Author Archives: Jasmin Bailey

Spring Forecast 2026: What It Means for Businesses and Individuals

Jasmin Bailey - jasmin.bailey@goodmanjones.com

Posted on 5th March 2026

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Spring Forecast 2026: What It Means for Businesses and Individuals

The Spring Forecast 2026, announced on 3 March, presents a mixed yet overall stabilising outlook for the UK economy as it heads into a period of slower but more predictable growth. The updated projections show GDP growth revised down to 1.1%, reflecting softer economic performance at the end of 2025 and continued uncertainty in global markets. Unemployment is expected to peak later this year, and although inflation is gradually easing, geopolitical tensions still pose a risk of renewed cost pressures, particularly in energy‑linked areas.

Despite this caution, the fiscal position offers some reassurance. There were no substantive tax changes, and government borrowing is still forecast to fall in the years ahead, helping maintain fiscal headroom ahead of the Autumn Budget. For both households and businesses, this provides a degree of stability during a period otherwise characterised by economic adjustment.

What the Forecast Means for You

For businesses:
The combination of lower growth and shifting cost pressures may influence decisions across investment, hiring, pricing, and planning. Organisations may need to take a more measured approach to budget management, workforce planning, and medium‑term investment as the economic environment evolves. Volatility in energy prices and supply‑chain costs also highlights the importance of resilience planning and regular financial forecasting.

For individuals:
While easing inflation offers welcome relief, its impact will not be felt evenly. Uncertainty around employment and energy costs means households may continue to experience pressure on disposable income. Careful financial planning remains important, particularly for those expecting major life changes or large financial commitments in the year ahead.

A Timely Planning Opportunity: Dividend Tax Changes

An important point within the forecast is the upcoming increase to dividend tax rates for middle earners. This creates a short window for owner‑managed and family businesses to extract dividends before Easter while current, lower rates are still available. Although doing so accelerates the timing of the tax payment, many will still benefit from the overall tax saving. Reviewing remuneration strategies now may help individuals and businesses make the most informed decision.

Read our full Spring Forecast overview to understand what these changes mean for you and your organisation: Goodman Jones Spring Forecast 2026.

The information in this article was correct at the date it was first published.

However it is of a generic nature and cannot constitute advice. Specific advice should be sought before any action taken.

If you would like to discuss how this applies to you, we would be delighted to talk to you. Please make contact with the author on the details shown below.

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Goodman Jones Spring Journal: The Tax and Economic Developments Defining the Year Ahead

Jasmin Bailey - jasmin.bailey@goodmanjones.com

Posted on 3rd March 2026

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Welcome to the Goodman Jones Spring Journal 2026, your essential update on the reforms and economic shifts shaping the year ahead. This edition brings together the most important developments in tax, accounting, regulation and business planning, giving leaders, finance teams, landlords, advisers and individuals the context and clarity they need to make informed decisions.

With global growth slowing, geopolitical tensions rising and UK regulation continuing to evolve, this journal sets out what is changing, why it matters and how these developments may influence the choices you make in the months ahead. Our aim is to equip you with insight that helps you plan confidently and respond proactively to an increasingly complex landscape.

Goodman Jones Journal Spring

What’s Inside

Highlights from this edition:

Global Uncertainty and Regulatory Shifts

A high level look at the economic and regulatory backdrop shaping 2026, from global instability to major UK reforms, and how updates to FRS 102, revenue recognition and Making Tax Digital may influence financial planning, balance sheets and confidence across the market.

ISA Changes

A clear snapshot of the upcoming ISA landscape, including the new £12,000 cash ISA cap for under 65s, frozen subscription limits and the government’s direction on long term saving and investment, plus what these shifts may mean for personal planning.

Salary Sacrifice Reform

A concise overview of the 2029 changes to pension salary sacrifice, including the new £2,000 NIC exempt cap and what rising NIC costs could mean for both employers and employees, alongside planning points and alternative approaches to sustain employee benefits.

Companies House Fee Increases

A quick guide to the February 2026 rise in Companies House fees, from incorporation costs to confirmation statements, and what organisations should factor into compliance budgets.

EMI Share Options Expanded

A look at the widened EMI eligibility rules from April 2026, including higher thresholds and extended exercise periods, and why scale ups and growing companies may want to revisit their equity incentive planning.

Landmark Property Law Reforms (May 2026)

An outline of the major rental reforms coming into force from May 2026, including periodic tenancies replacing fixed terms, the abolition of Section 21, updated eviction grounds and new compliance requirements, alongside the 2027 rise in property income tax rates.

Inheritance Tax and Business Relief Updates

A brief update on the government’s recent business relief U-turns, including the move to a £2.5m 100% allowance, and why the changes may have very different implications for married and unmarried couples.

Making Tax Digital

A short preview of the phased rollout of Making Tax Digital from April 2026, highlighting who enters the regime first, how thresholds tighten, and the shift towards quarterly digital reporting.

Plus, in this edition

Early Spring Forecast: An early March OBR update setting the tone for the economic year ahead.

Capital Allowances Cut: Writing down allowances on main pool plant and machinery falling to 14% from 2026.

Corporation Late Filing Penalties: A sharper penalty regime, with steeper consequences for persistent late filers.

Homeworking Tax Relief Cut: The end of the £6 weekly deduction, with employer reimbursed costs still exempt.

