Month: August 2026

Businesses will soon be required to notify HMRC of certain changes affecting their business rates position under a new duty to notify requirement. The guidance clarifies which changes must be reported and outlines the reporting obligations traders will need to follow. This measure aims to improve compliance and ensure accurate business rates assessments across the UK. The specific implementation date and detailed reporting procedures are set out in the official HMRC guidance.

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

The August 2026 edition of HMRC’s bi-monthly Employer Bulletin has been published, providing employers and payroll agents with current guidance on payroll administration and compliance matters. This regular publication covers topical issues affecting employer responsibilities and PAYE obligations. The bulletin serves as a key reference for businesses managing employee tax and related statutory requirements.

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

HMRC has released transparency data detailing the business case for its Northern Ireland Delivery Programme. The document outlines the strategic objectives and rationale for the programme’s implementation in the region. This disclosure forms part of HMRC’s commitment to publishing key government spending and policy decisions. The release provides visibility into how the tax authority plans to deliver services and compliance functions in Northern Ireland.

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

HMRC has published a list of UK port locations that currently operate the Goods Vehicle Movement Service, a system used for managing the movement of goods vehicles at border facilities. The service enables operators and hauliers to track vehicle movements and coordinate logistics at participating ports. This information allows businesses to identify which ports have access to the GVMS platform for their customs and trade operations.

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

HMRC has published an Accounting Officer’s assessment of its Northern Ireland Delivery Programme, outlining key findings from the evaluation of this major government initiative. The report summarises the Accounting Officer’s views on the programme’s performance and management. This assessment provides transparency on how HMRC is delivering its commitments and priorities in Northern Ireland.

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

HMRC has published guidance setting out the full scope of VAT exemptions available when health professionals and healthcare institutions provide medical services and supplies. The guidance covers Group 7 exemptions under Schedule 9 of the VAT Act 1994, clarifying which healthcare-related activities qualify for relief from VAT. This applies to registered healthcare providers and medical practitioners operating across the UK who need to understand their VAT obligations when delivering healthcare services.

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

HMRC has published accredited official statistics on Research and Development Tax Credits for September 2026, marking the first release to include data on the new ERIS scheme and the Merged RDEC scheme. The statistics document the cost of R&D tax credits, their distribution among claiming companies, and characteristics of participating businesses. This publication provides insights into take-up and utilisation of the updated tax credit schemes introduced in the most recent tax year.

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

HMRC has published updated statistics on creative industries tax reliefs covering film, high-end television, animation, children’s television, video games, theatre, orchestra, and museum exhibitions for September 2026. The data includes information on Audio-Visual Expenditure Credit (AVEC) and Video Games Expenditure Credit (VGEC) schemes. These figures track relief claims and uptake across the various creative sectors eligible for government support.

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

The Department for Infrastructure has issued a commencement order to bring provisions of the Railways Safety Act (Northern Ireland) 2002 into effect. This order, made under section 8(2) of the 2002 Act, enables the regulatory framework governing railway safety standards and operations in Northern Ireland to become operational. The commencement marks the activation of safety requirements that had previously been legislated but not yet implemented across the region’s rail network.

Source: legislation.gov.uk – Read the original

HMRC has published its Tobacco Bulletin containing provisional duty receipts figures through July 2026 alongside production and clearances data up to June 2026. The accredited official statistics provide key metrics on tobacco market activity and tax revenues collected during the reporting period. This data serves as an important reference point for traders, compliance professionals and industry stakeholders monitoring tobacco sector trends and HMRC enforcement patterns.

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