ICAEW podcasts

HMRC’s update to its July 2025 transformation roadmap suggests that digital services for agents may continue to lag behind those for taxpayers for some time to come.

The government is consulting on proposals to extend HMRC’s existing direct recovery of debts (DRD) powers to help it “to recover lower value tax debts from customers who have persistently not engaged with HMRC”.

Individuals who have received a letter from HMRC telling them that they may have overpaid national insurance contributions (NIC) can use a new digital process to apply for a refund.

Close companies and their directors are in HMRC’s sights as it attempts to close the small business tax gap. In this episode, we look at the challenges posed by new information requirements for directors completing their self assessment tax return for tax year 2025/26 and at the government’s proposals to impose additional reporting requirements on close companies.

The revisions to ISAs (UK) 700, 701 and 720 aim to declutter and simplify the audit report and provide more relevant information for investors. How successful have they been?

At this year’s Hardman Lecture, Bill Dodwell, former Tax Director at the Office of Tax Simplification, examined the complexity of the UK tax system and explained how accountants can help to tackle it.

ICAEW’s latest Business Confidence Monitor highlights three major stress points for UK businesses: energy costs, labour costs and persistent late payments.

Since 19 June, all UK-based organisations are legally required to handle data protection complaints and have procedure in place to do so. Find out what you need to know.

While debates about the auditor shortage continue, there is more nuance in the audit market than the discussion might suggest at first glances. Hear from industry experts.

ICAEW’s Tax Faculty provides a summary of some of the key developments in tax in June 2026 and explains where you can find further information.

Taxpayers and agents who recklessly make a statement or declaration to HMRC in relation to a direct tax matter face a custodial sentence and/or a fine under the government’s proposals.

We’ll have a new PM soon, while the war in the Middle East rages on. Does this mean more uncertainty for businesses in the second half of 2026? ICAEW’s Chief Economist tries to predict what might happen next.

ICAEW’s Tax Faculty explains the government’s proposals for individuals to pay tax due under income tax self assessment (IT-SA) in regular instalments during the tax year from April 2029.

The government is seeking feedback from businesses and other stakeholders on its plans to require VAT and pay as you earn (PAYE) payments to be made by direct debit.

ICAEW’s Chief Economist Suren Thiru discusses what the US-Iran agreement could mean for the UK economy, including for energy costs, supply chains and interest rates.

As thermometers hit new highs for June in the UK, the temperature has been rising in the ongoing battle between artificial intelligence and cyber security. Our monthly roundup explores the latest developments, incidents and more.

Agents are being encouraged to check that the criteria for excepted estates are met and to consider submitting an IHT 400 where there is doubt as to the valuation of assets and liabilities or the application of allowances.

AI agents don’t always stick to the script. These examples demonstrate the risks of not setting proper, tailored guardrails.

The government launched a raft of consultations on 23 June 2026, including proposals to allow HMRC to recover low value tax debts by deducting instalment payments directly from the taxpayer’s bank account.

For those running businesses, redundancies can be inescapable and it is essential to follow a fair and structured process. Experts outline some of the key risks facing employers and the impacts of the Employment Rights Act.

HMRC has reminded agents of the correct approach when reporting the income received and gains realised during the administration period of a deceased’s estate.

Ahead of the revised auditor reporting standards, ICAEW’s Auditor Reporting Lab is helping stakeholders make sense of the audit report, how it's evolved and where it's going. Here's why it matters.

The next Prime Minister needs to set out a clear route for business growth, says ICAEW’s Chief Executive, Alan Vallance.

The Memorandum of Understanding between the US and Iran may bring the closure of the Strait of Hormuz to an end, but recovery for supply chains will be slow. Here’s what it means for accountants.

Mandation letters will be sent to taxpayers who filed their 2024/25 self assessment tax return after the 31 January 2026 deadline or amended their return, taking their qualifying income above £50,000.