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Taxable & tax-free state benefits
While there are many state benefits available, it is not always clear which of these are taxable and which are tax-free.
HMRC’s guidance outlines the following list of the most common state benefits
National Insurance credits and Child Benefit
Claiming Child Benefit can provide an important benefit by granting National Insurance credits.
If you claim Child Benefit and your child is under 12, you will automatically receive National
Claim flat rate expenses for work clothing and tools
If you use your own money to buy items for work, you may be eligible to claim tax relief as long as the items are essential for your job and are used solely for work purposes.
Flat rate expenses
Early termination of probation can constitute wrongful dismissal
The claimant began employment as a Contracts Coordinator on 23 January 2023, subject to a contractual 6-month probationary period, one which required 5 weeks’ notice for termination. The contract
Increase in the London congestion charge from January 2026
The daily charge for driving within the London Congestion Charge zone will rise from £15 to £18 from 2 January 2026. This is the first increase in several years and forms part of Transport for
Preparing for tighter credit conditions in 2026
Many small businesses rely on a mix of overdrafts, card facilities and short term loans to maintain day to day cash flow. During the past year banks and alternative lenders have become more cautious,
Enforcement of the minimum wage
The Department for Business & Trade has recently published a report that outlines the government’s enforcement of the National Minimum Wage (NMW) and National Living Wage (NLW) for the 2024–25
Check when you can expect a reply from HMRC
HMRC offers a helpful online tool that allows agents and taxpayers to check when they can expect a response to a query or request that they have made. The online tool is updated weekly with the latest
Set up your tax app with HMRC
The free HMRC tax app now provides quick access to tax codes, income history, self-assessment details, National Insurance records and even payment options, all from your phone.
HMRC’s free tax app is
Paying tax arrears using HMRC payment plans
If you are unable to pay your tax bill, it’s important to reach out to HMRC as soon as possible.
HMRC may offer a Time to Pay arrangement, allowing you to settle the debt in manageable instalments
