This week was the culmination of the Institute's representation in two awards competitions. At the Education Awards Chartered Accountants Ireland Skillnet was thrilled that the Professional Scepticism Virtual Reality Programme (VR) Training Programme won in the Excellence in Education by a Professional Body category. This award recognises the professional body in Ireland that best demonstrates excellence in the delivery and development of knowledge or skills in a profession.  Presenting the award, the judges noted: "This entrant secured the judges' attention through the world’s only professional-scepticism VR training programme. The immersive audit environments, real-time feedback, and evidence-based design provide a transformative learning experience. Adoption across multiple universities and professional contexts highlights its sector relevance, while student feedback reflects significant skills development and increased confidence in applying professional scepticism. This is a creative and engaging use of VR to enhance the learning experience for junior and trainee auditors." At the same event, the Institute was delighted to be shortlisted in the Best Online Education category. This category recognises the institution that demonstrates excellence in the development and integration of its online learning experience for its students. We were very proud to be shortlisted and congratulate the category winners, Flúirse. In addition, we were honoured to be finalists in the Overall Excellence category – a judges panel selection from winners of all 32 category winners on the night – which recognises exceptional achievement by a higher education institution in Ireland. We were privileged to have been considered and congratulate the category winner: Ulster University. Elsewhere, at the Business & Finance ESG Awards, we were very proud to have been shortlisted for the ESG Company Award (SMEs). This category recognises SMEs that excel in implementing ESG strategies, and that demonstrate commitment to sustainable practices. It was a competitive field and we warmly congratulate the category winners, GORM. The Institute is very grateful to all who contributed to the work on behalf of members and students which these accolades represent. 

Chartered Accountants Ireland has completed a wide‑ranging programme of member and stakeholder engagement across Australia, reinforcing the Institute’s commitment to supporting members living and working overseas while strengthening Ireland’s international economic and professional relationships.  The visit was led by Institute President Pamela McCreedy, joined by Global Member Manager Gillian Duffy, who represented the Institute across a series of high‑level engagements in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne. The programme highlighted the significant contribution made by the more than 1,600 Chartered Accountants based in Australia, working across all sectors of the economy and playing a vital role in strengthening links between Ireland and Australia.  Key engagements included meetings with Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland and The Ireland Funds Australia, as well as discussions with the Department of Foreign Affairs through the Consulate General of Ireland in Sydney. These conversations focused on trade and investment, talent mobility, and the skills and leadership needed to support Irish companies scaling internationally and multinational firms investing in Ireland.  A centrepiece of the visit was the President’s Dinner in Sydney, attended by over 200 members and guests from across the Irish–Australian business community, representatives from Ireland’s state agencies, professional bodies and partner organisations, as well as leaders from the Institute’s Australian member networks. Speaking on the night, President Pamela McCreedy reflected on the evolving role of Chartered Accountants and the importance of trust, transparency and professional judgement in establishing the profession’s position as a source of Trusted Business Leadership in Australia and globally. With a growing presence in Australia, Institute members continue to benefit from their community support offered by member chapters. She encouraged members to stay connected and to get involved.  During the member event in Melbourne, Pamela noted the strength of the Chartered community. From one of the newest of the Institute’s global member chapters in Brisbane through to its biggest in Sydney to her final engagement in Melbourne, she was reminded of the achievements and successes of peers and how experiences shape careers and whole communities.   Maintaining a visible and active presence across Australia enables Chartered Accountants Ireland to advocate effectively for members, contribute to international leadership and finance discussions, and deepen relationships with the organisations shaping Ireland’s global economic footprint. The visit also reinforced the Institute’s unique role as an all‑island professional body with members working across every sector of business worldwide. 