View the full Spring Journal here: Goodman Jones Journal Spring

Who it’s relevant to

This edition is ideal for business leaders, finance teams, landlords and property investors, self employed individuals and landlords entering Making Tax Digital, high net worth families, employers reviewing benefits, and companies handling compliance or equity incentives.

The information in this article was correct at the date it was first published.

However it is of a generic nature and cannot constitute advice. Specific advice should be sought before any action taken.

If you would like to discuss how this applies to you, we would be delighted to talk to you. Please make contact with the author on the details shown below.

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ATED: What Companies Must Do Before 30 April 2027

Jasmin Bailey - jasmin.bailey@goodmanjones.com

Posted on 3rd March 2026

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If your Limited Company, Family Investment Company (FIC), or group structure holds UK residential property, now is the moment to check whether Annual Tax on Enveloped Dwellings (ATED) applies. Many companies only discover an ATED obligation after a deadline has passed, often because a relief applies (so no tax is due) but a return still needs to be filed.

This short guide explains who needs to file, key deadlines, common reliefs, current charges, and what to do now, including how to prepare for the next revaluation date in April 2027.

Quick Summary

You may need to file an ATED return if:

UK residential property is owned by a non-natural person (such as a company, partnership with a corporate member, or certain collective investment schemes), and
valued over £500,000.

Important: Even if a relief reduces the ATED charge to nil, a return must still be submitted to claim it.

What Is ATED and Who Needs to File?

ATED (Annual Tax on Enveloped Dwellings) is an annual tax that applies where a UK residential property worth over £500,000 is owned by a non-natural person, including:

A company (including overseas companies)
A partnership with a corporate member
Certain collective investment schemes

A property is within scope if it is used or suitable for use as a dwelling, including associated grounds.

Excluded categories can include: student halls of residence and boarding school accommodation, hotels, care homes, hospitals, and prisons.

Common ATED Reliefs and Exemptions

Reliefs can reduce an ATED liability to nil, but you still need to file a return. Common reliefs include:

Property let commercially to third parties
Property under development for resale
Traders’ stock of property
Employee accommodation provided by a trading business
Farmhouses for working farmers
Registered providers of social housing

Certain entities, such as charitable companies using the dwelling for charitable purposes, may be exempt.

Tip: Relief positions can change during the year. If circumstances change after filing, an amended return may be required.

Deadlines and Payment Dates (the ones people miss)

Annual filing (in advance)

ATED returns must be submitted between 1 April and 30 April for the coming chargeable period (1 April to 31 March).

Deadline for 2026/27: 30 April 2026
Payment (if applicable): also due by 30 April 2026

Unlike most tax returns, ATED is filed in advance. This catches people out, so keep a record of changes during the year (for example, a property stops being let, or is occupied).

On acquisition during the year

Where a company acquires a qualifying property during the year, the ATED return is due within 30 days of acquisition.

For new builds, the return is due within 90 days from the earlier of:

The property becoming a dwelling for council tax purposes, or
First occupation

Late filing or late payment can lead to penalties.

Current ATED Charges for 2025/26 and 2026/27

ATED charges generally increase in line with CPI inflation. Standard annual charges are:

Property Banding	2025/26	2026/27
£500,000 to £1,000,000	£4,450	£4,600
£1,000,001 to £2,000,000	£9,150	£9,450
£2,000,001 to £5,000,000	£31,050	£32,200
£5,000,001 to £10,000,000	£72,700	£75,450
£10,000,001 to £20,000,000	£145,950	£151,450
£20,000,001+	£292,350	£303,450

Valuation Requirements and the 2027 Revaluation (plan ahead)

For ATED returns from 2023/24 to 2027/28, companies must use the property value as at 1 April 2022, unless the property was acquired later (in which case the acquisition cost applies).

Next major revaluation: 1 April 2027

A new valuation date of 1 April 2027 will apply for ATED periods 2028/29 through 2032/33.

This is worth planning for early, especially where a property could sit close to a band threshold, or where your business did not fall within the scope of ATED before because residential property was valued below £500,000 but in April 2027 it is over £500,000.

HMRC accepts:

A self-valuation (director or in-house team), or
A professional valuation by a qualified surveyor/valuer.

Valuations must be on an open market basis and expressed as a specific amount in sterling. HMRC may enquire into returns and challenge valuations.

What You Should Do Now (checklist)

As ATED season approaches:

Check if you have a business (i.e. limited company, partnership with corporate member, etc.) that owns UK residential property above £500,000

Check whether a relief applies and whether you have evidence to support it
Review any acquisitions, disposals, or changes in use that could trigger a new or amended filing
Plan for the revaluation April 2027 revaluation
Diary the annual filing and payment deadline: 30 April

Need Help?

We can support with the full ATED compliance process, including:

Preparing ATED chargeable returns
Submitting relevant relief claims, and advice on relief eligibility
Assisting with pre-return banding checks to ensure the correct valuation band is used
Advice on upcoming revaluations
Ongoing reporting requirements and amended returns where circumstances change

If you would like tailored support with your 2026/27 ATED return or any earlier outstanding filings, please get in touch via: ATED@goodmanjones.com

Author: La’Tisha Thompson

The information in this article was correct at the date it was first published.

However it is of a generic nature and cannot constitute advice. Specific advice should be sought before any action taken.

If you would like to discuss how this applies to you, we would be delighted to talk to you. Please make contact with the author on the details shown below.

Comment on this...