The pace of change in artificial intelligence is accelerating and for the accountancy profession, the implications are profound. From how we work and advise, to our role in shaping trust, governance and growth across the economy, AI presents both extraordinary opportunity and important questions. This moment calls for leadership, clarity and an open, informed discussion.  To mark the launch of its new position paper, An Empowered Profession – AI and the Future of Accountancy, the Institute is hosting a Chartered Roundtable event on Wednesday 20 May at 8:30am, with Deputy Malcolm Byrne TD, Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on AI, who will bring valuable perspectives on how government is approaching AI policy, supports and regulation, and what this means for businesses, professionals and the wider economy. Members will also hear from Institute CEO Rosemary Keogh, who will give an overview of the Institute’s position paper and host a Q&A discussion with Deputy Byrne.   This is an opportunity to engage directly on the issues that matter most: the impact of AI on accountancy, its role in transforming business and the economy, and how public policy and professional leadership must evolve together.   Members are encouraged to register early to secure their place at this important event.   Register now for this free Chartered Roundtable discussion on AI and the Future of Accountancy.  About the Chartered Roundtables   This is the fourth event in the Institute’s series “Trusted Business Leadership: The Chartered Roundtables”.    The last year or so has been a momentous one for the Institute. We launched a refreshed brand and a new strategy placing Trusted Business Leadership at the heart of all our activity. We have an enhanced mandate as the largest professional body on the island, and a responsibility to use our voice to advocate for members, to deliver for members, and to support members through change.    Through the Chartered Roundtables, we want to meet with members on a regular basis and discuss policy areas of relevance to you. We want to provide a forum for discussion and debate. But equally we want to take your sentiments and feed them through to policy makers in our ongoing engagements on your behalf.     

The Institute has recently published a new guidance note which explains how many hours Recognised Supervisory Bodies (RSBs) (UK) and Recognised Accountancy Bodies (RABs) (Ireland) expect auditors to be spending on audit-related CPD. If you’re a member of an RSB/RAB (including the Institute), you must meet the CPD requirements of your membership body.  The Institute’s CPD Regulations for members are available on the Institute’s website here. The models of CPD which an Institute member may apply can be summarised as follows: Input-based models require a set number of hours of CPD to be undertaken each year, normally requiring a percentage of these hours to be verifiable. This includes a minimum quantum of hours CPD in areas of practice engaged in by the member. Output-based models place the onus on the individual to determine their professional development needs and what CPD is required to meet those needs, with no set hours listed. Members may also chose a hybrid approach which is a combination of input-based measures, with output-based expectations Regardless of which model is chosen, members working in audit must ensure that they undertake adequate audit CPD.    Members may be selected as part of an annual sample or other regulatory review to assess compliance with CPD obligations.  Furthermore, the Institute’s Audit Regulations require audit firms to ensure that arrangements are in place so that all principals and employees doing audit work are, and continue to be, competent to carry out the audits for which they are responsible or employed. (Audit Regulation 3.17). Following a review by the Financial Reporting Council (FRC) in 2025, all RSBs agreed that CPD requirements are unlikely to be met by RIs or audit staff who complete less than seven hours of verifiable audit-related CPD, where audit work forms a significant part of their day-to-day work.  The RSBs which are also RABs (including the Institute) apply the same approach in both the UK and Ireland. Monitoring against this expectation will be considered on a case-by-case basis.  Regulators will take a proportionate approach, considering the circumstances of each firm, RI, or audit team member, and any wider quality control framework in place.

