September: Key Finance News

As summer winds down and we head into a new season, it’s important to stay focused and up to date with the latest business news, and September has plenty to keep an eye on, so, let’s get into it.

Inflation rises as interest rates stay the same

The latest figures show that UK inflation rose to 3.1% in August, up from 2.9% in July.

At the same time, the Bank of England has kept interest rates at 3.75%.

For businesses, rising prices can mean higher costs for things like supplies, wages and energy, while interest rates can affect borrowing and cash flow.

It could be a good time to review:

Every business will feel these changes differently, so understanding what they mean for your own numbers is what matters most.

If you’re feeling unsure or concerned about what this could mean for your business, speak to us.

Making Tax Digital: HMRC starts signing businesses up

If you’re self-employed or a landlord, Making Tax Digital could already affect you.

From April 2026, businesses with qualifying income over £50,000 have needed to keep digital records and send updates to HMRC during the year. The threshold will reduce to £30,000 from April 2027.

HMRC has now started contacting businesses that need to use Making Tax Digital but haven’t signed up yet.

What does this mean for your business?

If you think you may be affected, now is a good time to check your income, records and accounting software.

If you’re unsure whether Making Tax Digital applies to you, please get in touch and we can help.

Benefits in Kind: changes coming in 2027

From April 2027, employers will need to report certain employee benefits through their payroll.

This will initially include benefits such as company cars, car fuel, vans, van fuel and private medical insurance.

Most other benefits will follow from April 2028.

What does this mean for your business?

If you provide benefits to your employees, it’s worth checking that your payroll software and processes are ready for the changes.

There is nothing you need to change immediately, but planning could make the transition much easier.

Budget 2026: date announced

The government has confirmed that the 2026 Budget will take place on 28th October.

The Budget could bring changes that affect businesses, so we’ll be keeping an eye on the announcements and sharing any important updates on our socials.

Self-Assessment changes for company directors

There are some new questions for directors of close companies when completing their Self-Assessment tax return for 2025/26.

Directors may now need to provide information about:

  • The company they are a director of
  • Their shareholding
  • Dividends received

This applies even in some situations where a director hasn’t received a salary or dividends.

What does this mean for your business?

If you’re a company director and complete a Self-Assessment tax return, make sure you have the right company and shareholding information available when completing your return.

Employment law changes: are you ready?

Further changes under the Employment Rights Act are being introduced during 2026 and 2027.

These include changes around areas such as workplace harassment, flexible working, unfair dismissal and employment rights.

For employers, it’s worth making sure your contracts, policies and processes are kept up to date.

It’s a good time to:

  • Review your employment policies
  • Check your contracts
  • Make sure managers understand any changes
  • Keep up to date with further guidance

If you have employees and aren’t sure what changes could affect you, we can help point you in the right direction – click here to chat to us.

Companies House: changes to strike-off objections

From 1st December 2026, objections to a company being struck off will need to be submitted through an online service.

You will no longer be able to make an objection by email.

Companies House is also moving towards individual GOV.UK One Login accounts, so it’s worth making sure your business records and access are up to date.

Apprenticeship funding changes

Changes to apprenticeship funding came into effect in August.

The changes give employers more flexibility over the training they can use their apprenticeship funding for, while there are also changes to how long funding can remain available.

For smaller businesses, funding is still available for eligible apprentices, with additional support for younger workers.

What does this mean for your business?

If you’re considering taking on an apprentice, it could be worth checking what funding is available before making a decision.

If you’re unsure what any of these updates mean for you, please get in touch, we’re always happy to help!

MAIN TAX EVENTS HAPPENING IN OCTOBER: GET AHEAD

DATE

WHAT’S DUE

 1 October

Corporation Tax for year to 31/12/2025, unless quarterly instalments apply

 19 October

PAYE & NIC deductions, and CIS return and tax, for month to 05/10/2026 (due 22 October if you pay electronically)

These are also the due dates for Class 1B NICs due under PAYE Settlement Agreements

 

28 October

 

Chancellor John Healey delivers Autumn Budget 2026

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