There was no 2019 budget – the expected autumn date was moved, because of uncertainty over Brexit.
Since then, a new Chancellor, a new Budget and the far greater uncertainty mean that it is difficult to advise my tax clients for the best (also at present difficult to keep up with the many calls and messages, so please bear with me).
Aside from health, most people’s financial focus at this time is on cashflow and short-term future. I chose not to send any Budget comment last week, since with things changing so rapidly, I expected some of the measures in the Budget to change.
The Chancellor is due to make a further announcement later today, likely to be around further concessions to help people in immediate difficulty. As with the measures already offered, some of these will relate to tax, others will not.
I think the most useful thing for me to offer at this time will be links to Government-issued information. This already includes a much extended version of the type of ‘time to pay’ arrangements HMRC previously offered.
Tax planning during March, before the start of April and in time for the end of the tax year, generally revolves around spending: pension top ups, charity donations, items of work equipment. That is unlikely to be useful to anyone this year. But anyone with particular tax questions relating to the end of the tax year is welcome to be in touch. And as always, any client receiving an unexpected demand for payment from HMRC, a refund they do not think they are owed, or an enquiry notice, should please contact me as soon as they can.