BRave Business and The Tax Factor

In part two of our Making Tax Digital mini-series, Heather Self is joined by Jonathan Athow, Director General, Customer Strategy and Tax Design at HMRC, for a special Q&A episode. This conversation offers listeners the opportunity to hear directly from HMRC on one of the most significant changes to the UK tax system in recent years. In an insightful and practical discussion, Jonathan answers the key questions on everyone’s minds, including how the beta testing has progressed, what challenges taxpayers, agents and businesses may face as MTD expands, and how they can prepare ahead of the launch date. Heather puts the important issues front and centre, ensuring the conversation tackles both strategic aims and real-world concerns. This episode provides valuable clarity on Making Tax Digital and is essential listening for anyone preparing for the next phase of digital tax reporting.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on The Tax Factor, Robert Salter and Sarah Stenton begin with a roundup of the Top 3 tax stories making headlines which includes a key government U-turn… Sarah and Robert begin by sharing timely insights on Self-Assessment tax returns, including HMRC receiving a big pay day, common pitfalls and practical tips as deadlines approach. Robert then provides insight into Advanced Tax Certification Rulings, explaining how they work, when they’re useful, and why certainty from HMRC continues to be so valuable. The episode also investigates the Boulting v HMRC tax case, analysing the key issues and what it could mean for future disputes, before rounding off with a look at Scottish tax and how devolved rules continue to evolve. Informative and accessible.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Tax Factor returns for its first episode of 2026, with Paul Noble and Neil Insull kicking off the year by discussing some of the most significant tax developments already shaping the months ahead. They begin with the recent Inheritance Tax U-turn on Business Property Relief (BPR) and Agricultural Property Relief (APR), explaining what’s changed and why it matters for long-term planning. The discussion then moves to key rulings and policy updates, including the Hotel La Tour VAT case and the latest announcements from the Scottish Budget. Paul and Neil break down the practical implications, explaining what these developments could mean for businesses and individuals alike. To round of the episode, they issue a timely warning on the rise of Self-Assessment scams as the tax return season gets underway.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on The Tax Factor, Robert Salter and Suzanne Briggs dive into one of the UK’s most famous VAT debates: the long-running question of whether Jaffa Cakes are truly cakes or biscuits. They go over the case, the reasoning behind the ruling, and why this seemingly light-hearted issue still has serious tax implications today. They also discuss the blockbuster news that Deadpool & Wolverine has secured a record £82 million in UK tax credits - a milestone moment for the film industry. Robert and Suzanne discuss how the incentive system works, why the UK remains a major production hub, and what this could mean for future big-budget films. Rounding out the episode, they look at the tax issues that often surface during the festive season, from staff parties to seasonal perks. Combined with their take on the top three tax stories of the week.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Heather Self and Heather Powell look at the Chancellor’s Autumn Budget statement. There doesn’t appear to be an awful lot of good news and tax changes that raise as many questions as they answer for entrepreneurs, property owners, businesses and individuals alike.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week Tom Goddard and Paul Haywood-Schiefer look at the Government’s possible attempts at fiscal choreography with the potential Income Tax and NICs see-saw. One goes up, one goes down… but as they explain, that doesn’t always mean a neutral outcome for taxpayers. They then discuss what a cap on salary-sacrifice pension contributions would mean: a measure that could be highly attractive to the Treasury while many taxpayers barely feel a ripple. And while pension savers might lose out, families with more than two children could gain significantly if the Child Benefit cap is lifted - though the policy could carry a £4bn price tag. Finally, news of a possible adoption by HMRC of a US-style whistleblower reward scheme, offering up to 30% of tax recovered. A bold, creative and undoubtedly controversial, idea.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.