The Irish Government recently published its Legislation Programme for Summer 2026 setting out the Government’s priorities for the coming thirteen-week summer session. It includes details of proposed legislation such as the General Scheme of Regulation of Artificial Intelligence Bill 2026 to give full effect in Ireland to the EU Regulation on Artificial Intelligence, including the establishment of the national AI central office which was approved in December 2025/Jan 2026. It also references proposed legislation on Cyber Security. The heads of Bill of the National Cyber Security Bill were published in July 2024. The Co-operative Societies Bill and the Miscellaneous Provisions (Registration of Limited Partnerships and Business Names) Bill are still on the programme. The General Scheme of the Co-operative Societies Bill which proposes to repeal the Industrial and Provident Societies Acts 1893-2021 and provide a modern and effective legislative framework suitable for the diverse range of organisations using the co-operative model in Ireland was published in 2022. The heads of the general scheme for the Miscellaneous Provisions (Registration of Limited Partnerships and Business Names) Bill was published in July 2024 as both the limited partnership and business names legislation require updating to provide for modern business practices for those engaged in business using a business name or the limited partnership model. Finally on this topic, the programme indicates that heads are in preparation on a Criminal Justice (Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing) (Amendment) Bill to transpose certain aspects of the EU’s 6th Anti-Money laundering package that require primary legislation. This information is provided as resources and information only and nothing in these pages purports to provide professional advice or definitive legal interpretation(s) or opinion(s) on the applicable legislation or legal or other matters referred to in the pages. If the reader is in doubt on any matter in this complex area further legal or other advice must be obtained. While every reasonable care has been taken by the Institute in the preparation of these pages, we do not guarantee the accuracy or veracity of any resource, guidance, information or opinion, or the appropriateness, suitability or applicability of any practice or procedure contained therein. The Institute is not responsible for any errors or omissions or for the results obtained from the use of the resources or information contained in these pages.

  The Irish Companies Registration office (CRO)  has recently posted that as of 30th April 2026 it will no longer be accepting Verified Identity forms (VIF) witnessed online. The VIF is to verify a director’s or beneficial owner’s identity where they do not have an Irish Personal Public Service Number (PPSN). Read more about the new VIF here.  As part of completing the VIF a declaration of identity form must be sworn and witnessed. The signature of the person completing the form (director or beneficial owner ) must be in wet ink. In addition ,the form must be  witnessed in person, no online verification is permitted. For further information on this area members can access the Institute’s Technical Alert 02/2023 Questions and Answers on the provision of PPSNs for directors on certain CRO filings This information is provided as resources and information only and nothing in these pages purports to provide professional advice or definitive legal interpretation(s) or opinion(s) on the applicable legislation or legal or other matters referred to in the pages. If the reader is in doubt on any matter in this complex area further legal or other advice must be obtained. While every reasonable care has been taken by the Institute in the preparation of these pages, we do not guarantee the accuracy or veracity of any resource, guidance, information or opinion, or the appropriateness, suitability or applicability of any practice or procedure contained therein. The Institute is not responsible for any errors or omissions or for the results obtained from the use of the resources or information contained in these pages.

Below we have compiled the latest updates to VAT legislation, publications, briefs, and guidance.   Late payment interest if you do not pay VAT or penalties on time,  VAT Government and Public Bodies,  VAT on goods exported from the UK (VAT Notice 703),  Business promotions (VAT Notice 700/7),  Charging and reclaiming VAT on goods and services related to private school fees, Pay the VAT due on your Import One Stop Shop VAT return,  Check if you can register for the VAT Import One Stop Shop scheme,  Completing an Import One Stop Shop VAT return as an intermediary on behalf of your client,  Pay the VAT due to HMRC as an intermediary on behalf of your client for their Import One Stop Shop VAT return,  Submit your Import One Stop Shop VAT return,  Register your client to allow you to act as their intermediary for the VAT Import One Stop Shop scheme,  Submit an Import One Stop Shop VAT return as an intermediary on behalf of your client,  Register to act as an intermediary for the VAT Import One Stop Shop scheme, VAT Import One Stop Shop scheme for an intermediary,  Cancel or make changes to your VAT Import One Stop Shop scheme registration,  Cancel or make changes to your intermediary or client VAT Import One Stop Shop scheme registration,  Register for the VAT Import One Stop Shop scheme,  Using an intermediary to register and act on your behalf for the VAT Import One Stop Shop scheme, and  Check if you can register to act as an intermediary for the VAT Import One Stop Shop scheme. 

In this week’s cross-border developments and 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. And finally, the Government’s Borders Directorate Communications Team has sent a reminder about the launch last week of the revised returned EU consignments process which featured in last Monday’s Chartered Accountants Tax news.  Cross-border guidance updates and publications  This week’s guidance updates and publications are as follows:  UK Trade Tariff: duty suspensions and autonomous tariff quotas,  Register to complete origin declarations under the UK-India Free Trade Agreement,  Simplified Process for Internal Market Movements (SPIMM) and UK Carrier (UKC) Scheme: Additional Procedure Codes,  Submit a pleasure craft report,  Internal temporary storage facilities (ITSFs) 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,  Appendix 1: DE 1/10: Requested and Previous Procedure Codes of the Customs Declaration Service (CDS),  Appendix 2: DE 1/11: Additional Procedure Codes of the Customs Declaration Service (CDS),  Amend or cancel a Customs Declaration Service import declaration, and  Classifying ceramics for import and export. 

