Steel Act 2025: Govt Powers to Safeguard Industry
In 2025, the UK government enacted the Steel Industry (Special Measures) Act, marking a significant moment in the state’s willingness to intervene in strategically vital sectors. The Act gives ministers emergency powers to oversee and, where necessary, take control of steel manufacturing operations to prevent closures that would threaten the UK’s industrial base, national resilience, […]
DMCC Act 2024: Key Consumer Law Changes Ahead
The UK government has passed the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 (DMCC Act), marking one of the most substantial overhauls of consumer protection law in over a decade. Coming into force in April 2025, this legislation is designed to tackle misleading business practices, increase fairness in digital marketplaces, and give regulators sharper tools […]
Cyber Security and Resilience Bill: A New Legal Era for Digital Defence in the UK
In a decisive step toward hardening national cyber defences, the UK government has introduced the Cyber Security and Resilience Bill, a landmark piece of legislation aimed at improving the UK’s preparedness against cyber threats. The bill is part of a broader national strategy to address the rising tide of cyberattacks targeting public institutions, private businesses, […]
UK Immigration Reforms 2025: A Tighter Framework with Big Implications for Business
n 2025, the UK government announced a sweeping set of reforms to the immigration system, aimed at reducing net migration and increasing pressure on employers to prioritise domestic recruitment. While framed politically as a response to public concerns over immigration levels, the practical effects of these reforms will be felt most acutely by UK businesses—particularly […]
The Employment Rights Bill: Reshaping the Workplace in the UK
The UK government is moving forward with one of the most significant employment law overhauls in recent years through the introduction of the Employment Rights Bill. Framed as a landmark step towards promoting fairer, more secure work, the legislation is designed to strengthen employee protections, boost workplace dignity, and eliminate long-standing exploitative practices in the […]
Business Liquidations on the Rise: What’s Driving the Exit Trend Among UK Entrepreneurs?
In the 2024–25 tax year, the UK experienced a marked increase in voluntary business liquidations, with levels not seen since the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. This upward trend has raised concerns among economists, business advisers, and policymakers, as more entrepreneurs—particularly sole traders and owners of small private limited companies—choose to shut down operations and […]
Inheritance Tax Reform: A New Challenge for Family Businesses
Recent changes to the UK’s inheritance tax (IHT) regime are set to have a lasting impact on the way family businesses plan for succession and generational transfer of ownership. Announced as part of the Autumn 2024 Budget and due to come into effect in April 2026, these changes centre on Business Property Relief (BPR), a […]
Canadian Solar EMEA GmbH v HMRC [2025]: A Warning on Cross-Border Classifications and Duty Liability
![Canadian Solar EMEA GmbH v HMRC [2025]](https://www.taxoo.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/tx-036-940x529.jpg)
In a landmark decision handed down by the Upper Tribunal in 2025, the case of Canadian Solar EMEA GmbH v HMRC brought renewed attention to the importance of product classification and origin rules in cross-border trade. While the decision focused on the importation of solar panels, its implications go far beyond one sector. At the […]
Rettig Heating Group UK Ltd v HMRC [2025]: Substance Over Form Reaffirmed in Corporate Tax Planning
In the 2025 Upper Tribunal decision Rettig Heating Group UK Ltd v HMRC, the court tackled the tax treatment of complex intra-group transactions carried out by Rettig Heating Group UK Ltd. This judgment sheds light on how UK tax law approaches the distinction between the legal form and the commercial substance of corporate arrangements, particularly […]
HMRC Clarifies LLP Salaried Member Rules: What This Means for UK Businesses
HMRC has recently issued updated guidance on the salaried member rules for Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs), focusing specifically on the interpretation of Conditions B and C. These rules are critical for determining whether an LLP member should be taxed as self-employed or treated as an employee for income tax and National Insurance purposes. The latest […]
Spring 2025 Tax Simplification Measures: What They Mean for UK SMEs
As part of its ongoing commitment to modernise the UK’s tax and customs framework, the government has introduced a new package of tax simplification and administrative reform measures in the Spring 2025 Statement. Designed to ease compliance burdens and improve certainty for businesses and traders, these reforms mark a continuation of efforts to make the […]
HMRC Interest Rates Adjusted Following Bank of England Base Rate Cut
On 8 May 2025, the Bank of England reduced its base rate from 4.50% to 4.25%. In response, HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has announced corresponding changes to its interest rates for late payments and repayments. Effective Dates and New Rates The revised HMRC interest rates will apply from: 19 May 2025 […]
HMRC Announces Updated Bonus Rates for SAYE Share Option Schemes from 23 May 2025
On 9 May 2025, HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) confirmed revised bonus and early leaver rates applicable to Save As You Earn (SAYE) employee share option schemes. The updated rates will take effect from 23 May 2025 and apply to all SAYE contracts granted on or after that date. The SAYE scheme, widely referred to […]
Mandatory Payrolling of Benefits Delayed Until 2027
HMRC has confirmed that the mandatory payrolling of benefits in kind (BiK) will now be introduced from April 2027, rather than April 2026 as originally planned. The decision provides employers and payroll teams with an extra year to prepare for the change. Although the requirement is delayed, employers may still choose to payroll benefits on […]
Right to Work Checks to Be Extended to Gig Economy
The government plans to expand the scope of right to work checks through a new clause in the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill. At present, checks are required only for individuals working under standard employment contracts. Under the updated rules, these checks would also apply to less traditional arrangements, such as casual workers, individual […]
New Single Tax on Securities to Replace Stamp Duty
From 2027, a single tax will replace stamp duty and Stamp Duty Reserve Tax (SDRT) on the purchase of UK securities. The changes, which were confirmed in the Government’s Spring 2025 Tax Update, aim to simplify the current system and improve efficiency. How will the new single tax work? The buyer will be […]
UK Probationary Period: Employer Guide 2025
A probationary period is a set period of time at the start of an employment relationship during which an employer assesses whether a new employee is suitable for the role. It typically lasts between three to six months and allows both parties to evaluate the fit before confirming long-term employment. In the employment lifecycle, the probationary period […]
Effective Strategies for Business Debt & Bankruptcy
In today’s challenging economic climate, managing business debt has become an everyday concern for many companies. However, if not properly managed, business debt can impact operations and lead to serious financial challenges. When a business faces severe financial distress, insolvency procedures may become necessary. This article will guide you through essential strategies for managing and […]
Managing Expenses & Employee Benefits in the UK
Managing expenses and employee benefits in the UK presents a unique set of challenges for businesses, with requirements to remain compliant with legal obligations while providing competitive benefits packages requires a careful and informed approach. Employers are expected to find ways to control costs without compromising the quality of benefits offered to employees, a balance […]
The Complete UK Guide to a Limited Company
A limited company is a distinct legal entity formed in the UK that is separate from its owners. This means that the company itself is responsible for its debts and liabilities, and its owners (shareholders) have limited liability, meaning their personal assets are protected beyond their investment in the company. From the initial formation and registration process […]