Day: 4 August 2026

The Pensions Tax Manual is HMRC’s comprehensive guidance document covering the legislation and regulations that govern the taxation of pension schemes in the UK. First introduced in 2015, it superseded the previous Registered Pension Schemes Manual and serves as the authoritative reference for how pension scheme tax rules are applied. The manual provides detailed information on compliance requirements and tax treatment for pension scheme administrators, trustees, and employers. This guidance is essential for understanding the current pension schemes tax regime and ensuring adherence to HMRC requirements.

Source: HMRC (GOV.UK) – Read the original

Executors and administrators must submit form IHT400 to HMRC when applying for probate or confirmation if the deceased’s estate has Inheritance Tax due or does not meet the criteria for an excepted estate. This form is mandatory for estates that fall outside simplified reporting procedures, ensuring HMRC can assess the tax position before the court grants authority to deal with the estate. The requirement applies across all jurisdictions within the UK where probate or confirmation is needed.

Source: HMRC (GOV.UK) – Read the original

HMRC has issued its August 2026 bulletin detailing modifications to how employment related securities net settlement transactions must be reported, alongside revised guidance for Save As You Earn schemes and Enterprise Management Incentive arrangements. The bulletin addresses compliance obligations for employers and participants dealing with share schemes and options. These updates affect businesses operating employee share plans and the individuals participating in such programmes across the UK.

Source: HMRC (GOV.UK) – Read the original

HMRC is promoting the Tax-Free Childcare scheme, which allows eligible parents to save money on childcare costs through the government-supported programme. The scheme enables families to receive tax relief on childcare payments for children under 15 years old. Eligible parents can open an online account and receive government top-ups on contributions made towards registered childcare providers.

Source: HMRC (GOV.UK) – Read the original

Payment providers offering Tax-Free Childcare services are required to complete a sign-up process with HMRC before processing customer accounts. The registration involves meeting specific requirements and fulfilling certain obligations as a designated payment provider within the scheme. Providers must ensure they have all necessary documentation and understand their responsibilities before commencing operations.

Source: HMRC (GOV.UK) – Read the original

HMRC has released a reference list of genuine text messages to help traders and individuals distinguish legitimate communications from scam attempts. The resource allows recipients to cross-check messages they have received against confirmed authentic HMRC texts. This measure aims to combat fraudulent messaging schemes that impersonate the tax authority to capture personal or financial information from customs and trade businesses.

Source: HMRC (GOV.UK) – Read the original

HMRC has published guidance on the application process for businesses seeking to operate premises as an excise warehouse, which requires prior approval. The guidance covers the submission requirements for new applications and clarifies when operators must inform HMRC of changes to their warehouse operations or premises details.

Source: HMRC (GOV.UK) – Read the original

Excise Notice 179 provides guidance to warehousekeepers of motor and heating fuels regarding their accounting responsibilities and excise duty obligations in the UK. The notice covers the general principles, record-keeping requirements, and VAT treatment that fuel warehouse operators must follow. This guidance applies to businesses involved in storing and managing motor fuels and heating fuels under excise warehouse arrangements.

Source: HMRC (GOV.UK) – Read the original

HMRC has published guidance covering the legislative framework that governs corporate finance transactions, including loan relationships, foreign exchange contracts and derivative instruments. The manual serves as an introductory resource for understanding the tax and regulatory requirements applicable to these financial arrangements. The guidance is designed to help businesses and their advisers navigate the complex rules that apply to financing activities and hedging strategies.

Source: HMRC (GOV.UK) – Read the original

HMRC has published official statistics on property rental income and expenses reported through Income Tax Self-Assessment returns for the five tax years from 2020-21 to 2024-25. The data covers individual landlords filing ITSA returns but excludes incorporated businesses, property sales, and tenant information. This statistical release provides insights into the rental property sector based on self-assessment declarations submitted to HMRC.

Source: HMRC (GOV.UK) – Read the original