In this week’s detailed miscellaneous updates which you can read more about below, HMRC is holding webinars on the new temporary repatriation facility which commenced from 6 April 2025, and HMRC is writing to businesses which may have missed the deadline to register for the UK’s Pillar 2 online service.   Readers should also note the following:  HM Treasury has published the final version as it has been laid in Parliament of its ‘Charter for Budget Responsibility – Autumn 2025’ publication which sets out sets out the Government's approach to fiscal policy and management of the public finances,  HMRC has recently updated its VAT Government and Public Bodies manual to reflect the findings of the Supreme Court in Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust [UKSC/2024/0048] in which it was held that HMRC correctly treated hospital car parking charges as subject to VAT,  The minutes of the 131st Joint VAT Consultative Committee meeting in January 2026, which the Institute was represented at, have been published,  The Government has published a call for evidence on the taxation of stablecoins which closes next week on 7 May,  The Institute for Fiscal Studies has published ‘Assessing recent changes to the Soft Drinks Industry Levy’ (SDIL) which concludes that planned reforms to the SDIL will have little impact on the government’s efforts to tackle obesity, and  Updated HMRC guidance has been published which confirms that trusts must be registered with the Trust Registration Service before they can create a capital gains tax on UK property account or submit a paper return, even if the trust is usually exempt.  Temporary repatriation facility webinars  HMRC is delivering webinars this week and next on the temporary repatriation facility (TRF), a time limited measure available for the tax years 2025/26, 2026/27, and 2027/28 which allows former remittance basis users to designate unremitted or uncertain amounts of foreign income and gains in order to pay a reduced tax rate.   Each webinar will explain what the TRF is, how it works, and who can use it, and will cover:     the designation process,   qualifying overseas capital, uncertain amounts,   time limits and record-keeping,  mixed‑fund ordering rules,   offshore transfer rules, and  joint accounts and third parties.   The webinars will also look at how the rules apply in practice, with plenty of examples. However they won’t cover the planned extension of the TRF to trusts which will be addressed in a future webinar. Register now for one of the 90 minute live webinars on 27 April or 6 May 2026.   Pillar 2 letters   Last month HMRC began writing to those businesses which it believes has missed the deadline to register for the UK’s Pillar 2 domestic top-up tax and multinational top-up tax HMRC online service. The letter sets out who needs to register, and the actions the business should take. Businesses must take appropriate action within 42 days of the date of the letter.   The letter also highlights that the group must decide which entity is responsible for completing the Pillar 2 registration. This will be the Ultimate Parent Entity, unless it nominates another entity in the group to be a Nominated Filing Member.  If a group meets the requirements to register, it must register the group using HMRC’s Pillar 2 online services. If a group has already registered, the group is asked to email HMRC at pillar2mailbox@hmrc.gov.uk. If the group consider that it is not in the scope of the Pillar 2 rules, it should similarly email HMRC using the same mailbox address. 

Last week a delegation from the Institute’s tax team, including representatives from its special working sub-group on cross-border and remote/hybrid working, met in Belfast with Northern Ireland’s Minister of Finance John O’Dowd MLA, to discuss the ongoing barriers to the all-island labour market as result of tax complexity facing businesses and frontier/cross-border workers.   In February this year, the Institute wrote to Minister O’Dowd requesting a meeting to discuss solutions for those employers and workers affected by the byzantine tax administration and compliance requirements in the UK and Ireland which have been exacerbated by hybrid and remote working in recent years. In 2025 we also wrote to HMRC’s CEO JP Marks on this issue, which also featured in the Institute’s pre-budget submission ahead of the 2025 Autumn Budget.  Last week’s meeting with the Minister and his officials was an engaging and productive discussion which focused on the three key issues highlighted in our initial letter whilst also discussing solutions. The Institute will continue to engage with the Minister and his team as this important work progresses.    Earlier this month on 13 April we also met with officials from the Department of Finance in Dublin to discuss the same issues following on from a similar letter to Tánaiste Simon Harris during which his team noted the Tánaiste’s support for the work. This was a similarly engaging meeting the outcome from which is that our engagement with the Irish Government will also continue as Irish Department of Finance officials progress this work on their end.    Readers may be aware of the joint statement issued by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and An Taoiseach Micheál Martin following the UK-Ireland Summit in Cork last month. In that statement, the leaders jointly said that they “welcome agreement to engage on reaching a decision in principle this year on a bilateral Ireland-UK approach to address concerns arising from hybrid cross-border working and to consider other aspects of the UK-Ireland Double Taxation Convention which may require updating.”   The Institute had previously recommended in its 2025 UK pre-budget submission that a bilateral agreement be considered as a policy solution which would significantly reduce the substantial complexity faced by employers and employees affected by these issues. The Institute will be including a similar recommendation in its Pre-Budget 2027 submission to the DoF which will be published in the coming weeks.     As a result of these recent meetings, it is clear and encouraging that Westminster and Dublin are taking a joint approach to this matter which will naturally also require engagement and input from ministers and officials in Stormont. Ultimately, this work may also open up opportunities for the leaders in Dublin, Belfast, and London to consider broader measures which would support the economic development of Northern Ireland beyond the all-island labour market.  

