In this episode, Mark Morton dives into why pensions are once again in the government’s crosshairs ahead of the November 2025 Budget. From tax-free lump sums to lifetime allowances and relief reform, Mark unpacks how these changes could hit savers and why the Treasury can’t resist eyeing that £50 billion of tax relief tied up in pensions.

For more information on this topic and more, please visit www.mercia-group.com for further details.

In this episode, Mark Morton dives into the swirling speculation around the upcoming UK budget. From leaked memos and proposed tax hikes to the political balancing act behind non-dom policies and dividend allowances, Mark offers a candid take on what might be coming and what it could mean for businesses, investors, and taxpayers. With reflections on corporation tax, CGT, pension reforms, and the messaging that drives economic migration, this is a sharp, accessible breakdown of fiscal policy in motion.

For more information on this topic and more, please visit www.mercia-group.com for further details.

In this episode, Mark Morton reflects on the Chancellor’s speech at the Labour Party Conference and what it signals for the upcoming autumn budget. He explores government borrowing, tax speculation, and public spending, while unpacking media leaks and political strategy.

This episode kicks off a short series running up to budget day, where Mark will continue to explore key developments and what they could mean for advisors and clients.

For more information on this topic and more, please visit www.mercia-group.com for further details.

In this episode, Pete, Head of Marketing at Mercia, sits down with Louise, Mercia's Management and Skills Trainer, to explore the evolving landscape of leadership and communication within accountancy firms.

Together, they unpack the concept of the accidental manager and discuss the importance of soft skills in building resilient, high-performing teams. 

Louise shares insights from her work with firms across the UK, offering practical advice for everyone from new starters to senior partners.

For more information on this topic and more, please visit www.mercia-group.com for further details.

In this episode, James Hurst breaks down the latest updates to HMRC’s guidance on correcting VAT errors, including the introduction of a new online tool for notifying HMRC. Tune in for practical insights and learn what these changes mean for your business.

For more information on this topic and more, please visit www.mercia-group.com for further details.

Mark Morton explores recent draft legislation and HMRC’s evolving role in public service. He reflects on the frustrations of digital tax systems, delays in repayments, and the long-delayed rollout of Making Tax Digital, raising concerns about the effectiveness of transformation efforts and their impact on taxpayers.

For more information on this topic and more, please visit www.mercia-group.com for further details.

On 21 July 2025, the government published draft legislation for Finance Bill 2025-26 for consultation. In this brief episode, Mark Morton shares his immediate reaction. 

Much of the content was pre-announced, including:

• Inheritance Tax Overhaul – the government is proceeding with reforms to agricultural and business property reliefs, effective from April 2026, and bringing unused pension funds and death benefits into the scope of IHT from April 2027.
• Making Tax Digital (MTD) Evolves – the legislation aims to refine and simplify the MTD Income Tax and penalty reform regimes, including the deferral of implementation for specific groups and the pre-announced reduction in the qualifying income threshold to £20,000 from 2028/29 (based on returns for 2026/27).
• Tax Adviser Regulation - HMRC will mandate registration and minimum standards for tax advisers from April 2026, aiming to improve compliance and transparency.
• Carried Interest Recast – As announced at Autumn Budget 2024, qualifying carried interest will be taxed as trading income from 6 April 2026, aligning the tax treatment with other forms of remuneration.

For more information on this topic and more, please visit www.mercia-group.com for further details.

Helen Knight and Norman Allison discuss some of the key points to consider around Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self Assessment. Following a recent lecture we take the opportunity to unpack some of the most frequently asked questions, clarify common misconceptions, and explore what these changes mean for taxpayers and particularly their advisors.

For a more in depth consideration of Making Tax Digital for Income Tax access the on demand recording of the lecture referred to in this podcast.

We have also written a Topical Issue to help you communicate the key changes and requirements to clients, here. 

For more information on this topic and more, please visit www.mercia-group.com for further details.

Jenny Faulkner and Gemma Archer discuss common audit quality findings following the publication of ICAEW's latest audit monitoring report and reflect on issues identified in Mercia's own file reviews.

For more information on this topic and more, please visit www.mercia-group.com for further details.