  In this week’s bulletin read about the publication of the Critical Infrastructure Bill, a report identifying renewable energy as a hedge against fuel price volatility, the new ISO 140001 standard and investment in critical water infrastructure. Also covered are the publication of guidelines on the implementation of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), resources on nature as a source of long-term value and to support assessment of nature-related financial risks, and the usual articles, resources and upcoming events. CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS IRELAND Institute congratulates Gorm! Chartered Accountants Ireland congratulates Gorm for winning the ESG Company Award (SMEs) in the Business & Finance Media Group ESG Awards 2026, in partnership with Grant Thornton Ireland. Chartered Accountants Ireland was honoured to have been shortlisted in the category and congratulates all fellow nominees, and all winners, across the categories. IRELAND Minister Chambers publishes Critical Infrastructure Bill 2026 The Government’s Critical Infrastructure Bill 2026 has been published, and it aims to fast-track the approval processes for critical infrastructure projects in Ireland. The Bill will allow Government, with Dáil approval, to designate specific infrastructure projects or programmes that the Government considers to be critical, thereby requiring all State bodies involved in the approval process for the infrastructure in question to prioritise their consideration of it. It also requires all State bodies involved in the approval processes for this infrastructure to cooperate and coordinate with each other. In Chartered Accountants Ireland’s reaction to the publication of the Bill, Director of Members and Advocacy Cróna Clohisey described it as “a significant step in the Government’s approach to addressing Ireland’s infrastructure challenges.” Renewables an “important hedge against fuel price volatility” At a time of intense focus on energy prices, a new review paper from the Economic and Social Research Institute Ireland (ESRI) has found that while interventions such as energy credits have alleviated much of the burden for Irish consumers, Irish electricity prices have been among the most expensive in Europe during the 2018–2024 period of analysis. Read more here. New ISO 14001:2026 Standard now available The new edition of the leading International Standard for environmental management, ISO 14001 Environmental Management Systems, is now available. Adopted by more than 600,000 organisations worldwide, ISO 14001provides a framework to help organisations of all types and sizes manage their environmental responsibilities systematically and effectively. The new edition has improved guidance, navigation and alignment with environmental priorities such as climate change, biodiversity and resource efficiency. It also aims to integrate seamlessly with other ISO management systems standards. Investment in critical water infrastructure resilience Uisce Éireann is to invest over €500 million in 30 critical water supply projects over the next ten years, as part of its Water for Growth Programme. The projects are to build resilience by upgrading treatment plants, building new trunk mains, and installing new strategic water storage facilities. This is in addition to the investment in leak-reduction of €420 million over the next five years to prevent the loss of up to 250 million litres of water per day. Uisce Éireann’s Growth and Development Programme is the national programme of targeted investment to enable essential housing. The delivery of water and wastewater capacity is identified as vital to support economic growth locally and nationally.  EUROPE Guidelines on the implementation of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) publish The European Commission has published guidelines on the implementation of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) to facilitate the uniform application of the new packaging rules across the EU and simplify compliance for economic actors and Member States. The guidance document presented by the Commission clarifies rules where the PPWR need further interpretation and areas where stakeholders have requested assistance. The law aims to contribute to a more sustainable and competitive packaging sector across the EU and to strengthening the Single Market for packaging through common rules. Several delegated and implementing acts are being prepared, including on harmonised registration and reporting formats for the extended producer responsibility, labelling for waste sorting by consumers, recycled content in plastic packaging, and recyclability criteria. These are being prepared in close cooperation with Member States, stakeholders and trading partners. TECHNICAL ROUNDUP (From our colleagues in Professional Accounting) The International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) has published its March 2026 ISSB update and podcast. The UK Endorsement Board is conducting research  to better understand company experiences in relation to the UK’s climate-related financial disclosures reporting regime. If you are a company reporting under these regulations and would like to take part, please contact the researchers at climatefinresearch@iffresearch.com to arrange a time to be interviewed. RESOURCES CAANZ, ACCA publish case study on sustainability assurance judgement Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ) and Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) have issued a report to guide assurance practitioners on applying professional judgement to estimates and forward-looking information in sustainability engagements. Estimates, targets, transition roadmaps and projections are now a core part of sustainability disclosures and are increasingly influential for investors and other stakeholders. However, this type of information is by nature uncertain. It rests on assumptions, expert judgement