Welcome to our September Newsletter

As autumn approaches, we bring you the latest updates on key financial and tax developments that may affect you and your business. This month’s edition covers important warnings for homebuyers on misleading Stamp Duty Land Tax claims, new protections against unfair bank account closures, and practical guidance on what to do if you find yourself unable to pay a tax bill. We also look at the upcoming Making Tax Digital requirements for self-employed individuals and landlords, including details on who may qualify for exemptions.

Finally, don’t miss our September and October tax diary, highlighting important deadlines to keep on your radar.

We hope you find this newsletter both informative and useful. As always, if you have any questions or need tailored advice, our team is here to help.

Homebuyers warning

Properties needing repairs still count as homes and false claims to recover Stamp Duty Land Tax could mean big tax bills and penalties.

HMRC has issued a warning to homebuyers about rogue tax agents promoting false Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) repayment claims, especially those based on the condition of properties. Following a recent Court of Appeal decision, it has been confirmed that properties requiring repairs remain liable for residential rates of SDLT if they retain the fundamental characteristics of a dwelling. This applies even if the properties are temporarily uninhabitable.

Some agents exploit this by misleading buyers into believing they can reclaim SDLT by arguing the property is “non-residential.” These agents often charge hefty fees and leave homeowners liable for repayment of the tax, penalties, and interest.

HMRC’s press release on the matter provides an illustrative example of a person who bought a house in London for £1,100,000 with his solicitor filing the SDLT return and SDLT being calculated at the residential rates (£53,750). The home required some modernisation and repair.

The homebuyer was then targeted by a repayment agent who claimed he could recover £9,250 in SDLT due to property repairs. The agent took a 30% fee, and the homebuyer received £6,475. Later, HMRC carried out a compliance check and found the property was residential all along. This meant that the homebuyer was left owing the full £9,250, plus interest and penalties, with the agent refusing to assist.

The case reinforces that a property’s poor condition does not alter its classification as a dwelling if it is structurally sound and previously used as a home. SDLT claims that are invalid can result in serious financial consequences for the buyer, who is ultimately responsible for the accuracy of any SDLT repayment submission.

We would be happy to help you consider where you are eligible to make a claim without incurring unnecessary fees or risks.

Rules to protect effects of debanking

Banks must now give 90 days’ notice before closing accounts, giving customers more time to respond.

Since April 2026, new government rules strengthen protections for individuals and small businesses at risk of unfair bank account closures. Under the legislation, banks and payment service providers are required to give at least 90 days’ written notice before closing an account or terminating a payment service, commonly known as debanking. A significant increase from the previous 2-month limit.

Banks are also required to provide a clear explanation for the closure, allowing customers to challenge the decision including through the Financial Ombudsman Service. These changes are designed to protect customers, particularly small businesses, who have often found their accounts shut down without notice or reason, leaving them unable to operate or seek alternatives.

The new rules form part of the government’s wider Plan for Change, aimed at delivering economic security and supporting growth. The rules came into force for relevant new contracts agreed from 28 April 2026 onwards and also apply to the termination of basic personal bank accounts.

There are exceptions in cases where closure is necessary to comply with financial crime laws. Existing protections which prohibit a bank from discriminating against a UK consumer based on political opinions or beliefs remain in place.

What happens if you cannot pay your tax bill?

If you cannot pay your tax bill, it’s crucial to contact HMRC as soon as possible. They may offer support through a Time to Pay arrangement, allowing you to repay your debt in instalments based on your financial situation. Ignoring the debt can lead to enforcement action, including visits to your home or business by HMRC or the use of debt collection agencies. The debt collection agencies are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and will only contact you by letter, phone, or SMS. They will not visit you in person at your home or place of work.

If these measures to do not work, HMRC can recover the debt using more serious measures. These include taking control of your possessions, recovering money directly from your bank account, adjusting your tax code or using court action. HMRC may also pursue debt through charging orders, deductions from wages or pensions or third-party debt orders.

If all else fails, insolvency proceedings may be started, including bankruptcy or winding-up orders. HMRC also has international recovery agreements that allow foreign tax authorities to collect UK tax debts if you live or have assets abroad.

If you are affected by any of these issues, please let us know so we can help you.

MTD for IT taxpayer exemption

From April 2026, the self-employed and landlords must use MTD for IT, but exemptions may apply in limited cases.

If you are self-employed or a landlord with income over £50,000, you will need to prepare for digital record keeping, quarterly updates and a new penalty system. While most affected taxpayers will be required to comply, there are limited exemptions available.

You can apply for an exemption if you believe you are digitally excluded. HMRC will consider applications on a case-by-case basis once the process opens.

You may be eligible if:

• it is not practical for you to use software to keep or submit digital records - this could be due to age, disability, location, or another reason; or
• you are a practising member of a religious society or order whose beliefs are incompatible with electronic communication and digital record keeping.

In addition, if HMRC has already confirmed that you are exempt from Making Tax Digital for VAT, you will need to contact them again once the MTD for IT application process opens. HMRC will then review your exemption. If your circumstances remain the same then HMRC will confirm you are also exempt from MTD for IT. If not, you will need to reapply.

Some taxpayers are automatically exempt from MTD for IT and do not need to apply.

These include:

• trustees, including charitable trustees and trustees of non-registered pension schemes
• individuals without a National Insurance number, applicable only if one is not held by 31 January before the start of the tax year
• personal representatives of someone who has died
• Lloyd’s member, in relation to your underwriting business
• non-resident companies

If you are automatically exempt, you do not need to apply for an exemption. If you do not use MTD for IT, you must continue to report your income and gains by submitting a self-assessment tax return if required.

Tax Diary September/October 2025

1 September 2025 - Due date for corporation tax due for the year ended 30 November 2024.

19 September 2025 - PAYE and NIC deductions due for month ended 5 September 2025. (If you pay your tax electronically the due date is 22 September 2025)

19 September 2025 - Filing deadline for the CIS300 monthly return for the month ended 5 September 2025.

19 September 2025 - CIS tax deducted for the month ended 5 September 2025 is payable by today.

1 October 2025 - Due date for Corporation Tax due for the year ended 31 December 2024.

19 October 2025 - PAYE and NIC deductions due for month ended 5 October 2025. (If you pay your tax electronically the due date is 22 October 2025)

19 October 2025 - Filing deadline for the CIS300 monthly return for the month ended 5 October 2025.

19 October 2025 - CIS tax deducted for the month ended 5 October 2025 is payable by today.

31 October 2025 - Latest date you can file a paper version of your 2024-25 self-assessment tax return.