News and updates for UK limited company contractors
Timely explainers on contractor tax, IR35, and regulatory changes. We track live developments and explain what they mean for your business and tax bill.
What Andy Burnham’s tax plans could mean for contractor take-home pay
96% of investors expect tax rises under a possible Burnham government — what reported CGT and IHT proposals could mean for contractors.
What Andy Burnham’s tax plans could mean for contractor take-home payFrozen tax thresholds push 7.7 million into higher-rate tax — what it means for contractor take-home pay
HMRC forecasts 7.7m higher-rate taxpayers by 2026/27 as frozen thresholds are extended to 2031 — what it means for contractors.
Frozen tax thresholds push 7.7 million into higher-rate tax — what it means for contractor take-home paySecond payment on account: what contractors need to pay HMRC by 31 July
HMRC's second Self Assessment payment on account is due 31 July 2026 — here's what contractors owe and how to reduce it.
Second payment on account: what contractors need to pay HMRC by 31 JulyHMRC scraps working-from-home tax relief for employees — what contractor directors must do now
From 6 April 2026, employees can no longer personally claim WFH tax relief from HMRC. Here's what contractor directors must do to keep the allowance tax-free.
HMRC scraps working-from-home tax relief for employees — what contractor directors must do nowWhat Andy Burnham's tax agenda could mean for your limited company
Andy Burnham is tipped as the next PM and commentators are already flagging a probable shift toward taxing assets more heavily. Here's what contractors running a limited company should watch.
What Andy Burnham's tax agenda could mean for your limited companyForm 17 explained: splitting dividend and property income between contractor couples
HMRC defaults to 50:50 on jointly owned property — but it doesn't have to be. Form 17 lets couples declare the real beneficial ownership split. Here's how it works and where it goes wrong.
Form 17 explained: splitting dividend and property income between contractor couplesIncorporation relief is changing: what contractors need to know before transferring a business to a company
From 6 April 2026, incorporation relief no longer applies automatically when transferring a business to a limited company — it must be actively claimed via Self Assessment. Here's what to do.
Incorporation relief is changing: what contractors need to know before transferring a business to a companyCompanies House Identity Verification: The November 2026 Deadline Every Director Must Know
Every UK limited company director must verify their identity with Companies House by 18 November 2026 or they cannot file a confirmation statement. Here's what to do and how long it takes.
Companies House Identity Verification — Deadline GuideEmploying your spouse through your limited company: getting it right
Adding a spouse or partner to your limited company payroll or as a shareholder is a legitimate tax planning strategy — but HMRC challenges arrangements that lack commercial substance. Here's how to do it properly.
Employing your spouse through your limited company: getting it rightHMRC Is Using AI to Catch IR35 Non-Compliance — What Contractors Need to Know
HMRC has deployed AI-powered risk detection tools to identify IR35 non-compliance at scale. The April 2025 small company threshold change has also shifted responsibility back to thousands of contractors' PSCs.
HMRC AI IR35 Enforcement — What It Means for Your ContractsMaking Tax Digital: what contractors with side income need to know now
MTD for Income Tax is now mandatory for sole traders and landlords with gross income above £50,000. Contractors with buy-to-let or freelance side income need to check if they're in scope — the first quarterly deadline has just passed.
Making Tax Digital: what contractors with side income need to know nowMTD for Income Tax Is Live — What Limited Company Contractors Actually Need to Do
Making Tax Digital for Income Tax launched in April 2026. Most limited company contractors are not directly affected — but if you have rental income or side work, read this now.
MTD for Income Tax — What Contractors Need to KnowStreeting’s CGT plan: what it means for limited company contractors
Wes Streeting proposes aligning CGT with income tax rates. For contractors running limited companies, this could significantly affect Business Asset Disposal Relief and retained profit exit strategies.
Streeting’s CGT plan: what it means for limited company contractorsUK economy grew 0.6% in Q1 2026 — what it means for IT contractor demand
ONS confirms UK GDP grew 0.6% in Q1 2026, led by services at 0.8%. Here's what the economic recovery means for IT and professional contractor demand in H2 2026.
