Opus Insights
Insights
Tax, compliance and business commentary, updated as the rules change.
Showing 1–6 of 6 articles in General
HMRC targets persistent tax debts
HMRC is reviewing proposals to introduce new powers for recovering lower-value, persistent tax debts from individuals and businesses that repeatedly fail to engage with collection efforts. The proposa…
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Winter Fuel Payment opt-out deadline approaches
Pensioners who do not want to receive the Winter Fuel Payment for winter 2026-27 have until September to opt out. The payment will be recovered through the tax system from those whose total income exc…
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What is a reasonable excuse for missing a tax deadline?
Missing a tax deadline can result in penalties from HMRC, but a taxpayer may be able to appeal if they have a genuine reasonable excuse. Whether an excuse is accepted depends on the individual facts a…
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Budget date announced for 2026
The new Chancellor of the Exchequer, John Healey has confirmed, in a video message, that the next UK Budget will take place on Wednesday, 28 October 2026. Details of all the Budget announcements will…
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Is HMRC holding money that belongs to you?
It is important to know if HMRC is holding money that belongs to you. For example, if you have paid too much tax to HMRC, you may be able to claim a tax refund (also known as a tax rebate). Overpaymen…
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Child Benefit and the High Income Child Benefit Charge
The High Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC) applies where an individual or their partner receives Child Benefit, and their adjusted net income currently exceeds £60,000. The charge may also apply whe…
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