and future developments that may be outside an organisation’s control. The report, A case study: Demystifying the assurance of estimates and forward-looking information in accordance with ISSA 5000, is presented as a practical case study to support practitioners in applying that judgement. It looks at how assurance providers can address the inherent uncertainty in estimates and forward-looking disclosures when conducting engagements under ISSA 5000. Nature as a source of long-term value In this blog, Natura’s Group Chief Financial Officer, Silvia Vilas Boas, shares how the organisation integrates financial, social and natural capital, how the finance team works alongside sustainability colleagues to guide everyday decisions, and how new financial instruments are being used to channel capital towards nature positive and socially inclusive outcomes. OECD publishes report on enhancing interoperability of policy‑mandated emission monitoring, reporting and verification systems The OECD has published a Technical summary report,  exploring practical avenues for establishing interoperable carbon intensity metrics by leveraging existing policy-mandated monitoring reporting and verification (MRV) systems and data governance frameworks. The report finds, among other things, that interoperability does not require full harmonisation of MRV systems. Instead, it can be enhanced by expanding coverage and increasing emissions data disaggregation and by establishing mutual recognition of emission estimation methods and reporting and verification frameworks. The report concludes by outlining practical actions to strengthen interoperability via policy-mandated MRV systems, including options to improve alignment, data transformability and mutual recognition across systems. New materials to support assessment of nature-related financial risks The Network for Greening the Financial System (NGFS) has released a package of materials to support the assessment of nature-related financial risks. The package provides practical tools for central banks and supervisors to integrate nature-related risks into their work to help strengthen the resilience of the financial system. Nature degradation, such as deteriorating water or soil quality, can have knock-on effects that can lead to economic and financial damage.    The World Bank now estimates that as much as half of the world’s GDP relies on biodiversity, nature capital and ecosystem services. In his opening remarks at a panel discussion on “Incorporating nature into supervisory practices” Frank Elderson stated that in the euro area, nearly 75% of banks’ corporate lending goes to firms that are highly dependent on at least one ecosystem service.” A Member of the Executive Board of the European Central Bank and Vice-Chair of the Supervisory Board of the ECB, Elderson warned that in the face of multiple challenges, the very urgent often overtakes the vitally important: “Put bluntly: if we keep destroying nature, we keep destroying economic activity. And this leads to risks surging, prices rising and instability spreading to every part of society and across borders.”  ARTICLES “ESG considerations are now central to capital allocation” – CEO Q&A with Keith Butler, Group CEO of Acorn Life Group (Business and Finance) ‘Greenhushing’ flagged as growing risk in Irish finance (Business Post) AI laws overlook environmental damage – here’s what needs to change (The Conversation) How this aerospace company built resilience through sustainability (ICAEW Insights) US EV Fast-Charging Network Grows Amid High Gas Prices (Bloomberg) UK Car Sales Rise to Highest Since 2019 in Resilient Showing (Bloomberg Green) EU climate chief warns there is ‘no workaround’ for high energy prices (Financial Times) EVENTS IBEC, Briefing: Voluntary Sustainability Reporting for SMEs - VSME At this briefing Lorraine McCann, Managing Director, Sustainability Reporting Lead, KPMG will provide an overview of the voluntary sustainability reporting standard (VSME), the key reporting requirements and how it can assist SMEs in responding to requests for information from companies in their value chain. The briefing is for any SME that wishes to become more informed on the voluntary sustainability reporting standard (VSME) and the potential benefit to their business, as well as senior leaders, owners, compliance managers, risk managers, sustainability managers, environmental and EHS professionals, accountants, operations managers, employees with sustainability reporting as part of their role Virtual |Monday 27 April | 3.00pm – 3.45pm |  Free, booking required UN Global Compact, Climate Ambition Accelerator — 2026 Applications Now Open The UN Global Compact's Climate Ambition Accelerator is now accepting applications for 2026. This six-month programme equips companies with the knowledge and tools to accelerate progress toward setting science-based emissions reduction targets aligned with the 1.5°C pathway — putting them on track for net-zero by 2050. Application Deadline: 30 April 2026 | Programme: May–November 2026 IBEC, Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulations - Guidance on new requirements A free 1-hour briefing on the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulations (PPWR) and the implications for business.  