UK economy grew 0.6% in Q1 2026 — what it means for IT contractor demandHoliday let tax changes 2026: what contractor landlords need to know
HMRC has updated its holiday let guidance after abolishing the FHL regime in April 2025. Here is what contractor landlords with limited company income and property income need to know in 2026.
Holiday let tax changes 2026: what contractor landlords need to knowHMRC holiday let tax changes 2026: what contractor-landlords need to know
HMRC updated its holiday let guidance in June 2026 following the abolition of the FHL tax regime in April 2025. Here is what contractor-landlords need to review on their self-assessment return.
HMRC holiday let tax changes 2026: what contractor-landlords need to knowWhat Starmer's resignation means for contractor tax planning in 2026
A new Prime Minister means political uncertainty for contractor tax. Here's what limited company contractors need to watch — corporation tax, dividend rates, IR35 — and what you can do now.
What Starmer's resignation means for contractor tax planning in 2026CGT enhancement expenditure under TCGA 1992 s.38: the trap catching contractor directors
TCGA 1992 s.38 exhaustively defines what reduces a capital gain. Contractor directors selling shares or property are routinely caught out by costs HMRC won't allow.
CGT enhancement expenditure under TCGA 1992 s.38: the trap catching contractor directorsConstruction output rising in 2026 — what it means for contractors' tax and accounting
ONS data shows construction output growing in 2026. Contractors in the sector face CIS deductions, VAT reverse charge, and IR35 decisions that need specialist accounting.
Construction output rising in 2026 — what it means for contractors' tax and accountingContractor company shareholding structures: the tax traps directors need to avoid in 2026
Giving shares to a spouse to split dividend income can save thousands — but HMRC's settlements legislation catches arrangements that lack genuine commercial substance.
Contractor company shareholding structures: the tax traps directors need to avoid in 2026£11,713 average EPC upgrade cost — tax planning for limited company landlords in 2026
Research puts the average EPC upgrade cost at £11,713 per property. Here's how contractor-landlords operating through a limited company can maximise tax relief on every pound spent.
£11,713 average EPC upgrade cost — tax planning for limited company landlords in 2026HMRC's DAC7 platform reporting: contractors with undisclosed platform income are now at risk
From 2024, digital platforms must report user income to HMRC under DAC7. Contractors who haven't declared all platform income face data-match enquiries and penalties up to 100% of unpaid tax.
HMRC's DAC7 platform reporting: contractors with undisclosed platform income are now at riskInvestment property in your trading limited company: why it's usually the wrong move
Holding investment property inside your contractor trading company risks losing Business Asset Disposal Relief, Business Property Relief, and exposes your assets to business creditors.
Investment property in your trading limited company: why it's usually the wrong moveLandlords borrowing to fund EPC upgrades — tax treatment in a limited company
More landlords are financing EPC improvements rather than paying cash. Here's how interest deductibility and capital allowances work for limited company contractor-landlords.
Landlords borrowing to fund EPC upgrades — tax treatment in a limited companyMixed-use SDLT claims are failing HMRC challenges — what contractors need to know
The SDLT saving from a mixed-use claim can be significant — but most are failing HMRC and tribunal scrutiny. Contractors who've made or are considering such a claim need specialist review.
Mixed-use SDLT claims are failing HMRC challenges — what contractors need to knowRenters Rights Act fines rise to £40,000 — what limited company landlords must do now
Civil penalties under the Renters Rights Act have been raised to up to £40,000 for repeat offences. Here's what limited company contractor-landlords need to know to stay compliant.
Renters Rights Act fines rise to £40,000 — what limited company landlords must do nowRenters Rights Act 2026 compliance costs for limited company landlords — what's deductible and what isn't
The Renters Rights Act creates new compliance costs for limited company landlords. Here's which costs are tax-deductible, which are capital, and why fines can never be claimed.
Renters Rights Act 2026 compliance costs for limited company landlords — what's deductible and what isn'tSection 455 director's loan charge rising to 35.75% — what contractors need to know in 2026
The Section 455 charge on overdrawn director's loan accounts rises to 35.75% from April 2026. Here's what contractor limited company directors need to know before year-end.
