CEO Welcome: New starts for us all (December 2025)
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By now, we are all aware of what the Chancellor set out in her second Budget statement. Our technical teams are closely analysing the announcements and assessing their implications for members and their clients. Ahead of the Budget, CIOT’s Margaret Curran and ATT’s Helen Thornley gave oral evidence to the House of Lords – Margaret on proposed legislation concerning promoters of tax avoidance schemes, and Helen on inheritance tax. It will be interesting to see whether their recommendations are reflected in the Finance Bill.
On 21 October, the government announced major reforms to the UK’s anti-money laundering (AML) supervision framework. These propose transferring AML supervision for accountancy and law firms, as well as trust and company service providers, to a single regulator. The new Single Professional Services Supervisor (SPSS), under the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), would replace the current 25 professional body supervisors, including the CIOT and the ATT, to simplify oversight and improve consistency.
Neither body supports this, as it would require major investment and a move away from supervisors who already have deep sector and well-established processes. We have called for early clarity on the proposals, including a realistic transition period (likely several years), proportionate burdens on the supervised population, and assurances that the tailored education and support currently provided to members will continue. You can read more at tinyurl.com/3xkk8efm (ATT) and tinyurl.com/yetm57se (CIOT).
There are exciting changes ahead for Tax Adviser magazine. Following our recent reader survey, we’re delivering what you asked for. Starting in January, Tax Adviser will move to 12 issues per year, with six bumper print editions. Issues will alternate monthly – one month online, the next in print. The January issue will be the first online edition, followed by the first bumper print issue in February. The print magazine will remain familiar, but we’ll be adding new sections to reflect your suggestions. Thanks to everyone who took part in the survey – your input has been invaluable in shaping developments.
We are excited to announce the launch of Tax Awareness Week, beginning on 9 March 2026. This new educational initiative will enhance public understanding of tax obligations, benefits and available resources. Throughout the week, themed days will focus on different aspects of ATT and CIOT work, promoting awareness, compliance and engagement among individuals and businesses. Details on how to get involved will follow in the weekly email updates.
For members looking to top up their CPD, there’s still time to register for one of the Sharpen Your Tax skills events on 3 and 9 December. Hosted jointly by the ATT and AAT, these annual events offer practical, topical updates. This year, ATT Deputy President Barry Jefferd and the ATT technical team will deliver sessions covering a topical tax review, a sole trader update, a back to basics on employee benefits, and an update on penalties and seeking help from HMRC. Each session includes interactive examples and opportunities to apply learning. For details and registration, visit tinyurl.com/53anhhsb.
The exam season concludes with the Advanced Diploma in International Tax (ADIT) exams from 9 to 11 December. We wish all students the very best of luck and are pleased that from next year exams will be hosted on a new platform, TestReach.
As exams finish, the tax return season for those in private client departments is gathering pace. We wish everyone tackling client tax returns strength and stamina in the weeks ahead – may your calculations be accurate and your coffee cups full!
As 2025 draws to close, we thank you for your continued support of both the Institute and the Association. We look forward to seeing you in 2026 and send our very best wishes for the festive season and the New Year.