Virtual, Friday 1 May, 12.00 noon - 1.00pm Enterprise Ireland, Sustainability Kickstarter Workshops A half‑day workshop series designed to support business leaders in recognising the strategic importance of sustainability and decarbonisation. The sessions provide practical skills to integrate core sustainability principles, identify competitive opportunities, and build actionable plans to meet rising customer expectations for sustainable products and services. Friday, 8 May 2026 | Half‑day workshop ICAEW, Sustainability for business 2026 This in-person event brings together business leaders – especially from SMEs – to explore how sustainability is shaping the UK business landscape and influencing resilience, competitiveness, and access to capital. Through a mix of interactive sessions, expert discussions and real-work examples, the event will help businesses understand the practicalities of sustainability such as related risks and opportunities, how peers are responding, and what this means for long-term planning and decision-making. In person, Chartered Accountants' Hall, Moorgate Place, London EC2R 6EA, 11 May, 2026, 08:00 - 12:00       ICAEW, What determines the price of energy - factors, forecasts and future This webinar will explore the latest trends in energy prices, examining why volatility persists and what this means for businesses planning for the short and long term. Equip your organisation with the insight and tools needed to navigate today’s fast‑changing energy landscape effectively by gaining a clear overview of the UK’s current energy mix and how it is expected to evolve over the coming years, driven by policy, market forces and the transition to net zero. Also considered will be the practical implications of these changes for organisations, helping you better understand the risks, opportunities and strategic considerations shaping the future energy environment. Virtual, 20 May 2026, 13:00 - 14:00 UN Global Compact Network Canada, Annual Sustainability Reporting Peer Review Group (ASPiRe) — Now Open for Registration This structured peer review programme offers an exceptional opportunity for sustainability and communications teams to strengthen the quality and credibility of their sustainability disclosures — including Communications on Progress (CoPs). Registration Deadline: 5 June 2026 | Programme: July–October 2026 Sustainability Centre You can find information, guidance and supports to understand sustainability and meet the challenges it presents in our online Sustainability Centre. 

At a time of intense focus on energy prices, a new review paper from the Economic and Social Research Institute Ireland (ESRI) has found that while interventions such as energy credits have alleviated much of the burden for Irish consumers, Irish electricity prices have been among the most expensive in Europe during the 2018–2024 period of analysis. The review, which charts electricity price trends in Ireland and Europe, also finds that Ireland’s exposure to international gas prices helped push residential electricity prices to the highest in Europe in 2024, before taxes, levies and energy credits are taken into account. Commenting on the research, Dr Niall Farrell, Associate Research Professor at the ESRI, said: “Irish electricity prices tend to track trends in natural gas prices. While many countries have reduced their reliance on gas-fired generation in recent years, Ireland has been less able to diversify away from gas-fired generation. Renewables provide an important hedge against fuel price volatility.” According to provisional data from Eirgrid, nearly half of Ireland’s electricity came from renewable sources during March. A growth of rooftop solar saw a reduction in need for traditional generators at times and wind energy made up a significant proportion of renewable energy, contributing 40 percent of the overall fuel mix in March. The increase in wind energy generation limited the increase of wholesale electricity prices in Ireland, according to research from Wind Energy Ireland, which states that “Rising gas prices drove the average wholesale price of electricity in Ireland last month up 19 percent compared to February but a strong performance by Irish wind farms kept prices lower than in March 2025.” Separately, the Government announced a package of measures on fuel costs to support the transport, farming and fisheries sectors. These measures include reducing by a further 10 cents the excise on diesel and on petrol (VAT inclusive), reducing the excise on marked gas oil (green diesel) by a further 2.4 cent (VAT inclusive), and deferring the planned increase in carbon tax, scheduled for 1 May, until the Budget. These measures are in addition to the previously allocated €250 million in targeted supports to assist those experiencing real and immediate financial pressure. The Government is also establishing a new Road Transporters Support Scheme (RTSS) providing direct payments to the haulage and coach operators, and has announced a €100 million Fuel Subsidy Support Scheme to assist farmers, agricultural contractors and fishers. 

In Irish news, Revenue has issued a press release with information for taxpayers affected by rising fuel costs and the Fiscal Monitor for March 2026 has been published. In UK news, you can read the final part of our series on the new financial and tax years which commenced earlier this month, and HMRC has provided clarification on how business cessations are treated under Making Tax Digital for income tax. In International news this week, the EU Parliament discuss the feasibility of a 28th tax regime. Ireland 1. Read the press release published by Revenue for taxpayers impacted by rising fuel and other costs. 2. The Department of Finance and the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation have published the Fiscal Monitor for March 2026 which confirms an Exchequer deficit of €0.2 billion in the first quarter of 2026. UK 3. Read part three of our series ‘New tax and financial year: new rules for 2026 and beyond’ which looks at a range of miscellaneous changes. 4. HMRC has clarified the treatment of business cessations in the context of Making Tax Digital for income tax. International 5. The EU Parliament will discuss this week the draft report on the feasibility of a 28th tax regime and its potential to support EU competitiveness. Keep up to date with all the latest Irish, UK, and international tax developments through Chartered Accountants Ireland’s Tax Newsletter. Subscribe to the Tax News by updating your preferences in MyAccount. You can also read this week’s Cross-border developments and trading corner.  