Section 455 director's loan charge rising to 35.75% — what contractors need to know in 2026Section 455 and the overdrawn director's loan account — the compliance risk every contractor must understand
Most contractors create overdrawn director's loan accounts without realising it. The Section 455 charge — now 35.75% — plus a P11D benefit-in-kind risk means proactive monitoring is essential.
Section 455 and the overdrawn director's loan account — the compliance risk every contractor must understandSME lending hits post-pandemic high — what contractors should know about business finance
UK SME lending reached £5.3bn in Q1 2026 — up 16% year-on-year and the highest since the pandemic. Here is what limited company contractors need to know about business borrowing, tax deductibility, and the risks.
SME lending hits post-pandemic high — what contractors should know about business financeWhy limited company is still the right structure for contractors in 2026
Corporation tax at 19–25% still beats higher-rate PAYE for most contractors. With 400,000+ incorporated BTL businesses and dividend tax advantages intact, the limited company remains the default structure in 2026.
Why limited company is still the right structure for contractors in 2026Property tax planning for contractors in 2026: trusts, CGT and what's changed
Property is often a contractor's largest asset outside their limited company. In 2026, income tax, CGT, SDLT and IHT all interact — here's what contractors need to know.
Property tax planning for contractors in 2026: trusts, CGT and what's changedFamily investment companies: should contractors consider one?
Family investment companies (FICs) are attracting more attention after the 2024 Budget and the forthcoming pension-estate inclusion in April 2027. Here is what established contractors with retained limited company profits need to know.
Family investment companies: should contractors consider one?Tax planning when contractors build a buy-to-let portfolio
Should you hold buy-to-let property personally or through your limited company? A practical guide for contractors covering Section 24, corporation tax, CGT, SDLT, and MTD for ITSA.
Tax planning when contractors build a buy-to-let portfolioContractor and landlord: managing buy-to-let tax and limited company compliance in 2026
Many contractors own buy-to-let properties alongside their limited company — creating a dual-income tax challenge. Here's how rental income, Section 24, and MTD for ITSA interact with your contractor tax position.
Contractor and landlord: managing buy-to-let tax and limited company compliance in 2026Frozen tax bands and contractors: what to do about salary and dividends in 2026
UK income tax bands are frozen until 2028 and the dividend allowance is just £500. Here's what limited company contractors need to know about salary and dividend planning in 2026/27.
Frozen tax bands and contractors: what to do about salary and dividends in 2026Construction PMI crashes to 38.2 — what it means for your limited company
UK Construction PMI fell to 38.2 in May 2026 — the sharpest contraction since the pandemic. What construction and engineering contractors with limited companies should do now.
Construction PMI crashes to 38.2 — what it means for your limited companyLimited company buy-to-let — is it tax-efficient for contractors in 2026?
TMW cuts limited company BTL rates in June 2026. Is holding buy-to-let property in your contractor limited company tax-efficient? What you need to know about corporation tax, dividends, and SPV structure.
Limited company buy-to-let — is it tax-efficient for contractors in 2026?Contractor pension planning — closing the retirement savings gap through your limited company
Only 9% of UK workers are on track for a comfortable retirement. Contractors face a bigger gap — no employer contributions, no auto-enrolment. Here's how to fix it through your limited company.
Contractor pension planning — closing the retirement savings gap through your limited companyHMRC property investor or trader — what the classification means for contractor landlords
HMRC uses nine badges of trade to decide whether you're a property investor or trader. For contractors, reclassification means higher tax, lost CGT rates, and no BADR.
HMRC property investor or trader — what the classification means for contractor landlordsNational Insurance on rental income — what landlord contractors need to know
The New Economics Foundation has proposed applying NI to rental profits. Landlords currently pay no NI on rental income — here's what the proposal could mean for contractor landlords.
National Insurance on rental income — what landlord contractors need to knowPaying dividends to your spouse from a limited company — HMRC rules for contractors
Can you pay dividends to your spouse from your limited company? What the settlements legislation says, the spousal exemption, and four mistakes that invalidate the arrangement.
Paying dividends to your spouse from a limited company — HMRC rules for contractorsIllegal dividends: what every limited company contractor needs to know about HMRC's increasing scrutiny
Drawing an illegal dividend as a limited company contractor can trigger PAYE liabilities or an S455 charge. Here is what makes a dividend illegal and how to stay safe.
