The UK Autumn Budget for 2024 was presented on 30 October 2024 by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves
This year's Autumn Budget represents a significant shift in fiscal policy, with a focus on raising taxes to fund public services and investments. As we navigate the financial landscape of 2024, it’s crucial to stay informed about the latest changes introduced in the UK Budget. Here are the key highlights that will impact businesses and individuals alike.
1.2% increase to National Insurance contributions
From April 2025, there will be an increase to the amount of National Insurance (NI) contributions an employer must make. NI Contributions will increase by 1.2% to a total of 15%, and the National Insurance primary threshold - which is when employers begin to pay NI, will be lowered from £9,100 to £5,000.
Although the NI threshold has been lowered, the amount of National Insurance a business can offset will increase as the employment allowance will change from £5,000 to £10,500. The government claims this change to the employment allowance will result in 865,000 employers paying no National Insurance, whilst over 1 million businesses will pay the same amount of National Insurance as the previous year.
Freeze on the Income Personal tax threshold will end in April 2028
The Chancellor confirmed that the freeze on income tax and National Insurance thresholds will end in April 2028. From 2028 - 29, personal tax thresholds will be updated in line with inflation.
Changes to the minimum wage
The National Living Wage for workers over 21 will increase by 6.7% in April 2025 to £12.21 per hour, which is worth an extra £1,100 per year for a full-time worker. Meanwhile the National Minimum Wage for 18 to 20-year-olds will go up by 16% to £10 per hour.
Update on business rates
The current 75% discount on business rates is set to expire in April 2025, this will be replaced by a discount of 40% (maximum discount of £110k). In addition there is a plan to introduce permanently lower business rates for high-street retail, hospitality and leisure properties from 2026-27.
Corporation tax
The main rate of Corporation tax for businesses with taxable profits over £250,000 will remain at 25% until next election.
Capital Gains Tax
Capital Gains tax rates for disposal on or after 30 October 2024 will increase from 10% to 18% and the higher rate from 20% to 24%. The rate for Business Asset Disposal Relief and Investors’ Relief will increase to 14% from 6 April 2025, and will increase again to match the lower main rate at 18% from 6 April 2026.
Windfall tax on energy
The energy profits levy applied to oil and gas firms will rise by 3%, meaning the level of tax is now 38%, and this will remain in place until 31 March 2030.
HMRC changes
The interest rate applied will increase on tax that is overdue to encourage prompt payment, in addition there will be an increase in HMRC criminal investigation work by hiring more compliance officers.
Making Tax Digital update
There was a Making Tax Digital (MTD) update within the budget, and the Labour government reiterated its commitment to delivering on the current timeline and expanding the rollout for businesses with an income over £20,000 per year. Rest assured, we’ll be supporting all customers with MTD, and our Product Director Nick Williams shared “We have been, and continue to, work closely with HMRC on the testing phase, including working jointly on the APIs. This enables us to support our customers in preparation of the changes. Intuit QuickBooks was the first large provider recognised by HMRC for the MTD for Income Tax test phase.”