In this edition’s eNews, we cover updates on Inheritance Tax relief for farmers and businesses, the confirmed date for the Spring Statement, and new scam warnings for Self Assessment taxpayers. We also share insights on the impact of business rates on UK businesses, along with a significant rise in the use of the HMRC app and the number of festive Self Assessment filers
- Inheritance Tax reliefs threshold to rise to £2.5 million for farmers and businesses
- Spring Statement set for 3 March 2026
- Over 4,800 self assessment scams reported
- Anxiety over business rates hits record high
- HMRC app usage surged in 2025
- Over 4,700 file festive self assessment returns on Christmas Day
Inheritance Tax reliefs threshold to rise to £2.5 million for farmers and businesses
The level of the Agricultural Property Relief (APR) and Business Property Relief (BPR) thresholds will be increased from £1 million to £2.5 million, the government has announced.
The change will allow spouses or civil partners to pass on up to £5 million in qualifying agricultural or business assets between them before paying Inheritance Tax (IHT), on top of existing allowances.
The government says the changes come after it listened to concerns of the farming community and businesses about the reforms.
It says it will protect more farms and businesses, while maintaining the core principle that the most valuable agricultural and business assets should not receive unlimited relief.
The change will be introduced to the Finance Bill in January and will apply from 6 April.
Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds said:
‘Farmers are at the heart of our food security and environmental stewardship, and I am determined to work with them to secure a profitable future for British farming.
‘We have listened closely to farmers across the country and we are making changes today to protect more ordinary family farms. We are increasing the individual threshold from £1m to £2.5 million which means couples with estates of up to £5 million will now pay no inheritance tax on their estates.
‘It’s only right that larger estates contribute more, while we back the farms and trading businesses that are the backbone of Britain’s rural communities.’
Internet link: GOV.UK
Spring Statement set for 3 March 2026
The Spring Statement has been scheduled for 3 March 2026 by the Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves.
Ms Reeves has asked the Office for Budget Responsibility to prepare an economic and fiscal forecast for publication on that date.
The government said:
‘As set out at the Budget, the Spring forecast will not make an assessment of the government’s performance against the fiscal mandate and will instead provide an interim update on the economy and public finances.
‘The government will respond to the March forecast through a statement to Parliament, in line with the government’s commitment to deliver one major fiscal event a year at the Budget.
‘This approach gives families and businesses the stability and certainty they need and supports the government’s growth mission.’
Internet link: GOV.UK
Over 4,800 self assessment scams reported
More than 4,800 self assessment scams have been reported since February 2025, according to data released by HMRC.
The tax authority says scammers are using persuasive and threatening tactics to target people when they are more likely to receive correspondence from HMRC. The scammers send fake tax demands or attempt to pressurise people to hand over personal information.
In the last 10 months, taxpayers have reported more than 135,500 HMRC-related scams, including 29,000 scams referring to fake tax refund claims.
HMRC is reminding customers to be vigilant as the self assessment deadline nears and check whether the email, SMS message or phone call claiming to be from HMRC is genuine on GOV.UK.
The self assessment deadline to file returns and pay any tax owed for the 2024/25 tax year is 31 January 2026.
Lucy Pike, HMRC’s Chief Security Officer, said:
‘Millions of people file a tax return each year and scammers mimic HMRC to try and catch unsuspecting victims out.
‘I’m urging people to stay vigilant and if any emails, text messages or phone calls appear suspicious – don’t be lured into clicking on links or sharing your personal information – report it directly to HMRC. Just search ‘report an HMRC scam’ on GOV.UK to find out more.’
Internet link: HMRC press release
Anxiety over business rates hits record high
A third of UK firms are worried about their business rates, according to data from the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC).
Concern is at its highest since the BCC began keeping track. It is most acute in the hospitality sector, with manufacturing and logistics close behind.
Companies cite cost pressure from business rates as a key reason for increasing prices and delaying expansion of their premises.
The BCC is calling on the Treasury to rethink its plans for business rates as anxiety about changes to the system in April reaches record levels.
While the government has indicated it is considering a rethink on business rates for pubs, BCC research shows the disquiet being felt goes much wider.
Kate Shoesmith, Director of Policy and Insights at the BCC, said:
‘The Chancellor recognised in the Autumn Budget that the current system for business rates is broken and holding back growth.
‘But it is becoming increasingly clear that the changes she set out are not balanced and leave some sectors over-exposed.
‘While news of a carve out for pubs is welcome, there are many other smaller hospitality companies facing an existential threat. Meanwhile at the other end of the scale, airports and hotel chains are expected to pay millions more.’
Internet link: BCC website
HMRC app usage surged in 2025
Use of the HMRC app surged last year as millions of users downloaded it for the first time, according to the tax authority’s figures.
HMRC says the app was downloaded 4.2 million last year and people logged in to the app 136 million times, a 20% increase on 2024, reflecting growing confidence in managing tax digitally.
Total annual app users have now surpassed 7.18 million, up from 5.09 million the previous calendar year.
There has also been significant growth from older and retired users, especially checking State Pension forecasts.
Other areas that saw growth were Child Benefit and National Insurance (NI).
Almost 960,000 people used the Child Benefit area of the app in 2025 – 160,000 more than in 2024.
In addition, 383,000 people stored their NI number on the app during 2025, 70,000 more than the previous year.
HMRC says the rise in app use this year reflects its ambition to make it easier for customers to self‑serve on straightforward tasks.
Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Chief Customer Officer, said:
‘The HMRC app has become one of the quickest and easiest ways to check your tax affairs and we’ve seen even more customers embrace it this year. If you choose to use the app you can access the information you need straight through your phone.’
Internet link: HMRC press release
Over 4,700 file festive self assessment returns on Christmas Day
More than 4,600 self assessment taxpayers filed their tax return on Christmas Day, according to data from HMRC.
In total, 37,435 customers filed between 24 and 26 December. Christmas Eve was the most popular day with 22,350 tax returns filed while Boxing Day saw 10,479 tax returns filed.
The most popular times to file were between 11am and midday on Christmas Eve, between 1pm and 2pm on Christmas Day and between 3pm and 4pm on Boxing Day.
The self assessment deadline is 31 January and HMRC is encouraging taxpayers, who have not yet filed their tax return, to visit GOV.UK to start theirs.
Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Chief Customer Officer, said:
‘Millions of customers have already completed their tax returns and can start 2026 with one less thing to worry about.
‘For anyone yet to file, don’t leave it until the last minute. Filing now means you know exactly what you owe and have time to arrange payment. Search ‘self assessment’ on GOV.UK to get started.’
Internet link: HMRC press release
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