Court Rules Executors Need Not Remain Neutral in Cases of Suspected Deception
The England and Wales High Court has confirmed that executors are not always required to remain neutral when there is evidence suggesting dishonesty or deception in relation to an estate.
In Teixeira v Moaven [2026] EWHC 1215 Ch, the court examined a deathbed declaration of trust signed by Abbas Moaven in 2012. The document claimed that four London properties held in his name were actually jointly owned with his mother and brother. However, the court concluded that the arrangement was a sham and rejected its validity.
The ruling provides important guidance for executors involved in contentious estate disputes, particularly where there are concerns regarding asset ownership, trust arrangements or attempts to misrepresent estate assets.
Contentious Probate Cases Continue to Rise Across England and Wales
New figures show that disputes relating to wills and estates remain at historically high levels. During 2025, the England and Wales High Court heard 126 contested probate cases, matching the elevated levels recorded in the previous year.
Data obtained by law firm Irwin Mitchell also revealed that probate caveat applications reached 11,328 in 2025, representing an increase of approximately 55% compared with 2019.
Legal experts report growing numbers of beneficiaries and family members taking early legal action to pause estate administration while concerns about the validity of a will or the conduct of executors are investigated.
The trend highlights the increasing importance of careful estate planning and clear documentation to minimise the risk of disputes.
NS&I Issues Bereavement Claims Update for Affected Estates
National Savings and Investments (NS&I) has begun contacting executors and personal representatives affected by recent account tracing issues.
Approximately 34,000 estates have been impacted, but NS&I has confirmed that the affected funds will qualify for a full inheritance tax exemption. In addition, personal representatives and executors will not be liable for income tax that accrued either before death or during the administration period.
NS&I has also stated that it may reimburse additional professional costs incurred where delays have resulted in extra administration expenses.
The update provides reassurance for executors managing affected estates and highlights the importance of reviewing estate assets carefully during administration.
FCA Identifies Weaknesses in Financial Sanctions Compliance
A review by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has identified weaknesses in how some financial firms implement financial sanctions controls.
The regulator found common issues relating to due diligence procedures, transaction monitoring, name screening, alert management and the handling of frozen assets. The review also highlighted shortcomings in firms’ compliance with sanctions licences.
According to the FCA, approximately £37 billion of assets were frozen in the UK last year, largely as a result of Russian sanctions measures.
The findings serve as a reminder that businesses operating in regulated sectors should regularly review their compliance frameworks and sanctions screening processes to reduce regulatory risk.
VAT on Private School Fees Linked to Drop in Enrolment
The introduction of VAT on private school fees has been linked to a decline in independent school enrolment, according to sector data.
More than 20,000 pupils are reported to have left Independent Schools Council member schools within a year following the policy change. Critics argue that the measure is placing additional pressure on the state education system and may ultimately increase public spending.
Concerns have also been raised that the policy is affecting middle-income families more than the wealthiest households, raising questions about its broader economic and social impact.
HMRC Launches Updated Tool for Side Hustle Tax Checks
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has introduced an updated online tool designed to help individuals determine whether they need to submit a Self Assessment tax return.
The tool targets workers with additional income sources such as side hustles, rental income, or freelance work. HMRC guidance states that a tax return may be required if an individual earns more than £1,000 from self-employment or has recently started generating additional income.
The update is aimed at improving tax compliance and helping taxpayers understand their reporting obligations more clearly.
Pensioners Face Tax Clawback on Winter Fuel Payments
HMRC is recovering Winter Fuel Payments from pensioners whose income exceeds £35,000, resulting in higher monthly tax deductions for affected individuals.
Around two million pensioners are impacted by the change, with an average monthly tax increase of approximately £17 until the full amount is recovered. The adjustment is being made automatically through changes to tax codes.
The policy reflects the Government’s approach to means-testing certain benefits through the tax system.
HMRC Issues £3.1m in Inheritance Tax Penalties
HM Revenue and Customs has imposed £3.1 million in penalties related to late filing and payment of inheritance tax (IHT) during the 2024/25 tax year.
According to official data, around 5,200 estates were fined for missing deadlines, representing a 35% increase compared with 2020/21.
