Budget could herald tax rises, accountants predict

By Jamie Hill - 17 February 2021

BusinessExpert Voices

With less than three weeks to go to the Budget, Swindon accountants are predicting the Chancellor could make big changes affecting the town’s businesses.

Rishi Sunak is widely believed to be considering tax rises, to help fund government support given to businesses and people during the pandemic. The total bill for economic support so far is more than £280 billion, comprising initiatives such as the furlough scheme and SEISS payments for the self-employed/partnerships.

Now Swindon accountants at Optimum believe the Chancellor has set his sights on tax rises to help recoup some of the expenditure. All will be revealed in the Budget on March 3.

Michael Blaken, Head of Accounts at Optimum, says one target could be Business Asset Disposal Relief (previously called Entrepreneurs Relief), available to sole traders and those in a partnership who are selling all or part of a business.

“If this is an area the Chancellor is looking at, and disposing of business assets is something business owners are considering, then time really is running out to do some planning before the end of the financial year,” said Michael.

Other options that the Chancellor is rumoured to be considering include a wealth tax and changing the rate of VAT.

“I doubt VAT will be raised as that would impact people’s level of spending and confidence levels which could in turn have a detrimental effect on the economy, but we can’t rule anything out,” Michael added.

Capital Gains Tax may come under the spotlight, if the Chancellor looks to making the rates here more in line with income tax rates. Similarly, the rate of Dividend Tax may be increased to make it more equitable with income tax levels paid by employees.

Michael added: “On the plus side the Chancellor may also look at extending the Stamp Duty Land Tax holiday for home buyers, which is due to come to an end on March 31. Overall, we will be watching this Budget with more than the usual degree of interest.”

Optimum Professional Services, based in Swindon, specialises in accountancy (tax planning, audit, business planning, bookkeeping and payroll); and legal services (conveyancing, wills and probate). For more information, visit https://www.optps.co.uk/.

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