Autumn Budget 2026: Why tax certainty matters for business owners
With the Autumn Budget approaching on 28 October, business owners will be considering what potential tax changes could mean for their future plans.
For those thinking about selling, transferring or passing on a business, Capital Gains Tax and Inheritance Tax remain particularly important considerations.
RMT Tax Partner Anthony Andreasen shares his perspective on the issues facing North East businesses and why greater certainty from the Chancellor would help business owners plan with confidence.
A call for greater certainty
Anthony explains:
“With this being the first Budget of the Burnham administration, there’s a great deal that could change, and with very few indications being given about what’s on the way, everyone is very much holding their breath.
“What we’re most hoping for from the Chancellor is certainty, so that businesses have firm foundations on which they can make their decisions and their advisors can help them plan for their futures without wondering what’s going to change out of the blue in a few months’ time.”
Capital Gains Tax and business exits
“The significant increase in both the main rate of Capital Gains Tax and Business Asset Disposal Relief rate over the last two years has had a tangible impact on the M&A market, with any further CGT increase, as has been called for in some quarters, likely bring it to parity with income tax.
“This would likely result in long planned exits becoming a less attractive option for business owners, many of whom will have spent decades investing in and building up their companies and could have a negative impact in terms of their businesses’ long-term sustainability.”
Inheritance Tax and succession planning
“The impact on farming businesses of the inheritance tax measures announced in the 2024 Budget has been made very clear, but what seems to be less well understood is that they apply equally to other owner managed trading companies.
“With it seeming unlikely that any further easing of these rules will be announced by the Chancellor, North East business owners should be urgently examining and acting on what the IHT tax regime means for them.”
What does the Autumn Budget mean for your business?
The implications of tax changes will depend on your individual circumstances, business structure and longer-term plans.
Whether you’re considering selling a business, transferring ownership to the next generation or reviewing your existing tax arrangements, understanding your position is an important part of making informed decisions.
At RMT, our tax specialists work with business owners to help them navigate complex tax matters and plan for the future.
Explore our Autumn Budget hub for further insights, or speak to our tax team about your plans.