Why tax complexity matters

In this episode, we draw on ICAEW’s latest campaign – How to build a better tax system – to identify what is going wrong with the UK’s tax system, why it matters and how to fix it.Links ICAEW: How to build a better tax system - https://www.icaew.com/technical/tax/tax-reform/how-to-build-a-better-tax-systemICAEW: Future of Tax Commission - https://www.icaew.com/policy-and-research/tax-commissionHostStephen Relf, Tax Technical Manager, ICAEWGuestsLindsey Wicks, Tax Senior Technical Manager, ICAEWEd Saltmarsh, Tax Technical Manager, ICAEWProducerEd AdamsSeries leadMark RowlandEpisode recorded: 21 October 2026Episode published: 10 November 2026

Cuts to the capital gains tax (CGT) annual exempt amount have brought more individuals within scope of CGT. In this episode we explain how to avoid common errors made when applying the rules to disposals of cryptoassets. From April 2027, employers will be required to process some of the more common types of benefit in kind through the payroll. We explain what is changing and what employers can do now to prepare.Links ICAEW: Follow the numbers: capital gains tax - https://www.icaew.com/technical/tax/tax-faculty/taxline/articles/2026/follow-the-numbers-cgtICAEW: Avoiding common errors with tax and cryptoassets - https://www.icaew.com/technical/tax/tax-faculty/taxline/articles/2026/avoiding-common-errors-with-tax-and-cryptoassetsICAEW: How to: CGT reporting and the self assessment tax return - https://www.icaew.com/insights/tax-news/2026/sep-2026/how-to-cgt-reporting-and-the-self-assessment-tax-returnICAEW: Economy explainers: what is payrolling of benefits? - https://www.icaew.com/insights/tax-news/2026/sep-2026/payrolling-of-benefits-explainedICAEW: Globally mobile employees can be excluded from mandatory payrolling - https://www.icaew.com/insights/tax-news/2026/sep-2026/globally-mobile-employees-can-be-excluded-from-mandatory-payrollingHostStephen Relf, Tax Technical Manager, ICAEWGuestsKatherine Ford, Tax Technical Manager, ICAEWAdelle Greenwood, Tax Technical Manager, ICAEWProducerEd AdamsSeries leadMark RowlandEpisode published: 13 October 2026Episode recorded: 21 September 2026

In this episode, we consider the pain points for businesses in meeting their tax reporting obligations and we explore the causes and implications of tax complexity, including what the UK stands to gain from addressing it.   Links  ICAEWHow to fix VAT | ICAEW - https://www.icaew.com/technical/tax/vat/how-to-fix-vatHow to build a better tax system | ICAEW - https://www.icaew.com/technical/tax/tax-reform/how-to-build-a-better-tax-systemBusiness tax compliance costs £15bn a year | ICAEW - https://www.icaew.com/insights/tax-news/2025/feb-2025/business-tax-compliance-costs-15bn-a-yearExternalOffice of Tax Simplification - GOV.UK - https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/office-of-tax-simplificationCompetitiveness review: final report https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5a7d8aafe5274a676d532aca/competitiveness_review_final_report.pdfBrunel University Research Archive: Tax complexity: impact on UK competitiveness and growth - https://bura.brunel.ac.uk/handle/2438/33569 HostStephen Relf, Tax Technical Manager, ICAEW GuestsProfessor Peter Jelfs, Brunel University of LondonAndy Richens, formerly of the Office of Tax Simplification ProducerEd AdamsSeries leadMark RowlandEpisode recorded: 29 July 2026Episode published: 12 August 2026All views expressed on this podcast are those of the contributors and don’t necessarily reflect those of ICAEW or its members.

