In the news: April 2026

‘John Barnett, vice-president of the CIOT, said there are many wealthy Americans clamouring to gain the right to reside in the UK following the election of Trump. “Britain is a natural place for them to come. Tax is less important to them than their immigration status.”’

Daily Telegraph, 17 January

‘HMRC said it will cost an average of £320 to switch to government-approved software, then £110 a year after that, but experts said it could be four times that much. About 850,000 landlords and the self-employed are expected to have to use the Making Tax Digital system from April, according to the CIOT.’

The Times, 24 January

‘It is concerning that with a little over two months to go until [Making Tax Digital] goes live, there are still many unrepresented taxpayers unsure about what they need to do to be ready, and this could store up problems both for them and for HMRC further down the line.’

Laura Cumins, LITRG Technical Officer, Daily Telegraph, 1 February

‘February is the point at which preparation really matters. The message isn’t to panic, but to act now – check if you’re affected, get the right software in place, and seek advice early if you need it.’

Emma Rawson, ATT Director of Public Policy, Daily Express, 6 February

‘People selling unwanted personal items such as their children’s old clothes or toys are not likely to be trading. Therefore, even if it is a significant amount, any money they make is generally not taxable.’

Victoria Todd, Head of LITRG, Daily Telegraph, 13 February

‘Emma Rawson, director of public policy at the ATT, said the ongoing service issues meant “the increase in complaints is sadly unsurprising. Although HMRC are making investments in staff levels and training, there is clearly more work to be done here.”’

Financial Times, 28 February