The rise highlights ongoing challenges faced by executors and families in meeting inheritance tax reporting and payment obligations within strict time limits.
State Pension Tax Changes Raise Fairness Concerns
Upcoming changes affecting the taxation of state pensions have prompted concerns about fairness among retirees. As annual state pension increases continue, more pensioners could exceed the frozen Personal Allowance threshold of £12,570 and become liable for Income Tax at 20%.
Industry experts have questioned whether individuals who have saved into private pensions could be treated less favourably than those relying solely on the State Pension. The Government has indicated that legislation is being developed to ensure that people receiving only the full new State Pension will not face an Income Tax liability.
SNP Highlights Impact of National Insurance Increases on Charities
The SNP has raised concerns that higher National Insurance costs are contributing to the closure of charity shops across the UK. The party argues that rising employment costs are creating additional financial pressure for charitable organisations.
In response, the Government pointed to the substantial tax support already available to the sector, noting that charities benefit from a range of reliefs and exemptions, including Business Rates relief, with total support amounting to billions of pounds annually.
Wizz Air Warns Rising Taxes Could Affect UK Routes
Wizz Air has cautioned that increasing taxes and regulatory costs could impact the viability of some of its UK operations. The airline’s chief executive, József Váradi, warned that higher charges may reduce the competitiveness of certain routes.
The comments add to ongoing industry concerns that growing tax burdens could affect investment decisions and future route planning within the aviation sector.
Farage Proposes VAT Threshold Increase for Sole Traders
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has proposed increasing the VAT registration threshold for sole traders from £90,000 to £150,000, arguing it would support “alarm clock Britain” and ease pressure on small businesses.
The proposal is expected to benefit around 320,000 small businesses by keeping them outside the 20% VAT system. However, critics have raised concerns over the estimated £2bn annual cost of the policy.
Reform UK says the plan would be funded through spending reductions, including cuts to welfare and foreign aid. The party also plans to reverse new HMRC rules requiring sole traders earning over £50,000 to submit quarterly financial updates.
Tax Policies Under Scrutiny in Labour Leadership Debate
Tax policy is becoming a central issue in discussions around potential future Labour leadership, according to commentary from City AM.
Wes Streeting is reported to support higher Capital Gains Tax, while Andy Burnham has backed the introduction of a Land Value Tax targeting wealthier regions. Chancellor Rachel Reeves has already scrapped the non-dom regime as part of broader fiscal changes aimed at high-net-worth individuals.
However, critics argue that alongside measures targeting the wealthy, frozen tax thresholds are pulling more middle-income earners into higher tax bands, increasing their overall tax burden.
Hospitality Industry Warns of Rising Tax Burden
Hospitality sector leaders have warned that increasing tax pressures are placing significant strain on pubs, restaurants, and hospitality businesses.
Rising employment costs, including minimum wage increases and higher National Insurance contributions, have added to financial pressure. Simon Emeny, CEO of Fuller’s, said the sector is becoming “over-taxed” and warned the current trajectory is unsustainable.
Industry figures, including Tom Kerridge and Sarah Willingham, have called for a reduction in VAT from 20% to 10% to support hiring and improve sector stability.
Petition Calls for Expansion of Personal Tax Allowance
A parliamentary petition is calling for the introduction of a new £6,285 tax-free allowance for individuals with second jobs.
Currently, the UK personal allowance stands at £12,570, but campaigners argue that expanding relief would better support workers with multiple income streams, including part-time employees and key workers.
The proposal aims to reduce tax pressure on low- and middle-income earners and encourage greater workforce participation.
AI Economy May Require New Tax System
Venture capitalist Vinod Khosla has suggested that the rise of artificial intelligence could significantly reduce demand for human labour, forcing governments to rethink how taxation works.
He argues that as AI reshapes employment patterns, traditional income-based tax systems may no longer be sufficient, requiring new frameworks to capture value created by automation and technology.
State Pension Tax Changes Raise Fairness Concerns
Upcoming changes affecting the taxation of state pensions have prompted concerns about fairness among retirees. As annual state pension increases continue, more pensioners could exceed the frozen Personal Allowance threshold of £12,570 and become liable for Income Tax at 20%.
