Tax Insights
Expert commentary on UK tax law, HMRC developments, and tax planning strategies from Simon Newsham CTA — a Chartered Tax Adviser with over 30 years' experience.
SDLT Rates and Reliefs in 2026-27: A Practical Guide for UK Property Buyers
Stamp Duty Land Tax rates, the 5% additional dwelling surcharge, first-time buyer relief and specialist SDLT planning opportunities for 2026-27 property purchases.
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Capital Gains Tax in 2026-27: Rates, Allowances and Planning After the BADR Increase
CGT rates of 18% and 24%, the £3,000 annual exemption, and what the BADR rise to 18% means for selling a business, shares or property in 2026-27.
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Moving to the UK in 2026: The FIG Regime, Statutory Residence Test and Cross-Border Tax Planning
How the 2026 Foreign Income and Gains regime, the statutory residence test and double-tax treaties shape tax for individuals relocating to the UK.
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Selling a Business in 2026-27: BADR at 18%, Deal Structuring and Tax Planning
How the BADR rise to 18%, share vs asset sales, earn-outs and pre-sale structuring shape the tax on selling a UK business in 2026-27.
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How Much SDLT Do I Pay on a Second Home in 2026-27?
Second-home buyers pay SDLT at 5% to 17% because a 5% additional dwelling surcharge is added to every band. On a £500,000 second home, that is £40,000.
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What Is the FIG Regime? UK Tax for New Residents Explained (2026)
The FIG regime gives qualifying new UK residents a four-year exemption from UK tax on foreign income and gains, replacing the abolished non-dom remittance basis from 6 April 2025.
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What Is Business Asset Disposal Relief (BADR) and How Much Can It Save in 2026?
BADR caps CGT at 18% on the first £1m of qualifying lifetime gains from selling a business. As at August 2026, it saves higher-rate taxpayers up to £60,000 — but nothing for basic-rate taxpayers.
Read moreWhat Is the UK Capital Gains Tax Rate in 2026-27?
As at August 2026, UK CGT rates are 18% (basic) and 24% (higher/additional), with a £3,000 annual exemption. Main residences are exempt; second homes, shares and businesses are chargeable.
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How Is Selling a Business Taxed in the UK? A 2026 Guide
Selling a UK business is taxed as a capital gain at 18% or 24%, or 18% on up to £1m with BADR. As at August 2026, a share sale is almost always more tax-efficient than an asset sale.
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Do Non-UK Residents Pay SDLT? The 2% Surcharge Explained (2026)
Yes — non-UK residents pay an extra 2% SDLT surcharge on UK residential property, on top of standard rates and the 5% second-home surcharge. As at August 2026, that can mean SDLT of up to 19%.
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Business Property Relief: How to Claim 100% IHT Relief on Business Assets
Business Property Relief can provide 100% IHT relief on qualifying business assets. This guide explains how BPR works, the trading requirement, the 2-year rule, and how to use BPR to eliminate IHT on business wealth.
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Multiple Dwellings Relief Abolished: Can You Still Claim SDLT Savings on Annexes?
Multiple Dwellings Relief (MDR) was abolished from 1 June 2024 — but retrospective claims and transitional provisions mean some buyers can still save tens of thousands. Here's what you need to know.
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CSOP vs EMI: Which Share Scheme Is Right for Your Business?
EMI and CSOP both offer 10% CGT and no income tax on exercise — but different limits and eligibility. This guide compares the two schemes side by side to help you choose the right one for your business.
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COP9 Investigation: A Complete Guide to the Contractual Disclosure Facility
COP9 is HMRC's most serious investigation — suspected tax fraud. This guide explains the Contractual Disclosure Facility, penalties, how to make a full disclosure, and why accepting the CDF is almost always the right choice.
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IHT Changes April 2026: What the New £2.5m BPR Cap Means for Business Owners
From 6 April 2026, Business Property Relief and Agricultural Property Relief are capped at £2.5 million for 100% relief — with only 50% relief above that. Spouses can now shield up to £5 million combined, AIM shares drop to 50% relief, and anti-forestalling rules catch gifts back to October 2024. Here's what business owners and families need to know.
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BlueCrest Loses £200m Supreme Court Tax Case: What LLPs Need to Know
The Supreme Court has unanimously dismissed BlueCrest's appeal over the 'salaried member' rules. We break down what the decision means for LLPs, partners, and anyone using a partner incentivisation plan.