Yesterday, a delegation from the Institute met with Minister for Finance, John O’Dowd MLA to discuss barriers to the all-island labour market resulting from the substantial tax complexity facing frontier and cross-border workers. Earlier this year, the Institute wrote to Minister O’Dowd requesting this meeting to discuss solutions for those employers and workers affected by the byzantine tax compliance requirements. We had an engaging and productive discussion on the recommendations in our initial letter and we will be continuing to engage with Minister O’Dowd’s team as this important work progresses. We also recently met with officials in the Department of Finance in Dublin to discuss the matter as we had written a similar letter to Tánaiste Harris with his team noting the Tánaiste’s support for the work. We had a similarly engaging and productive meeting with the team in Dublin and we will be continuing to engage with them as they progress this work on their end. Readers may be aware of the joint statement from Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and An Taoiseach Micheál Martin following the UK-Ireland Summit in Cork earlier this year. In that statement, the leaders noted the following: “We welcome agreement to engage on reaching a decision in principle this year on a bilateral Ireland-UK approach to address concerns arising from hybrid cross-border working and to consider other aspects of the UK-Ireland Double Taxation Convention which may require updating.” When drafting our recommendations, we naturally had the possibility of a bilateral agreement as the potential silver bullet that could significantly reduce and even eradicate the substantial complexity currently faced by employers of hybrid cross-border workers. It is particularly encouraging that Westminster will be engaging directly with officials in Dublin on the matter. Naturally, this work will require the engagement and input from Ministers and officials in Stormont. As such, the overall work to address the long-standing complexities may also open opportunities for the leaders in Dublin, Belfast and London to consider measures to support the economic development of Northern Ireland even beyond the labour market.