For many Chartered Accountants, there comes a moment a few years into your career when things start to feel real. The exams are long over, the training wheels are off, and day‑to‑day work is no longer a mystery. With that confidence, though, can come reflection. Questions start to surface about what’s next, what really matters, and where your career should go. This can be an exciting phase of your career, but one that brings its own pressures when decisions need to be made. A strong foundation and expanding opportunities One of the greatest assets that Chartered Accountants possess at this stage of their career stage is the strength of their professional qualification, training and experience. Ireland’s open, globalised economy continues to provide a wide an array of opportunities for ACA members. Multinational investment, a strong indigenous SME sector, and Ireland’s position as a European hub for financial services, technology, and pharmaceuticals mean that ACAs remain in high demand. Those with five to nine years’ experience are particularly attractive to employers, as they combine technical competence with increasing commercial awareness. Career optionality is another major advantage. Many Chartered Accountants move from practice into industry during this period, while others diversify into areas such as financial planning and analysis, risk and compliance, corporate finance, data analytics, or ESG reporting. International mobility also remains strong, with Irish qualifications recognised and valued in markets such as the UK, Australia, Canada, and across Europe. Financial stability and professional redibility With experience comes meaningful financial progression. As member progress their careers, many enjoy increased earning potential, greater job security, and growing confidence when negotiating salary, benefits, and flexible working arrangements. These years often bring a stronger sense of stability and control over one’s career. Just as significant is the professional credibility that develops over time. ACAs increasingly trusted to lead teams, build and manage client relationships, take ownership of key financial processes, and act as valued business partners to senior leadership. This expanding influence can be deeply rewarding, fostering a sense of purpose and impact that extends well beyond technical delivery. The pressure of progression and role expectations Despite these positives, this stage of a Chartered Accountant’s career can bring some challenges. Chief among them is the pressure to progress. Many organisations expect individuals with five to nine years’ experience to be transitioning into management or senior management roles. For some, this aligns with their ambitions; for others, the pace or style of progression may feel misaligned with personal goals or life circumstances. The shift from “doing” to “managing” can be particularly challenging. Strong technical performers may not always feel prepared for people management, business development, or stakeholder leadership — skills that are increasingly demanded at this level. Without adequate training or support, this transition can become a source of stress and self‑doubt. Another challenge at this stage is the somewhat narrow definition of success that can exist. Progression is often framed as a move into people management, even though not all Chartered Accountants are motivated by leadership roles. Many are drawn instead to deeper technical expertise — whether in tax, audit, financial reporting, risk, systems, or advisory — where their impact comes from judgement, insight, and specialist knowledge rather than managing teams. When organisations lack clear specialist career paths, this can leave skilled professionals questioning their options, despite having a strong sense of where they would add most value. Workload, potential burnout, and work‑life balance Workload and burnout can remain a concern. At the same time, this career phase often coincides with significant personal milestones, such as starting families, buying homes, or caring for relatives. Balancing professional responsibility with personal wellbeing can be challenging, and not all workplaces have adapted equally well to supporting these competing demands. There is also a risk of “golden handcuffing”, where strong salaries and incentives discourage individuals from making changes, even when roles no longer align with their broader aspirations or values. Over time, this can evolve into job hugging — a tendency to stay put out of comfort or caution rather than fulfilment, quietly narrowing career options and making change feel increasingly risky the longer it is deferred. Navigating career direction and identity Another key challenge is career clarity. By this stage, the question often shifts from “Can I do this?” to “Do I want to keep doing this?” Some experience uncertainty about whether to remain on traditional leadership paths or to seek alternative roles that offer more meaning, flexibility, or impact. The evolving nature of the profession can add complexity. Automation, AI, and data‑driven decision‑making are reshaping some accounting roles. While many ACAs are well positioned to adapt, there can be anxiety about staying relevant and investing time in the right skills for the future. Looking ahead: A pivotal phase For ACAs, the five‑to‑nine‑year mark is less about proving competence and more about shaping direction. Those who thrive in this phase tend to take ownership of their development — seeking mentorship, broadening their skill sets, and making deliberate career choices rather than default ones. For employers, this cohort represents a vital talent pool. Supporting them through flexible career pathways, leadership development, and wellbeing initiatives is not just beneficial for individuals, but essential for the long‑term sustainability and attractiveness of the profession. In many ways, this phase is the making of a Chartered Accountant’s career. With the right balance of opportunity, support, and self‑reflection, ACAs in Ireland are well positioned to become the next generation of trusted business leaders. For those navigating questions about progression, specialisation, or next steps, the Chartered Accountants Ireland Career Team offers confidential, specialist guidance and practical support to help members make informed, confident decisions about their future.