Read moreSDLT Relief Claims: The Complete Guide to Reducing Stamp Duty Land Tax
A comprehensive guide to every SDLT relief and exemption available in 2026. Learn how to legitimately reduce stamp duty on residential, commercial, and mixed-use property transactions with specialist planning.
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Inheritance Tax Planning for Business Owners: A Complete Guide
Business owners face unique IHT challenges. This complete guide covers Business Property Relief, succession planning, trust structures, and how to protect your business from a 40% IHT charge on death.
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EMI Share Schemes: The Complete Setup Guide for UK Companies
A step-by-step guide to setting up an Enterprise Management Incentives (EMI) scheme. Learn about eligibility, valuation, the 92-day notification, tax advantages, and how to avoid common compliance pitfalls.
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HMRC Tax Enquiry: What to Do When HMRC Investigates You
Receiving an HMRC enquiry letter can be alarming. This complete guide explains the types of enquiries, your rights, the process, and how to achieve the best outcome — from opening letter to tribunal.
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Corporate Tax Restructuring: A Complete Guide for UK Businesses
From demergers to group simplification, this guide covers every aspect of corporate tax restructuring. Learn how to reorganise your business tax-efficiently, obtain HMRC clearances, and avoid common pitfalls.
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US Citizens Moving to the UK: A Complete Tax Guide for 2026
Moving from the US to the UK? As a US citizen, you'll face tax obligations in both countries. This comprehensive guide covers residence, the double tax treaty, PFICs, pensions, and pre-arrival planning.
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IHT Planning for London Homeowners: Protecting Your Estate in 2026
With London property values pushing more estates above the IHT threshold, proactive planning has never been more important. Here's how London homeowners can protect their wealth for the next generation.
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SDLT Planning for London Property Buyers: A 2026 Guide
London property transactions involve some of the highest SDLT liabilities in the UK. From multiple dwellings relief to mixed-use purchases, here's how buyers can legitimately reduce their stamp duty bill.
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Setting Up a Property Company for Buy-to-Let: A Landlord's Tax Guide
Record numbers of landlords are transferring their buy-to-let properties into limited companies to cut their tax bills. We explain the pros, cons, costs, and tax implications — and when incorporation makes sense.
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Non-Dom Tax Changes: The 2025 FIG Regime Explained
The non-dom regime is gone. From April 2025, the new 4-year Foreign Income and Gains (FIG) regime replaces the remittance basis. This guide explains who qualifies, how it works, and what it means for international individuals.
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US-UK Double Tax Treaty Explained: What Americans Relocating to London Need to Know
The US-UK Double Taxation Convention determines which country taxes what income. From the Foreign Tax Credit to PFICs and pension provisions, here's what Americans relocating to London need to know.
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Share Buybacks Explained: Capital or Income Treatment?
When a company purchases its own shares from a shareholder, the tax treatment of the proceeds is not always straightforward. We explain when capital treatment applies, what HMRC looks for, and how to avoid the most common pitfalls.
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AMAP Mileage Rates Rise to 55p: What Employees and the Self-Employed Need to Know
The Approved Mileage Allowance Payment (AMAP) rate has increased to 55p per mile from 6 April 2026 — the first change in 15 years. Here is what employees, employers and the self-employed need to know.
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Football Referees Are Not Employees: What the Latest PGMOL IR35 Decision Means for Businesses and Contractors
Analysis of the 2026 PGMOL vs HMRC tribunal ruling. Learn why football referees were found to be self-employed and what it means for your IR35 status.
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UK Residence Test: How Transit Days and Exceptional Circumstances Beat HMRC
A recent First-tier Tribunal ruling shows how carefully documented transit days and exceptional circumstances can be decisive in a UK tax residence dispute — and what non-resident taxpayers should learn from it.
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SDLT Planning for LGBTQ+ Couples & Property Purchases
Strategic SDLT planning for same-sex couples buying property together. Save thousands on Stamp Duty Land Tax with the right approach.
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Tax Planning for LGBTQ+ Business Owners
Strategic tax advice for LGBTQ+ business owners: corporation tax, dividend strategies, pension planning, and business succession planning.
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IHT Planning for Same-Sex Couples & Civil Partnerships
Essential inheritance tax planning strategies for same-sex couples, civil partnerships, and unmarried partners. Understand reliefs, exemptions, and wealth structuring options.
