Autumn Budget 2026: What to Watch for on 28 October

The Autumn Budget 2026 will be delivered on Wednesday 28 October 2026, alongside a new economic and fiscal forecast from the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR). For individuals, families and business owners across Hertfordshire and North London, it is one of the most important dates in the tax calendar.

Our tax teams in Goffs Oak and Stevenage will be following the announcements closely. In this article we look at what analysts are anticipating in this year’s Budget, what changes are already in the pipeline from previous budgets, and how Moore NHC can help navigate the evolving tax landscape.

Why the Autumn Budget 2026 Matters

The Budget can change tax rates, allowances and reliefs, sometimes immediately and sometimes years later. The government has repeatedly pledged not to raise the headline rates of income tax, National Insurance or VAT for working people, so attention is squarely on thresholds, reliefs and targeted measures.

What to Watch For on 28 October

Please note: the points below are based on press reports and expert commentary. None are as yet confirmed policy, and the actual Budget may end up looking very different.

• Income tax, National Insurance and VAT: headline rates are expected to stay the same, but the threshold freeze could be extended and National Insurance widened to income such as rent.
• Capital gains tax: changes in rates, the £3,000 annual allowance and the treatment of assets on death have all been the subject of press coverage in recent months.
• Pensions: as with most Budgets, there is speculation about tax relief and the tax-free lump sum.
• Property: stamp duty land tax is broadly expected to emerge untouched. More detail on the High Value Council Tax Surcharge may follow.
• Businesses and employers: corporation tax is expected to remain the same at 25%. Business rates for smaller businesses and VAT on online marketplace sales are under discussion.
• Inheritance tax: farming and business groups continue to call for the agricultural and business property relief changes to be revisited.
  

Budget Changes Do Not All Start on the Same Date

It is important to pay attention to the scheduled timing of the items featured in the Budget. Some measures apply from Budget day itself, as the capital gains tax rate increases did in October 2024. Others kick in on 6 April or are phased in over several years, with the finer details set out in the Budget documents rather than the speech.

Tax Changes That Are Already on the Way

As speculation mounts about the potential features of this year’s budget, it’s easy to forget, or overlook, previous changes from other budgets that are due to come into effect this and future tax years. Here is a recap of the most important changes from Budget 2025 and earlier that are already law or confirmed.

Already in Force from 6 April 2026

• Dividend tax rates increased to 10.75% (ordinary rate) and 35.75% (upper rate).
• Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax began for sole traders and landlords with qualifying income over £50,000. HMRC statistics put the number of people above this level at around 864,000.
• The capital gains tax rate for Business Asset Disposal Relief and Investors' Relief rose to 18%.
• 100% agricultural and business property relief for inheritance tax is now limited to the first £2.5 million of combined qualifying property, with 50% relief above that.

Coming in 2027

• From 6 April 2027, income tax rates on savings income rise to 22%, 42% and 47%.
• From the same date, property income will have its own rates of 22%, 42% and 47%. These apply in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, with the government engaging with the devolved governments on how rate-setting powers will work.
• For deaths on or after 6 April 2027, most unused pension funds and death benefits will come within the scope of inheritance tax.
• The annual cash ISA limit falls to £12,000 for savers under 65, within the overall £20,000 allowance.
• MTD for Income Tax extends to qualifying income over £30,000.

Coming in 2028 and Later

• MTD for Income Tax extends to qualifying income over £20,000 from April 2028.
• Electric Vehicle Excise Duty kicks in on 1 April 2028, at 3p per mile for electric cars and 1.5p per mile for plug-in hybrids.
• A High Value Council Tax Surcharge becomes due from April 2028 on homes in England valued at £2 million or more.
• The personal allowance (£12,570) and higher rate threshold (£50,270) remain frozen until 5 April 2031.
• From April 2029, only the first £2,000 a year of pension contributions through salary sacrifice will be free of National Insurance.
  

Changes to How Tax is Reported and Paid

The government's Tax update 2026, published in June, points to more digital reporting and tax paid closer to when income arises. Three measures stand out:

• Self Assessment payments: HMRC has consulted on proposals that could mean that some people with PAYE income and a Self Assessment liability will have more of their forecast tax collected through PAYE during the year, and on smaller, more regular payments on account. These are proposals only. If approved, they will take effect from April 2029.
• Inheritance tax reporting for trusts: from 6 April 2027, the government aims to ensure that some trustees and individuals will no longer need to submit an inheritance tax account simply to report certain trust transfers and events where no tax is due.
• E-invoicing: the government is moving towards mandatory e-invoicing in 2029, with Peppol identified as the core network, as part of a wider move to standardised digital invoicing.

How Moore NHC Can Help

As part of the Moore network, one of the world's largest accounting and advisory networks, Moore NHC offers a local, personal service from Goffs Oak and Stevenage. Whatever is announced, we can help you understand what it means for you across:

• Business and corporate tax
• Personal tax and Self Assessment
• Inheritance tax, trusts, wills, lasting powers of attorney and probate
• Payroll and employer services
• VAT and e-invoicing
• Making Tax Digital and cloud accounting
• Accounts preparation, bookkeeping, audit and assurance

Speak to Moore NHC About the Autumn Budget 2026

To understand how the Budget could affect you, your family or your business, get in touch today, and look out for our Autumn Budget 2026 summary after 28 October.

Moore Northern Home Counties - Goffs Oak office:

East Wing, Goffs Oak House, Goffs Lane, Goffs Oak, EN7 5GE

Telephone 020 8366 4331

Moore Northern Home Counties - Stevenage office:

First Floor, 73 to 75 High Street, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, SG1 3HR

Telephone 01438 741147

Online: click the "Get in Touch" button at the top of the page or below by email or phone

Decisions should not be based on speculation. If you have a significant transaction coming up, speak to Moore Northern Home Counties about your circumstances.

Contact us today to arrange a conversation with our team.

ARTICLE TITLE: Autumn Budget 2026: What to Watch for on 28 October

AUTHOR: Shaharan Deen

DATE: 22 OCTOBER 2026

Please note: This article is for general information only and reflects our understanding of announcements, guidance and press reports as of 20 October 2026. Proposals and speculation are not confirmed policy, and the Autumn Budget may change the position. Figures from external sources come from the linked publications and we do not guarantee their accuracy.

This article is not tax, financial, legal or other professional advice. You should not act, or refrain from acting, on the basis of this article without specific professional advice. Moore Northern Home Counties Limited accepts no responsibility for any loss arising from any action taken or not taken as a result of this article. Blog correct as at 21.10.2026