Our third (and final) article in this series looking at the key changes to UK tax legislation which took effect due to the commencement of either the new Financial Year 2026 from 1 April 2026 or the new tax year 2026/27 which began on April 6 considers a range of miscellaneous changes. Part one of the series addressed Making Tax Digital for Income Tax and measures affecting tax agents. In part two we examined key changes to the capital taxes, income tax, corporation tax, and capital allowances. Personal taxes Due to the freezing of personal allowances and thresholds, there are only limited changes to income tax rates, thresholds, and allowances for 2026/27. The changes to be aware of are as follows: the dividend ordinary rate increased from 8.75 percent to 10.75 percent, and the dividend upper rate increased from 33.75 percent to 35.75 percent. The dividend additional rate remains at 39.35 percent,  the amount of the married couple’s allowance (MCA) increased from £11,270 to £11,700. The income limit for, and the minimum amount of the MCA, also increased from £37,700 to £39,200 and from £4,360 to £4,530 respectively, the amount of the blind person’s allowance increased from £3,130 to £3,250, the rate of income tax relief for individuals investing in new venture capital trusts scheme shares reduced from 30 percent to 20 percent, and the annual fixed amount for qualifying care relief increased from £19,690 to £20,440. Increases were also made to the weekly amounts as set out in the associated legislation.   Tax advantaged venture capital schemes Several changes were made to the Enterprise Investment Scheme and the Venture Capital Trust scheme limits from 6 April 2026 (though it should be noted that these do not apply to specified companies in Northern Ireland):  the annual investment limit that a company can raise increased from £5 million to £10million, the overall investment limit increased from £12 million to £24 million, and the pre-investment gross assets threshold increased to £30 million from £15 million, and the post-investment threshold rose to £35 million from £16 million. Official rate of interest (ORI) HMRC has confirmed that the ORI, which is used to calculate benefits in kind in respect of employment-related loans and living accommodation, is unchanged at 3.75 percent from 6 April 2026. However, going forward, the ORI will be assessed quarterly, with any adjustments taking effect on 6 April, 6 July, 6 October and 6 January.  National minimum and living wage The National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage rates both increased from 1 April 2026. Vaping products duty (VPD) VPD is a new excise duty on vaping products which will come into operation later this year from 1 October 2026. The duty will apply to vaping liquid which contains nicotine and either or both glycerine and glycol, or any liquid that is intended to be vapourised by a vape and is not a medical or tobacco product. It will be charged on vaping products that are produced in or imported into the UK. VPD will be charged a flat rate of £2.20 per 10 millilitres of vaping liquid, regardless of how much nicotine is contained in the product. Although the duty itself does not commence until October 2026, registrations for VPD and the VPD Stamps scheme opened from 1 April 2026. HMRC is therefore urging affected businesses to begin preparations now. VPD stamps will become mandatory for all vaping products from 1 April 2027. As a result, HMRC has also appointed a VPD Stamps scheme supplier which enables businesses to source duty stamps from one supplier.