Close companies and their directors are in HMRC’s sights as it attempts to close the small business tax gap. In this episode, we look at the challenges posed by new information requirements for directors completing their self assessment tax return for tax year 2025/26 and at the government’s proposals to impose additional reporting requirements on close companies.Links ICAEW: New tax return requirements for directors cause uncertainty - https://www.icaew.com/insights/tax-news/2026/may-2026/new-tax-return-requirements-for-directors-cause-uncertaintyICAEW: ICAEW warns against new requirements for close companies - https://www.icaew.com/insights/tax-news/2026/jun-2026/icaew-warns-against-new-requirements-for-close-companiesICAEW: Tax gap widens to 6.4% of total tax liabilities - https://www.icaew.com/insights/tax-news/2026/jun-2026/tax-gap-widens-to-6-point-4-percent-of-total-tax-liabilities#:~:text=Percentage%20tax%20gap,6.4%25%20for%202024%2F25.HMRC's company taxation manual - close companies - https://www.gov.uk/hmrc-internal-manuals/company-taxation-manual/ctm60050HostStephen Relf, Tax Technical Manager, ICAEWGuestsAngela Clegg, Tax Technical Manager – Business Taxes, ICAEWKatherine Ford, Tax Technical Manager – Personal Taxes, ICAEWProducerEd AdamsEpisode recorded: 24 June 2026Episode published: 8 July 2026

HMRC is stepping up its compliance activities when it comes to VAT. In this episode, we explain what businesses can do to prepare for a VAT enquiry and we explore how HMRC and the government could better support businesses in meeting their VAT obligations.Links ICAEW: VAT compliance controls: new guidance from HMRC - https://www.icaew.com/insights/tax-news/2025/feb-2025/vat-compliance-controls-new-guidance-from-hmrcICAEW: Making sure a tax return is correct and complete - https://www.icaew.com/insights/podcast/the-tax-track/making-sure-a-tax-return-is-correct-and-completeICAEW: Budget: Changes made to VAT rules and processes (e-invoicing) - https://www.icaew.com/insights/tax-news/2025/nov-2025/budget-changes-made-to-vat-rules-and-processes#4ICAEW: How to fix VAT - https://www.icaew.com/technical/tax/vat/how-to-fix-vatHostStephen Relf, Tax Technical Manager, ICAEWGuestsRob Janering, VAT partner, Crowe UK LLPSimon Atkins, Partner, RSM UKProducerEd AdamsEpisode recorded: 21 May 2026Episode published: 10 June 2026

Finance Act 2026 introduces a package of measures designed to drive up standards in the tax advice market, including mandatory agent registration with HMRC. In this episode, we explain how the process will work and discuss the consequences for advisers of having their registration suspended. Links ICAEW: HMRC’s agent registration guidance lacks key details -  https://www.icaew.com/insights/tax-news/2026/feb-2026/hmrcs-agent-registration-guidance-lacks-key-detailsICAEW: Government reassures agents on registration and sanctions - https://www.icaew.com/insights/tax-news/2026/feb-2026/government-reassures-agents-on-registration-and-sanctionsICAEW: TAXguide 05/25: Finance Act 2026 - https://www.icaew.com/technical/tax/tax-faculty/taxguides/2025/taxguide-05-25The HMRC standard for agents - GOV.UK - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/hmrc-the-standard-for-agents/the-hmrc-standard-for-agentsHostStephen Relf, Tax Technical Manager, ICAEWGuestsLindsey Wicks, Senior Tax Technical Manager, ICAEWFrank Haskew, Tax Director, ICAEWProducerEd AdamsEpisode recorded: 23 April 2026Episode published: 13 May 2026