Industry experts have questioned whether individuals who have saved into private pensions could be treated less favourably than those relying solely on the State Pension. The Government has indicated that legislation is being developed to ensure that people receiving only the full new State Pension will not face an Income Tax liability.
SNP Highlights Impact of National Insurance Increases on Charities
The SNP has raised concerns that higher National Insurance costs are contributing to the closure of charity shops across the UK. The party argues that rising employment costs are creating additional financial pressure for charitable organisations.
In response, the Government pointed to the substantial tax support already available to the sector, noting that charities benefit from a range of reliefs and exemptions, including Business Rates relief, with total support amounting to billions of pounds annually.
Wizz Air Warns Rising Taxes Could Affect UK Routes
Wizz Air has cautioned that increasing taxes and regulatory costs could impact the viability of some of its UK operations. The airline’s chief executive, József Váradi, warned that higher charges may reduce the competitiveness of certain routes.
The comments add to ongoing industry concerns that growing tax burdens could affect investment decisions and future route planning within the aviation sector.
HMRC Wins Major VAT Case Against Bolt
HMRC has secured a significant victory in a VAT dispute involving ride-hailing company Bolt. The Court of Appeal ruled that Bolt cannot use the Tour Operators’ Margin Scheme (TOMS) when calculating its VAT obligations.
Under the ruling, VAT must be charged on the full fare paid by customers rather than only on Bolt’s commission. The decision relates to an estimated £190m VAT liability and could have wider implications for other ride-hailing platforms operating in the UK.
Tax specialists believe the judgment may also influence similar ongoing VAT disputes within the transport sector.
Supreme Court Ruling Has Wider Tax Implications for Financial Sector
The UK Supreme Court has ruled that Alex Gerko, founder of XTX Markets, is liable for an additional £22.5m in Income Tax relating to deferred trading profits generated through a partnership structure.
The court rejected arguments that the tax treatment resulted in unfair double taxation, bringing a long-running dispute to a close. While HMRC was unsuccessful in seeking additional amounts beyond the disputed figure, the judgment is expected to provide important guidance on partnership taxation and profit allocation arrangements.
Experts suggest the ruling may influence future tax planning strategies across the financial services industry.
Gambling Tax Proposals Could Increase Costs for High Street Venues
High street gambling businesses may face higher tax bills under proposals being considered as part of a future tax policy review. Research from the Social Market Foundation suggests that increasing taxes on adult gaming centres and slot machine venues could generate up to £460 million in additional annual revenue.
Supporters believe tougher tax measures could slow the expansion of gambling venues, particularly in economically disadvantaged areas. However, industry representatives argue that higher taxes could place further pressure on town centres, reduce investment, and put jobs at risk.
Digital Services Tax at Centre of UK-US Trade Tensions
UK exporters are monitoring developments after US President Donald Trump threatened to impose 100% tariffs on countries operating Digital Services Taxes.
The UK’s 2% Digital Services Tax currently raises around £800 million annually by taxing the revenues of large multinational technology companies. Business groups have warned that retaliatory tariffs could negatively affect trade between the UK and the US, increasing costs for businesses on both sides while disrupting existing commercial relationships.
With trade negotiations continuing, industry leaders are urging both governments to prioritise constructive agreements over further trade disputes.
End of Homeworking Tax Relief Impacts Remote Workers
The withdrawal of the homeworking tax relief from the 2026/27 tax year is expected to affect around 300,000 employees who regularly work from home.
The policy change is forecast to save the Treasury approximately £115 million over the next five years. Tax specialists estimate that basic rate taxpayers could pay around £62 more annually, while higher-rate taxpayers may see their tax bills increase by approximately £124.
Experts have also noted that frozen tax thresholds could further increase the tax burden on some remote workers through fiscal drag.
HMRC Encourages Taxpayers to Claim Unpaid PAYE Refunds
Taxpayers are being encouraged to check whether they are due a refund after HMRC data revealed that around 730,000 PAYE tax refunds remained unclaimed last year.
The unclaimed refunds totalled approximately £624 million, with the average repayment worth £855. Analysis indicates that many taxpayers mistakenly believe PAYE refunds are issued automatically, when in some cases a claim must be made.
Reviewing PAYE records regularly can help taxpayers identify overpayments and ensure they receive any refunds they are entitled to.