Illegal dividends: what every limited company contractor needs to know about HMRC's increasing scrutinyLimited company contractor with rental income? HMRC must be notified by 5 October
Limited company contractors with rental income must notify HMRC by 5 October after the first tax year. Here's what you owe, how Section 24 affects you, and what counts as rental income.
Limited company contractor with rental income? HMRC must be notified by 5 OctoberCATO has closed — what limited companies need to do about CT600 filing in 2026
HMRC's CATO service closed 31 March 2026. From April 2026, all limited companies must use commercial software to file CT600 returns. Here's what changes and what to do.
CATO has closed — what limited companies need to do about CT600 filing in 2026HMRC IR35 enforcement escalating in 2026 — contractor investigation risk explained
HMRC has shifted from reactive IR35 investigations to proactive data analytics in 2026. With 14,000 more contractors self-determining, here is what the enforcement risk looks like — and how to protect yourself.
HMRC IR35 enforcement escalating in 2026 — contractor investigation risk explainedIR35 small company threshold changes 2026 — contractor self-determination guide
New small company thresholds from April 2026 (£15m turnover, £7.5m balance sheet) mean ~14,000 reclassified companies. What this means for your IR35 self-determination as a PSC contractor.
IR35 small company threshold changes 2026 — contractor self-determination guideUmbrella company changes April 2026 — JSL rules explained and the limited company alternative
JSL rules from 6 April 2026 mean agencies and end-clients face HMRC liability for non-compliant umbrellas. What contractors need to know — and why a limited company offers more certainty.
Umbrella company changes April 2026 — JSL rules explained and the limited company alternativeHMRC new dividend reporting rules 2025/26 — what limited company directors must declare on Self Assessment
From 2025/26 Self Assessment, close company shareholders must report company name, CRN, dividend amount and peak shareholding %. £60 penalty per error. Full guide.
HMRC new dividend reporting rules 2025/26 — what limited company directors must declare on Self AssessmentHMRC fiscal drag and record tax take — what it means for limited company contractors
April 2026 HMRC receipts hit £87.3bn. With thresholds frozen to 2028-29, fiscal drag is silently costing limited company contractors thousands. Here's the full picture.
HMRC fiscal drag and record tax take — what it means for limited company contractorsAlphabet shares vs dividend waivers — which is safer for contractor limited companies?
Alphabet shares vs dividend waivers for contractor limited companies: HMRC risks, settlements legislation, and which structure holds up under scrutiny in 2026.
Alphabet shares vs dividend waivers — which is safer for contractor limited companies?CGT changes 2026 — what they mean for contractor take-home pay
How CGT alignment with income tax would affect limited company contractors disposing of shares in 2026. Worked example, BADR impact, and what to plan for now.
CGT changes 2026 — what they mean for contractor take-home payBanking AI job cuts 2026 — what redundant finance professionals need to know about going limited company
Standard Chartered cuts 7,800 roles; HSBC flags 20,000 AI-driven redundancies. Finance professionals going freelance: here's how to set up your limited company.
Banking AI job cuts 2026 — what redundant finance professionals need to know about going limited companyFCA AI regulation and Making Tax Digital 2026 — what limited company contractors need to know
FCA AI regulation, Making Tax Digital April 2026, and what automated HMRC compliance checks mean for limited company contractors. Stay ahead of the changes.
FCA AI regulation and Making Tax Digital 2026 — what limited company contractors need to knowAllica Bank and the British Business Bank's £350m ENABLE deal — what it means for contractor Ltd Co finance
The British Business Bank's £350m ENABLE Guarantee with Allica Bank unlocks more SME lending for contractor limited companies. Here's what it means and how to qualify.
Allica Bank and the British Business Bank's £350m ENABLE deal — what it means for contractor Ltd Co financeShould I move my buy-to-let into a limited company? A contractor landlord's guide for 2026
Section 24, higher corporation tax vs income tax, SDLT surcharges and incorporation relief — what contractor landlords need to know before moving buy-to-let into a Ltd Co in 2026.
