment works, how to claim step by step, and what to do if your claim is refused.

Personal Loans and APR Explained: How to Compare the Real Cost

Confused by personal loan APR? This plain-English guide explains what APR really means, how representative APR works, why the loan term changes the total cost, and how to compare two loans fairly before you borrow.

Pension Tax-Free Lump Sum: How the 25% Rule Works (2026/27)

You can normally take 25% of your pension as a tax-free lump sum, capped at £268,275. Here is exactly how the rule works in 2026/27, with a worked example, the tax on the rest, and the mistakes that cost people money.

Pension Salary Sacrifice: How It Works and How Much You Save

Pension salary sacrifice swaps part of your gross pay for an employer pension contribution, cutting both income tax and National Insurance. Here is exactly how it works, a worked example, and the traps to avoid.

Pension Drawdown Explained: Income, Tax and Risks (2026/27)

A plain-English guide to pension drawdown: how flexi-access drawdown works, the 25% tax-free element, how withdrawals are taxed at your marginal rate, the MPAA trap, and how drawdown compares with an annuity.

No-Deposit and 100% Mortgages: Are They Real in 2026?

No deposit mortgages and 100% mortgages do exist in the UK, but they work very differently from how most people imagine. Here is an honest look at how they work, who they suit and the real risks.

Mortgage in Principle: What It Is and How to Get One (2026)

A mortgage in principle is a lender's early estimate of how much it might lend you. Learn what an AIP is, how to get one, how long it lasts and whether it affects your credit score.

How to Start Investing in the UK: A Beginner's Guide (2026)

A plain-English, step-by-step guide to how to start investing in the UK for complete beginners: emergency funds, Stocks and Shares ISAs and pensions, index funds, fees, risk and a worked compounding example.

How to Invest in Property in the UK: A Beginner's Guide

A plain-English guide to investing in property in the UK. Learn how buy-to-let works, deposits, rental yield, the stamp duty surcharge, Section 24, capital gains tax and company ownership.

How Pensions Work in the UK: A Complete Beginner's Guide

A plain-English guide to how pensions work in the UK: the State Pension, workplace and personal pensions, how tax relief and employer contributions boost your savings, and the common mistakes that cost beginners money.

Credit Cards for Building Credit and Bad Credit (UK)

Credit cards for building credit help people with a poor or thin credit file prove they can borrow responsibly. Here is how a credit builder card works, how to use one to lift your score, and the mistakes to avoid.

Conveyancing Explained: The Process and What It Costs (2026)

Conveyancing is the legal work that transfers a property from seller to buyer. This plain-English guide walks through every step, what conveyancing fees and disbursements cover, how long it takes, and how to choose the right conveyancer.

Compound Interest Explained (With UK Examples)

Compound interest is the engine behind growing savings and ballooning debt. This plain-English guide explains the formula, simple vs compound interest, the Rule of 72 and AER, with worked UK examples.

Car Insurance Groups Explained (1 to 50)

A plain-English guide to car insurance groups (1-50): what they are, who sets them, the factors that decide a car's group, why lower groups are cheaper to insure, and how to use them to cut your premium.

UK Savings Interest Rates and Account Types Explained (2026)

A plain-English guide to UK savings interest rates and the main account types, from easy-access to fixed-rate bonds, cash ISAs and premium bonds. Learn AER, FSCS protection and how to choose.

0% Balance Transfer Credit Cards Explained (UK 2026)

A 0 balance transfer credit card moves existing card debt to a new card charging no interest for a set period. Here is how it works, how to do a transfer, and the mistakes that cost people money.

Benefits for Single Parents in the UK: What You Can Claim (2026)

A clear, compassionate guide to benefits for single parents in the UK - from Universal Credit and Child Benefit to free childcare, Council Tax Reduction, Healthy Start and child maintenance. Who qualifies, how to claim, and the mistakes to avoid.

Section 24 Explained: How the Landlord Mortgage-Interest Rules Work (2026/27)

Section 24 changed buy-to-let taxation for good. Here's how the mortgage-interest rules work, who they hit hardest, and how to work out your real tax.

UK Tax Codes Explained: What Yours Means (2026/27)

Your tax code controls how much tax comes out of your pay. Here's what the letters and numbers mean, and how to tell if yours is wrong.

Self-Employed Tax: A Beginner's Guide (2026/27)

Just gone self-employed? Here's everything you need to know about tax - what you'll pay, when, how to register, what you can claim, and how to avoid nasty surprises.

Salary vs Dividends: How Should a Director Pay Themselves in 2026/27?

Most company directors pay themselves with a small salary plus dividends. Here's how the split works in 2026/27, and how to find the most tax-efficient mix.

Making Tax Digital for Income Tax: The Complete 2026 Guide

MTD for Income Tax is the biggest change to self-employed and landlord tax in a generation. Here's who's affected, when, and exactly what you'll need to do.

How to Calculate Your Take-Home Pay After Tax and National Insurance (2026/27)

Your salary and what actually lands in your bank account are two different numbers. Here's exactly how to work out your take-home pay after tax and National Insurance.

UK Income Tax Rates and Bands 2026/27: A Plain-English Guide

Understand UK income tax rates and bands for 2026/27, including the Personal Allowance, the basic, higher and additional rates, and a worked example.

Stamp Duty for First-Time Buyers in 2026: Thresholds and How Much You Save

A clear 2026 guide to stamp duty for first-time buyers in England and Northern Ireland: the thresholds, eligibility rules, a worked example and the savings.

Self Assessment Tax Returns 2026: Deadlines, Penalties and How to File

Understand self assessment tax return deadlines, who needs to file, the penalties for missing them, and the simple steps to file your return with HMRC.

Salary Sacrifice Explained: How It Works and How Much You Can Save (2026/27)

How salary sacrifice works in 2026/27: the Income Tax and National Insurance you save, a worked example, the risks to watch, and answers to common questions.

The Personal Allowance Explained: How the £12,570 Tax-Free Amount Works (2026/27)

Your personal allowance is the £12,570 you can earn tax-free in 2026/27. Here's how it works, who gets it, and where it can be reduced or shared.

Pension Tax Relief Explained: How to Get Up to 45% Back (2026/27)

Understand pension tax relief for 2026/27: how relief works at 20%, 40% and 45%, the Annual Allowance, carry forward and how to claim the extra you are owed.

National Insurance Rates 2026/27: How Much You Pay and Why

Understand national insurance rates 2026/27 for employees, the self-employed and employers, with thresholds, a worked example and clear answers to common questions.

ISA Allowance 2026/27: How to Use Your £20,000 Tax-Free Limit

Your ISA allowance 2026/27 is £20,000 per person. Here's how to split it across ISA types, use the LISA bonus, and grow your money completely tax-free.

Dividend Tax 2026/27: Allowance, Rates and How Much You'll Pay

A plain-English guide to dividend tax for 2026/27: the £500 allowance, the new higher rates, worked examples and how to report dividends to HMRC.

Capital Gains Tax rates 2026/27: allowance, rates and how to cut your bill

Your plain-English guide to capital gains tax rates 2026/27: the tax-free allowance, the 18% and 24% rates, a worked example and ways to pay less.