Autumn’s nearly here, and with it comes one of the biggest dates in the business calendar: the Autumn 2025 Budget. While the Chancellor Rachel Reeves has promised not to touch income tax, VAT, or personal National Insurance, there’s still a £41 billion hole in the public finances and that means change is coming.
The question is: what kind, and how will it affect you?
What we’re expecting
- Targeted tax rises
Rather than hitting everyone with higher VAT or income tax, the government is likely to focus on things like capital gains, dividends, inheritance, and pension allowances. Freezes on tax thresholds may continue, meaning more people quietly slip into higher tax bands.
- Estate and succession planning in the spotlight
Advisers are already reporting a rush of people looking into trusts, gifting, and other ways to plan ahead for inheritance tax changes.
- Employer National Insurance changes already biting
From April, employer NICs rose from 13.8% to 15%, and the threshold dropped from £9,100 to £5,000. That’s a hit for small employers, though the Employment Allowance has gone up to £10,500, with no cap.
- Selling a business or assets?
The special lower rate of 10% for Business Asset Disposal Relief jumped to 14% this April and will rise again to 18% next year. If you’re planning a sale, the timing really matters.
- Business rates creeping up
Relief for retail, hospitality and leisure has been scaled back. Some small independents could see rate bills jump by as much as 80% despite partial relief.
What you can do now
- Think about timing
If you’re planning to sell assets or part of your business, speak to your accountant now. Acting before April 2026 could save you thousands. - Claim your full Employment Allowance
If you employ staff, make sure you’re using the full £10,500 allowance to offset NIC costs. - Plan for higher running costs
Between NIC changes and rate rises, your outgoings might go up. Review your cashflow, look at ways to improve efficiency, and consider small, gradual price adjustments. - Review your succession plans
If inheritance tax changes are on the cards, getting professional advice early will give you more options. - Keep an eye on Budget announcements
The final details won’t be known until the Chancellor speaks, so stay flexible and ready to act.
How Velocity can help
Whether it’s forecasting the cashflow impact of higher NICs, structuring asset disposals to minimise Capital Gains Tax, or designing a tax-efficient succession plan, we translate government policy into clear, actionable steps tailored to your business.
Book an appointment to see what the Autumn Budget could mean for you and how we can help you prepare with confidence.
