UK Tax Year Dates, Changes and Deadlines 2026/27 — What's New and WhenSpring Budget 2026 — What It Means For Your Finances
Key announcements from the Spring Budget 2026. How tax changes, benefit updates, and new policies affect your money.
This guide will be updated with the latest Budget announcements. Here’s what to expect and how Budgets typically affect your finances.
What the Budget Covers
Key Areas
| Category | What’s Announced |
|---|
| Tax | Income Tax, NI, VAT, other duties |
| Benefits | Rates, eligibility changes |
| Spending | Public services funding |
| Economy | Forecasts, growth predictions |
| Specific measures | Targeted policies |
Income Tax
What to Watch For
| Area | Potential Changes |
|---|
| Personal Allowance | Frozen, raised, or cut |
| Tax bands | Thresholds may change |
| Tax rates | Usually stable but can change |
| Dividend allowance | Has been reduced in recent years |
| CGT | Rates and exemptions |
Current Rates (Check for Changes)
| Band | Rate |
|---|
| Personal Allowance | £12,570 (check if changed) |
| Basic Rate | 20% |
| Higher Rate | 40% |
| Additional Rate | 45% |
Use our calculator: Income Tax Calculator (updated post-Budget)
National Insurance
What to Watch For
| Change | Impact |
|---|
| Employee rates | Affects take-home pay |
| Employer rates | Affects business costs |
| Thresholds | When you start paying |
| Self-employed rates | Class 2 and Class 4 |
Benefits and State Pension
Typical Announcements
| Benefit | What Usually Changes |
|---|
| Universal Credit | April rates announced |
| State Pension | Triple lock increase |
| Child Benefit | Rate confirmation |
| PIP/DLA | Inflation increase |
| Carer’s Allowance | Rate for April |
Triple Lock
| The Formula | Highest of |
|---|
| Earnings growth | Average wage increase |
| Inflation | CPI measure |
| 2.5% | Minimum guarantee |
Related: Complete UK Benefits Guide
Pensions
What to Watch For
| Area | Potential Changes |
|---|
| Annual allowance | How much you can save |
| Lifetime allowance | Now abolished |
| Tax-free lump sum | Usually 25% |
| State Pension age | Future changes |
Related: Pension Guides
Savings and ISAs
Potential Changes
| Area | What Could Change |
|---|
| ISA limit | Currently £20,000 |
| LISA limit | Currently £4,000 |
| Premium Bonds | Prize rate |
| Savings rates | Market conditions |
Related: ISA Calculator
Property and Housing
What to Watch For
| Area | Potential Changes |
|---|
| Stamp Duty | Rates and thresholds |
| First-time buyer relief | Eligibility, amounts |
| Help to Buy | Any new schemes |
| Mortgage support | Government programs |
| Landlord taxation | Buy-to-let rules |
Calculators:
Cost of Living Measures
Common Announcements
| Measure | Typical Support |
|---|
| Energy support | Bill help schemes |
| Fuel duty | Frozen or changed |
| Household support | Council funding |
| Cost of living payments | If continued |
Business and Self-Employment
What to Watch For
| Area | Potential Changes |
|---|
| Corporation Tax | Rates, thresholds |
| Business rates | Relief, thresholds |
| Capital allowances | Investment incentives |
| R&D tax credits | Rules and rates |
| Self-employed NI | Rates and profits threshold |
Related: Self Assessment Guide
When Changes Take Effect
Typical Timeline
| Type of Change | Usually From |
|---|
| Duties (fuel, alcohol, tobacco) | Immediately |
| Income Tax | Next April |
| NI contributions | Next April |
| Benefits | Next April |
| State Pension | Next April |
| New policies | Varies |
Key Dates
Tax Year Calendar
| Date | Event |
|---|
| 6 April | New tax year starts |
| April | New benefit rates apply |
| September | CPI used for next year’s benefits |
| October | Autumn Budget/Statement (sometimes) |
| November | Autumn Statement (if separate) |
| March | Spring Budget (typically) |
Action Points After Budget
Everyone Should
| Action | Why |
|---|
| Check take-home pay changes | Know your income |
| Review tax code | If thresholds change |
| Update budget | For new rates |
| Check benefits entitlement | Rates may change |
Savers Should
| Action | Why |
|---|
| Review ISA contributions | Before year end if limits changing |
| Check pension allowances | Maximise tax relief |
| Review savings rates | Compare with new rates |
Property Owners/Buyers Should
| Action | Why |
|---|
| Check Stamp Duty changes | Timing of purchases |
| Review mortgage options | If policies change |
| Landlords check tax rules | Reporting requirements |
Benefits Claimants Should
| Action | Why |
|---|
| Note new rates | Budget accordingly |
| Check eligibility | Rules may change |
| Report any changes | As required |
Summary: Budget Impact Checklist
Areas Affecting You
| Area | Affects Me? | Action Needed |
|---|
| Income Tax | ☐ | Check take-home pay |
| National Insurance | ☐ | Check take-home pay |
| Benefits | ☐ | Note new rates |
| State Pension | ☐ | Know April increase |
| Savings/ISA | ☐ | Review limits |
| Property | ☐ | Check Stamp Duty |
| Self-employment | ☐ | Review tax rules |
| Motoring | ☐ | Fuel duty changes |
Key Resources
| Resource | For |
|---|
| gov.uk | Official announcements |
| Our calculators | Personal impact |
| Benefits calculator | Updated entitlements |
| News sources | Commentary and analysis |
This page will be updated with specific Budget announcements. Check back after the Budget for detailed analysis of how changes affect your finances.