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How a Small Property Share Can Cost You £29,000 in SDLT
Holding even a small beneficial interest in another property can disqualify you from first-time buyer SDLT relief — and trigger the 5% higher rates surcharge. A real-world example where the SDLT bill jumped from £5,000 to £34,000.
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Scottish Businesses and LBTT: The Tax Differences You Need to Know if You're Based in Edinburgh
Scottish residents with property or business interests across the UK face a unique set of tax challenges. Newshams Tax Advisers explains how to navigate IHT, LBTT and cross-border tax planning.
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Richmond and Wimbledon Business Owners: Is Your Corporate Tax Structure Working Hard Enough?
South West London is home to a thriving community of SMEs, professional practices and high-growth businesses. Here's how specialist tax planning can protect and grow your bottom line.
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Birmingham Business Owners: The Corporate Tax and IHT Questions You Should Be Asking Right Now
Birmingham's business community is one of the UK's most dynamic. Newshams Tax Advisers outlines the key corporate tax and IHT planning opportunities for Midlands business owners.
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Manchester's Growing Wealth — and the Inheritance Tax Planning Questions That Come With It
Manchester's growing wealth management market means more families need specialist IHT advice. Newshams Tax Advisers explains the key planning strategies for Manchester residents.
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Selling Your Business in Kensington, Chelsea or Fulham? Here's What the Tax Bill Could Look Like
Business owners in Kensington, Chelsea and Fulham face unique tax challenges when selling, restructuring or passing on their companies. Here's a guide to the key planning opportunities.
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The Shoreditch Property Investor's Guide to SDLT and Corporate Tax
The Shoreditch and Old Street corridor has become one of London's most active commercial property markets. Newshams Tax Advisers explains the key SDLT and tax planning considerations for buyers and investors.
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Buying Property in the City or Canary Wharf? Here's What the SDLT Bill Could Look Like
Commercial and mixed-use property deals in Canary Wharf and the City of London can carry significant SDLT liabilities. Specialist advice can make a material difference to the tax cost.
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Why Prime Central London Families in Mayfair and Westminster Face a Growing IHT Bill
High net worth individuals in Mayfair and Westminster face some of the most complex inheritance tax challenges in the UK. Here's what you need to know about protecting your estate.
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Islington and Hackney Homeowners: How Rising Property Values Are Creating an Inheritance Tax Problem
Property values in Islington and Hackney have risen dramatically over the past two decades. Many families now face significant IHT liabilities they haven't planned for. Here's what Newshams Tax Advisers recommends.
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The IHT Challenge Facing North London Families in Hampstead, Highgate and Barnet
North London's most affluent areas are home to families with significant property wealth and complex inheritance tax needs. Here's what specialist planning can achieve.
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SDLT on Mixed-Use Properties: What You Need to Know in 2025
Mixed-use properties attract lower SDLT rates than pure residential — but HMRC scrutiny is increasing. We explain when mixed-use treatment applies and the risks of getting it wrong.
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Why Kensington and Chelsea Families Face a Growing IHT Bill — and What to Do About It
Business Property Relief can provide up to 100% relief from Inheritance Tax on qualifying business assets — but the rules are nuanced and the stakes are high.
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Structuring a Business Sale: The Tax Questions You Must Answer First
The structure of a business sale — share sale versus asset sale, earn-outs, deferred consideration — has profound tax consequences for both buyer and seller.
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UK Domicile, Non-Doms and the New Residence-Based System: What Changes in 2025
The non-domicile regime has undergone its most significant reform in decades. We explain what has changed, who is affected, and what planning steps to consider.
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Share Schemes Explained: EMI Options and Why They Matter
Enterprise Management Incentives (EMI) options are one of the most tax-efficient ways to reward and retain key employees. Here's what founders and FDs need to know.
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Landlords Want Capital Gains Tax Changes Reversed
41% of landlords want to see a reversal of the Government's proposed changes to CGT allowances. Here's what you need to know.
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Sole Director Companies – Are You Making Decisions Unlawfully?
Urgent action needed for sole directors with model articles. Understand your legal obligations before it's too late.
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US Businesses: Are You Missing Out on $26,000 Per Employee?
Businesses and non-profits can access free cash as part of the US Government's COVID financial support package.
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