Should I move my buy-to-let into a limited company? A contractor landlord's guide for 2026UK inflation forecast at 6% — what it means for your limited company contractor take-home in 2026
CPI forecast to hit 6% in Q2 2026. Here's how fiscal drag, frozen thresholds and rising costs affect your contractor Ltd Co take-home — and what to do about it.
UK inflation forecast at 6% — what it means for your limited company contractor take-home in 2026AI is accelerating financial crime — what limited company contractors need to know
The FCA says AI is making financial crime faster and more sophisticated. 444,000 fraud cases in 2025. Contractors running limited companies are a known target. Here's how to stay safe.
AI is accelerating financial crime — what limited company contractors need to knowLate Payments Bill 2026: new protection for freelance and limited company contractors
The Small Business Protections (Late Payments) Bill caps payment terms at 60 days and gives contractors new enforcement rights. What you need to know and do now.
Late Payments Bill 2026: new protection for freelance and limited company contractorsOptimal salary and dividend split for limited company contractors in 2026/27
Dividend tax rates rose 2pp in April 2026. Here's the optimal salary and dividend split for limited company contractors in 2026/27 — with worked examples.
Optimal salary and dividend split for limited company contractors in 2026/27Rent controls and mortgage interest relief — what contractor-landlords need to understand
JRF proposes rent controls paired with restored mortgage interest relief. For contractor-landlords, Section 24 already costs thousands. Here's what the proposals mean for your tax position.
Rent controls and mortgage interest relief — what contractor-landlords need to understandIT contractor demand is surging in 2026 — is your tax structure keeping up?
IT contractor demand lunged toward growth in April 2026. Average day rates hit £390 — £900+ for AI specialists. Here's how to structure your limited company tax efficiently.
IT contractor demand is surging in 2026 — is your tax structure keeping up?Rental income tax is rising from 2027 — what contractor-landlords need to do now
The Chancellor is raising income tax rates on rental income from 2027: basic rate 20% to 22%, higher rate 40% to 42%. Here's what contractor-landlords need to do now.
Rental income tax is rising from 2027 — what contractor-landlords need to do nowMTD for Income Tax is live — what sole trader contractors must do now
MTD ITSA went live 6 April 2026 for sole traders with income over £50,000. Ltd company contractors are outside scope — but sole traders must act now. Here's what you need to know.
MTD for Income Tax is live — what sole trader contractors must do nowThe Renters' Rights Act is live — what contractor landlords need to do before 31 May 2026
The Renters' Rights Act is live. Contractor landlords face fines up to £7,000 for missing the 31 May 2026 deadline. Here's what you need to do — and how it affects your tax.
The Renters' Rights Act is live — what contractor landlords need to do before 31 May 2026You've Sorted Your Accountancy. Have You Sorted Your Protection?
Four in ten homeowners have no income protection. For limited company contractors with no sick pay, the gap is even wider. Here's why the smartest contractors fix this early.
You've Sorted Your Accountancy. Have You Sorted Your Protection?Homebuying Reform Is Coming — Good News If You're a Contractor Buyer
MPs are calling for earlier binding contracts and sweeping reforms to the homebuying process. Here's what the proposals mean for contractors trying to buy.
Homebuying Reform Is Coming — Good News If You're a Contractor BuyerThe IR35 offset rule — what it is and when it applies
The offset rule prevents double taxation when HMRC challenges an outside IR35 determination — but it's not automatic. Recent cases show it doesn't always work as intended.
The IR35 Offset Rule — What It Is and When It AppliesJoint and Several Liability — what changes from April 2026
From April 6th 2026, recruitment agencies face joint and several liability for unpaid PAYE where umbrella companies fail. What this means for contractors working through agencies.
Joint and Several Liability for Contractors — What It MeansWhat is a Status Determination Statement — and why every outside IR35 contractor needs one
A Status Determination Statement (SDS) is your primary evidence of IR35 status. Required since April 2021 for medium and large companies. Without it, your status is harder to defend.
Status Determination Statements — Contractor Guide 2026Staying compliant in a changing landscape.
Autobooks tracks developments and keeps your tax position optimised.
Full-service contractor accountancy from £89+VAT/month.