In our latest episode, our in-house VAT expert, James Hurst, shares some brief thoughts on recent VAT cases that caught his eye.

For more information on this topic and more, please visit www.mercia-group.com for further details.

Mark Morton breaks down the government's abrupt reversal on winter fuel payments and the tangled tax mechanics that follow. From pensioners navigating deductions to the complexities of taxable income, he asks—does anyone in power truly understand self-assessment? A sharp, insightful take on yet another policy puzzle.

For more information on this topic and more, please visit www.mercia-group.com for further details.

In this episode, Gemma Archer rounds up the key points from the publication of Charities SORP exposure draft and consultations relating to the financial thresholds in charity law.

For more information on this topic and more, please visit www.mercia-group.com for further details.

Helen Knight examines the implications of the upcoming changes to company size thresholds, effective April 2025, on off-payroll working and IR35 rules.

Gain a deeper understanding of IR35 with our IR35: The Definitive Guide course.

Stay ahead of key regulatory updates and keep your clients informed with insights from our latest newsletter. 

For more information on this topic and more, please visit www.mercia-group.com for further details.

In the aftermath of the Spring Statement, a number of consultations have been released on the government website. 

Mark Morton delves into the Making Tax Digital Consultation and how this could potentially impact accountants over the next few years. 

For more information on this topic and more, please visit www.mercia-group.com for further details.

In this short episode, join Mark Morton as he reflects on the Spring Statement delivered by Chancellor Rachel Reeves today (25 March 2025).

Don't forget there is still time to order your Spring Statement Summary to easily communicate the key announcements to your clients.

For more information on this topic and more, please visit www.mercia-group.com for further details.

Mark Morton takes a look at the proposed IHT changes for pensions from April 2027.

Communicate tax changes easily with expert content that makes a difference to your clients. 

Spring Statement - https://www.mercia-group.com/promote/all-promote-products/budget-and-tax-rates/spring-statement-2025/ 

Tax Cards - https://www.mercia-group.com/promote/all-promote-products/budget-and-tax-rates/tax-cards-and-rates/ 

For more information on this topic and more, please visit www.mercia-group.com for further details.

Mark Morton takes a look at the current position on changes to APR and BPR. 

Communicate essential tax rates to your clients this spring with Mercia.

Order personalised Tax Cards for your firm now.

For more information on this topic and more, please visit www.mercia-group.com for further details.

Jenny Faulkner and Gemma Archer discuss the FRC's 2025 campaign to support UK SMEs and how the market study presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for firms to have their say and impact the future of the audit profession from an SME perspective.

For more information on this topic and more, please visit www.mercia-group.com for further details.

Mark Morton takes a look at possible changes to ISAs in the run-up to the Spring Statement.

Order your Spring Communication essentials and communicate tax updates to your clients with ease.

For more information on this topic and more, please visit www.mercia-group.com for further details.

Mark Morton reviews the recent issues relating to employment status ahead of our Spring Tax Update courses. 

For more information on this topic and more, please visit www.mercia-group.com for further details.

Communicate essential tax updates to your clients with Mercia this spring. 

Click Spring Statement and Tax Cards for more information.

For more information on this topic and more, please visit www.mercia-group.com for further details.

Mark Morton discusses the recent issues relating to travel and subsistence ahead of our Tax Update courses this Spring.

For more information on this topic and more, please visit www.mercia-group.com for further details.

James Hurst explores HMRC’s recent communication to smaller charities regarding VAT claims. Are some organisations inadvertently claiming too much?

With real-life case studies and tribunal cases, James will break down these issues at the upcoming Mercia Charities Conference. Book your place today

For more information on this topic and more, please visit www.mercia-group.com for further details.

Mark Morton discusses the recent issues affecting state pensions, ahead of our Spring Tax Update courses starting in March 2025. 

For more information on this topic and more, please visit www.mercia-group.com for further details.

Mark Morton discusses the recent developments in R&D, ahead of our Tax Update and R&D courses this Spring.

URLS for further information:
Tax Update - What's New for Spring 2025
Research and Development - The Definitive Guide

For more information on this topic and more, please visit www.mercia-group.com for further details.