In recent months, the government has published guidance and announced policy changes that could significantly affect how tax returns are prepared and how HMRC enquiries are conducted. In this episode, we’ll explore the implications for taxpayers and agents, focusing on new HMRC guidelines for ensuring that a tax return is correct and complete and changes to the requirement to notify HMRC of an uncertain tax treatment. LinksICAEW:Taxpayers encouraged to ensure returns are correct and complete - https://www.icaew.com/insights/tax-news/2025/sep-2025/taxpayers-encouraged-to-ensure-returns-are-correct-and-completeIndividuals and trusts face new obligation under uncertain tax treatment proposals - https://www.icaew.com/insights/tax-news/2026/mar-2026/individuals-and-trusts-face-new-obligation-under-uncertain-tax-treatment-proposalsInaccuracy and failure to notify penalties must be simplified - https://www.icaew.com/insights/tax-news/2025/jun-2025/inaccuracy-and-failure-to-notify-penalties-must-be-simplifiedSuspension of penalties for a one-off tax error - https://www.icaew.com/insights/tax-news/2026/feb-2026/suspension-of-penalties-for-a-one-off-tax-errorTax gap falls slightly as a percentage of tax liabilities - https://www.icaew.com/insights/tax-news/2025/jun-2025/tax-gap-falls-slightly-as-a-percentage-of-tax-liabilitiesExternal: GOV.UK: Help ensuring documents filed with HMRC are correct and complete — GfC13 -  https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/help-ensuring-documents-filed-with-hmrc-are-correct-and-complete-gfc13GOV.UK: Opportunities to Extend Uncertain Tax Treatment - https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/consultation-extend-notification-of-uncertain-tax-treatment-utt-regime/opportunities-to-extend-uncertain-tax-treatmentHost: Stephen Relf, Technical Manager, Tax, ICAEW Guests: Richard Jones, Senior Technical Manager, Business Tax, ICAEWAnnis Lampard, Partner, DeloitteProducer: Ed AdamsEpisode recorded: 25 March 2026Episode published: 7 April 2026 

In a special episode of The Tax Track, recorded at ICAEW’s MTD Live event on 23 February 2026, we speak to HMRC and practitioners on how they are preparing for Making Tax Digital (MTD) for income tax, which is due to start from April 2026.    Links ICAEW: Making Tax Digital - https://www.icaew.com/technical/tax/making-tax-digitalICAEW: TAXguide 01/25: MTD income tax - https://www.icaew.com/technical/tax/tax-faculty/taxguides/2025/taxguide-01-25ICAEW: HMRC to send final batches of MTD mandation letters - https://www.icaew.com/insights/tax-news/2026/feb-2026/hmrc-to-send-final-batches-of-mtd-mandation-lettersICAEW: MTD: How to prepare your clients - https://www.icaew.com/insights/tax-news/2026/jan-2026/mtd-how-to-prepare-your-clientsICAEW: MTD: how to deal with digital refusers - https://www.icaew.com/insights/tax-news/2025/dec-2025/mtd-how-to-deal-with-digital-refusersICAEW: MTDtalk 2026 webinar series - https://www.icaew.com/technical/tax/tax-faculty/webinars-and-recordings/tax-webinars/2026/mtdtalk-2026MTD for Income Tax: your 30-day readiness plan with Sage - https://events.icaew.com/pd/32831MTD for Income Tax: compliance simplified with Zoho Books - https://events.icaew.com/pd/32838/mtd-for-income-tax-compliance-simplified-withMTD for Income Tax: from onboarding to filing with Xero - https://events.icaew.com/pd/32819/mtd-for-income-tax-from-onboarding-to-filingGet MTD done with FreeAgent - https://events.icaew.com/pd/32837/get-mtd-done-with-freeagentHostStephen Relf, Technical Manager, Tax, ICAEWGuestsCraig Ogilvie, Director – MTD, HMRCHannah Miller, Director, Chipperfield AccountingNikhil Sangani, Chartered Accountant, Sage & CoRebecca Benneyworth, sole practitioner and a board member of ICAEW’s Tax FacultyReporterMark RowlandProducerEd AdamsEpisode recorded 23 February 2026Episode published 3 March 2026

