New tax year brings contentious changes

26 Mar 2026

The start of the new tax year on 6 April 2026 will bring contentious changes with it, warns the Chartered Institute of Taxation (CIOT).

The most controversial change is the taxation of dividends and employee benefits as well as the introduction of Inheritance Tax (IHT) on family businesses and farms.

The government's Making Tax Digital for Income Tax programme will require most sole traders and landlords with income of more than £50,000 a year to keep digital records and make quarterly submissions to HMRC.

Over the next three tax years HMRC plans to bring 2.9 million self-assessment taxpayers into the programme, requiring them to use compatible software to keep digital records and submit quarterly updates and an annual return.

Most of the changes take effect on Monday 6 April, the start of the new tax year, though a few changes will be in place from Wednesday 1 April.

Ellen Milner, CIOT Director of Public Policy, said: 'Spring is a time of fresh starts, and for taxpayers it also marks the arrival of a new tax year and new tax rules.

'The most contentious change being made this April is bringing business and agricultural assets into the scope of IHT, albeit with an additional allowance and being taxed at a lower rate. This will mean many more valuations of estates will be required. Farmers and business owners potentially in scope will need to pay careful attention to their tax planning.'