The Tax Factor – Episode 117 – Salary Sacrifice, Tourism Tax & AI Investments

This week on The Tax Factor, Stefanie Tremain and Tomm Adams cover the key tax stories making headlines. Pensions expert Tomm begins by looking at the proposed £2,000 cap for salary sacrifice pensions, discussing the potential impact on savers, employers, and long-term retirement planning. The episode then turns to the proposed tourism tax in Liverpool, with Stefanie explaining why it’s being considered, how it might be implemented, and the potential effects on local businesses and visitors. Finally, Tomm and Stefanie analyse the Chancellor’s £2.5 billion investment in AI and quantum computing, breaking down the tax incentives and examining the wider impact on innovation, research, and the UK economy. This is the last episode before the Easter break - The Tax Factor returns on 10 April with more insight and analysis on the latest tax developments.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on The Tax Factor, John Bull and Annie Hughes discuss a wide range of tax developments, starting with HMRC’s Tax Confident campaign. They explore what the initiative is designed to achieve and how it fits into HMRC’s broader strategy around compliance, engagement and taxpayer behaviour. The episode also revisits the Tom Goldstein case, following the recent jury verdict in a story previously covered on the podcast. John explains what the outcome means and why the case has attracted such significant attention. They also analyse the “Charge My Street” v HMRC decision on the VAT treatment of electric vehicle charging points, before turning to the upcoming FIFA World Cup in North America and the various tax scenarios that arise when major sporting events span multiple jurisdictions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on The Tax Factor, Paul Haywood-Schiefer and Tom Goddard begin with a roundup of the Top 3 tax stories making headlines, before turning their attention to the key developments shaping the tax landscape this week. Attention turned to the Chancellor’s Spring Statement, where Tom outlines the key takeaways from what ultimately proved to be more of a financial update than a platform for new tax measures. With no tax changes announced, they discuss what this absence of policy tweaks means for taxpayers and advisers. To round things up Paul gives insight on the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and explores the potential tax implications that could arise from global instability - from economic pressures and government spending to the broader effects on international tax policy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on The Tax Factor, Paul Noble and Sarah Stenton kick things off with a roundup of the Top 3 tax stories making headlines, setting the scene for a discussion of some of the most talked-about developments in tax this week. Paul and Sarah begin with discussing Income Tax exemptions for major sporting events, including the Winter Olympics and the forthcoming Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, explaining why these exemptions are introduced and how they operate in practice. They then examine the Netherlands’ proposed wealth tax, exploring the potential impact of taxing unrealised gains and what it could mean. The conversation also covers the rise in zero-hours contracts, highlighting the tax and policy considerations linked to changes in the UK workforce.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on The Tax Factor, Malli Kini and Neil Insull begin with a roundup of the Top 3 tax stories making headlines, setting the scene for a wide-ranging and thought-provoking episode. They then turn to the Mark Glen vs HMRC case, examining the tax treatment of female hair loss businesses and the broader implications for medical expense claims. The discussion also covers the Miss Odina financial abuse story, highlighting the tax considerations involved and the wider issues it raises, before analysing why reports of an OBR document being accessed ahead of its official publication matters for transparency and public trust. The episode concludes with a look at the latest developments surrounding loan charge settlement terms, explaining what affected taxpayers should be aware of and how HMRC’s approach continues to evolve.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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, Stephanie Levin makes her first appearance alongside Suzanne Briggs to kick off the Making Tax Digital (MTD) mini-series. They start with a roundup of the top tax headlines, including the story of the UK’s top taxpayers, which includes some of the biggest celebrities… The discussion then turns to Making Tax Digital, with Stephanie and Suzanne breaking down what MTD is, who it affects, and how the next phases will impact businesses, landlords, and individuals. They explore common misconceptions, practical challenges, and why preparation now will save headaches in the future. Packed with clear explanations, expert insight, and practical tips, this episode lays the foundations for the rest of the mini-series. It’s essential listening for anyone who wants to stay ahead of the curve in the evolving digital tax landscape.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.

This week on The Tax Factor, Heather Powell and John Bull kick things off with a roundup of the top 3 tax stories making headlines. They provide clear, practical commentary on the most important developments in the tax world this week. They then turn to the Elden vs HMRC case, looking at why AI is back in the spotlight and what the ruling could mean for future tax compliance, dispute resolution, and the use of technology in tax investigations. Next, they break down the Kog vs HMRC VAT case, explaining the key points and the wider implications for businesses navigating complex VAT rules. Rounding off the episode, they discuss the Tom Goldstein trial, centred on the failure to declare $26 million in poker winnings, and the broader tax issues around gambling, income reporting, and enforcement.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.