HMRC has recently clarified the rules for Making Tax Digital (MTD) for income tax in the context of the taxpayer having completely ceased their sole trade and/or property business before April 2026. The taxpayer (or their agent) should notify HMRC by phone or webchat if their 2024/25 income means that they would otherwise be within MTD for income tax from April 2026 but they ceased both these sources in 2025/26. Cessations must also be recorded on the 2025/26 self-assessment (SA) return as normal. By way of reminder, taxpayers must use MTD for income tax from April 2026 if their combined gross income from any sole trades or property businesses (MTD sources) conducted in 2024/25 exceeded £50,000, unless they ceased all their MTD sources in that year. As set out earlier, for complete cessations in 2025/26 the taxpayer or their agent should call or use webchat to inform HMRC of the cessation which should make clear that there is a cessation of all MTD sources.  HMRC will subsequently confirm that the taxpayer is not required to use MTD income tax for 2026/27 onwards and will update the taxpayer’s record to reflect this. Written confirmation will also be sent to the person who notified HMRC of the cessation, though there may be a delay in receiving this. HMRC can also be notified of cessations by letter, though HMRC has advised that telephone or webchat are preferrable.   If all MTD sources have not ceased, taxpayers still need to use Making Tax Digital for income tax from 6 April 2026. After signing up, they will be able to enter the end date of the ceased business using HMRC’s online service and they must also report the cessation as normal in their 2025/26 SA return. HMRC has updated its guidance on cessations as follows: Work out your qualifying income for Making Tax Digital for Income Tax, Use Making Tax Digital for Income Tax - If your circumstances change – Guidance, and Use Making Tax Digital for Income Tax - Guidance - GOV.UK.

In this week’s detailed miscellaneous updates which you can read more about below, we update you on a range of matters including HMRC’s guidance recently published on the treatment of statutory sick pay (SSP) where a sickness absence includes time before and after the changes to SSP from 6 April 2026. In addition to the SSP changes, readers should also note the following updates: HMRC is holding a webinar later this week on payroll annual reports and tasks, In a recent guidance update, HMRC has confirmed that with effect for all previous and future tax years, employers are no longer required to report non-tax advantaged Employment Related Securities data if the employee is a short term business visitor who is covered by an EP Appendix 4 arrangement and no UK income tax or NIC would be due, An exemption from income tax on income earned in the UK by certain non-UK resident individuals in connection with the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games has been provided by draft secondary legislation, and The exemption from electronic filing of expenses and benefits forms for employers who cease to trade during a tax year (or insolvency practitioners who act on their behalf) has been put on a statutory footing with effect from 6 April 2026. Changes to SSP and sickness absences starting before and ending after 6 April 2025 HMRC has published guidance about the changes to SSP from 6 April 2026 and the impact this has on sickness absences which started before and end on or after the changes came into effect. From 6 April 2026, SSP: is available to all eligible employees regardless of their earnings, is payable from the first full day of sickness absence, and is paid at the lower of 80 percent of an employee’s average weekly earnings (AWE) or the weekly flat rate of £123.25. Employers are advised to: review their sickness absence policies, check their payroll provider is prepared, and share the changes with employees. Detailed guidance on how to treat SSP has also been published for sickness absences that started before and end on or after 6 April 2026.

In this week’s cross-border trading corner, we bring you the latest guidance updates and publications. The most recent Trader Support Service bulletin is also available as is the latest Brexit and Beyond newsletter from the Northern Ireland Assembly EU Affairs team. The House of Lords also recently debated the  Northern Ireland Scrutiny Committee Report ‘Northern Ireland after Brexit: Strengthening Northern Ireland’s voice in the context of the Windsor Framework’ and the House of Lords European Affairs Committee recently held an initial evidence session on its new inquiry on Dynamic Alignment. Miscellaneous guidance updates and publications This week’s miscellaneous guidance updates and publications are as follows: Community and Common Transit UK offices list, Regulated aerodrome location codes for Data Element 5/23 of the Customs Declaration Service, External temporary storage facilities codes for Data Element 5/23 of the Customs Declaration Service, Data Element 2/3: Documents and Other Reference Codes (Union) of the Customs Declaration Service (CDS), CDS Declaration Completion Instructions for Exports, Appendix 2: DE 1/11: Additional Procedure Codes, Simplified Process for Internal Market Movements (SPIMM) and UK Carrier (UKC) Scheme: Additional Procedure Codes, and Data Element 2/3: Documents and Other Reference Codes (National) of the Customs Declaration Service (CDS).

Revenue has published new guidance on the tax treatment of payments and other benefits provided by a voluntary body. The guidance highlights key areas such as the tax treatment of travel and subsistence, payments to volunteers, and expense reimbursements.

Revenue has updated its guidance on the Charitable Donation Scheme to include an appendix illustrating the interaction of medical expenses claims and an approved body’s entitlement to relief on donations under section 848A TCA 1997.