The Finance Bill 2025-26 is set to be the longest Finance Act in almost ten years, impacting on almost all areas of tax and posing significant challenges for taxpayers and agents. In this episode, we look at the implications for individuals and businesses, from the reform of inheritance tax to changes to capital allowances.  Links ICAEW: https://www.icaew.com/technical/tax/tax-faculty/taxguides/2025/taxguide-05-25ICAEW: https://www.icaew.com/insights/tax-news/2025/dec-2025/government-makes-further-concessions-on-iht-reformsICAEW: https://www.icaew.com/insights/tax-news/2025/nov-2025/budget-further-changes-made-to-cgt-iht-and-residence-rulesICAEW: https://www.icaew.com/insights/tax-news/2025/nov-2025/budget-taxes-on-property-savings-and-dividends-increasedICAEW: https://www.icaew.com/technical/tax/tax-faculty/taxline/articles/2026/budget-changes-to-capital-allowancesICAEW: https://www.icaew.com/insights/tax-news/2026/jan-2026/tax-changes-require-new-approach-to-corporate-reconstructionsICAEW: https://www.icaew.com/insights/tax-news/2026/jan-2026/have-your-say-on-business-rates-reformICAEW: https://www.icaew.com/insights/tax-news/2026/jan-2026/scottish-budget-makes-changes-to-income-tax-thresholdsICAEW: https://www.icaew.com/insights/tax-news/2026/jan-2026/welsh-businesses-to-get-more-support-for-non-domestic-ratesICAEW: https://www.icaew.com/insights/podcast/the-tax-track/budget-25-do-the-tax-changes-meet-the-tenetsPostscriptICAEW: https://www.icaew.com/insights/tax-news/2026/jan-2026/additional-business-rates-support-announced-for-pubsICAEW: https://www.icaew.com/insights/tax-news/2026/jan-2026/extend-inheritance-tax-payment-deadline-to-12-months-says-lordsHostStephen Relf, Technical Manager, Tax, ICAEWGuestsRichard Jones, Senior Technical Manager, Business Tax, ICAEWKatherine Ford, Technical Manager, Personal Tax, ICAEWProducerEd AdamsEpisode recorded 26 January 2026Episode published 3 February 2026

In this episode, we rate the Budget against ICAEW’s ten tenets for a better tax system, focusing on the government’s decision to freeze the personal allowance and tax thresholds for an additional three years, the new tax on electric vehicles and changes to the NIC treatment of salary sacrificed pension contributions. Budget: Freeze on personal allowance extended - https://www.icaew.com/insights/tax-news/2025/nov-2025/budget-freeze-on-personal-allowance-extendedBudget: New levies include charge on electric vehicles - https://www.icaew.com/insights/tax-news/2025/nov-2025/budget-new-levies-include-charge-on-electric-vehiclesBudget: NIC saving on salary sacrifice pension contributions capped - https://www.icaew.com/insights/tax-news/2025/nov-2025/budget-nic-saving-on-salary-sacrifice-pension-contributions-cappedBudget: Taxes on property, savings and dividends increased - https://www.icaew.com/insights/tax-news/2025/nov-2025/budget-taxes-on-property-savings-and-dividends-increasedBudget: Changes made to VAT rules and processes - https://www.icaew.com/insights/tax-news/2025/nov-2025/budget-changes-made-to-vat-rules-and-processesBudget: Government will not regulate tax advisers - https://www.icaew.com/insights/tax-news/2025/nov-2025/budget-government-will-not-regulate-tax-advisersTax Faculty Budget update 2025 - https://www.icaew.com/technical/tax/tax-faculty/webinars-and-recordings/tax-webinars/2025/28-11-2025-budget-updateHow to fix VAT - https://www.icaew.com/technical/tax/vat/how-to-fix-vatHostStephen Relf, Technical Manager, Tax, ICAEWGuestsLindsey Wicks, Senior Technical Manager, Tax Policy, ICAEWEd Saltmarsh, Technical Manager, Tax, ICAEWProducerEd AdamsEpisode published 1 December 2025Episode recorded 28 November 2025