Why the conversation needs to start earlier than you think 

Making a Will and deciding what should happen to our money after we die are tasks many of us know we ought to deal with, and yet they are remarkably easy to postpone.

What advising families has taught Stuart Ritchie about money and legacy

For Stuart Ritchie, a career specialising in inheritance tax and estate planning began with a single piece of work almost 40 years ago.

Buying property involves more than simply finding the right home or investment. Understanding the taxes that apply before and after a purchase is an important part of planning ahead and avoiding unexpected costs. Whether you are purchasing property as an individual or through a company, different tax rules, rates and reliefs may apply. This 2026/27 guide explains the key Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) rules, highlights the reliefs available to some buyers, and outlines the additional tax considerations for companies that own residential property.

Whether you are selling an investment, disposing of a property, passing on wealth to the next generation or planning your estate, understanding the rules around Capital Gains Tax (CGT) and Inheritance Tax (IHT) is essential. While a range of exemptions, allowances and reliefs are available, the rules can be complex and careful planning can help minimise your tax liability. This 2026/27 guide explains the key rates, thresholds and reliefs, helping you make informed decisions and avoid unexpected tax bills.

Understanding how corporation tax works is essential for business owners looking to manage their tax liabilities effectively. From the rate of corporation tax payable on profits to the reliefs available for capital investment, research and development, and everyday business expenses, careful planning can make a significant difference. This 2026/27 guide outlines the key corporation tax rules and highlights some of the most valuable reliefs available to limited companies and other businesses, helping you make informed decisions and maximise the tax reliefs to which you are entitled.

Value Added Tax (VAT) is one of the UK's most significant business taxes, affecting businesses of all sizes across a wide range of sectors. Whether you are approaching the registration threshold, already VAT registered, or trading internationally, understanding your VAT obligations is essential. The rules can be complex, with different rates applying to different goods and services and special rules for overseas transactions. This short 2026/27 guide outlines the key VAT rates, registration requirements and reliefs available, helping you understand the basics and identify when professional advice may be needed.

Employment taxes and National Insurance can be one of the more complex areas of the UK tax system, affecting not only employees but also employers and the self-employed. In this article, we look at the key rules for the 2026/27 tax year, including the tax treatment of employment benefits, business expenses, National Insurance Contributions, mileage allowances, the Employment Allowance and the National Living and Minimum Wage.

In the first article in this series, we explored the importance of understanding your marginal tax rate and how different income levels can significantly affect the amount of tax you pay. In this second instalment, we look in more detail at the key income tax rates and allowances for the 2026/27 tax year.

One of the key discussions we have with our clients is “what is your marginal rate of tax?” as well as, of course, the absolute amount payable. With this in mind, we have produced this Tax Rate Guide for 2026/27 so that our clients can understand how your circumstances fit into the myriad of tax rates that exist in the UK.