Chartered Accountants in Northern Ireland have called for urgent public sector reform, a more competitive Corporation Tax regime, and stronger economic leadership as part of a credible industrial strategy to unlock growth, according to the latest Business Confidence Survey from Chartered Accountants Ulster Society. The survey highlights an economy that has stabilised but remains stuck in low growth, with businesses continuing to face sustained cost pressures and limited confidence in the effectiveness of current policy delivery. Only 6% of respondents view the outlook as positive, with the majority (56%) expecting “fair” conditions and 38% remaining pessimistic. Meanwhile, 58% report that financial distress among businesses is still increasing, underlining the persistent strain across the economy.  Key findings The survey paints a picture of a resilient but constrained economy. 76% of respondents describe current conditions as either stagnant (38%) or growing only slowly (38%), with just 7% reporting strong or moderate growth.  Cost pressures remain a key challenge, with 95% citing the rising cost of doing business as a major negative factor, alongside taxation, energy costs and wider public finance pressures.  A clear and consistent theme throughout the findings is the need for fundamental public sector reform. Half of respondents (51%) believe Northern Ireland’s current public funding model is no longer sustainable and requires significant change, while over 90% agree that improving efficiency and prioritising existing spending must come before raising taxes or cutting services.  Respondents expressed strong concerns around governance and delivery, pointing to inefficiency, slow decision-making and a lack of strategic direction as key barriers to growth. Public sector performance is widely viewed as a constraint on economic progress, particularly in areas such as infrastructure, skills and service delivery.  At the same time, there is strong support for measures to enhance competitiveness. 85% of respondents believe a more competitive Corporation Tax rate would strengthen Northern Ireland’s ability to attract and retain mobile investment. The survey also highlights the untapped potential of Northern Ireland’s dual market access under post-Brexit arrangements. While widely recognised as a unique economic advantage, over 70% of respondents do not believe this opportunity is currently being fully utilised. On technology, there is cautious optimism around Artificial Intelligence (AI). Almost half (49%) expect AI to have some impact on their role without fundamentally changing it, while a further 36% anticipate significant or positive transformation, signalling a shift towards evolution rather than disruption in the accountancy profession.  Call for action The Ulster Society is urging policymakers to take a long-term, strategic approach to economic growth, focused on delivery as well as policy. Key priorities include: Accelerating public sector reform, improving productivity, accountability and service delivery Enhancing competitiveness through Corporation Tax reform and a more attractive investment environment Maximising the benefits of dual market access to position Northern Ireland as a gateway for international trade and investment Supporting responsible adoption of AI and emerging technologies to drive innovation and efficiency Strengthening governance, with clearer strategic direction and more effective decision-making. Mark Lawther, Chairman of Chartered Accountants Ulster Society, said:  “Northern Ireland’s economy has stabilised, but momentum remains modest. Businesses continue to face elevated costs and financial pressures, and greater confidence will depend on clearer, faster policy delivery. “There is a clear message from our members that reform must come before additional revenue-raising. Improving how public money is spent, alongside stronger governance and decision-making, is essential to restoring confidence. “At the same time, there are real opportunities to transform our economic outlook. A more competitive Corporation Tax rate, combined with Northern Ireland’s unique dual market access, has the potential to attract significant investment – but only if supported by clear strategy and delivery. “We also see growing potential in areas such as AI and innovation, which can support productivity and long-term growth. The challenge now is to turn opportunity into action.” Over 200 Chartered Accountants in Northern Ireland took part in the survey.

At a time when many businesses and taxpayers are experiencing added cost pressures due to rising costs as a result of the ongoing war in the Middle East, we remind readers that time to pay may be available to spread tax liabilities. Although HMRC has not made any official announcement about any specific measures to support businesses and taxpayers as a result of the ongoing crisis, time to pay is available as normal and is designed to support them in scenarios like this. Members can also contact the Institute to discuss any specific concerns they may have in relation to this. By way of reminder, time to pay enables a taxpayer or business experiencing temporary difficulties in paying tax liabilities to reach an agreement to pay these in monthly instalments. A time to pay arrangement can be automatically set up online for self-assessment tax debts of £30,000 or less. This mechanism was introduced several years ago and was a recommendation of Chartered Accountants Ireland during the pandemic.  

The annual Administrative Burdens Advisory Board (ABAB) 2026 survey ‘Tell ABAB’ is now open for completion. The survey takes roughly 15 minutes to complete and will remain open for responses until Wednesday 29 April 2026. The survey is an opportunity to provide ABAB with insights on the tax system which they can then use to support taxpayers, agents, and businesses. Its results are expected to be published on GOV.UK in Autumn 2026 in the annual ‘Tell ABAB’ report. Previous reports are available on the ABAB website. The survey provides crucial insights on the big issues faced by small businesses, including those who identify as tax agents in the tax system. The ABAB says that it is passionate about listening to and understanding the needs of the small business community. Board members come from a range of businesses and professions; ultimately their goal is to make the tax system quicker and simpler for small businesses. The Board therefore challenges HMRC on its performance, and aims to provide robust scrutiny against key initiatives, such as Making Tax Digital. The annual ABAB report, which is sent directly to Treasury ministers, reviews HMRC’s progress against the ABAB’s priorities. If you have any questions about the 2026 survey, email advisoryboard.adminburden@hmrc.gov.uk.

HMRC has recently published for technical consultation draft secondary legislation for the carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM). This includes some of the CBAM administrative requirements, including those on embodied emissions and the monitoring and verification of emissions data. The consultation is open for responses until 21 May 2026. By way of reminder, the UK CBAM is a new tax which aims to ensure that highly traded carbon intensive goods imported into the UK face a comparable carbon price to that paid by manufacturers producing the same goods in the UK. Currently, UK manufacturers are subject to carbon pricing for direct emissions under the UK Emissions Trading Scheme.  The UK’s CBAM is due to commence from 1 January 2027 and will apply to goods from the following industrial sectors: aluminium,  cement,  fertiliser,  hydrogen, and  iron and steel.  

In this week’s detailed miscellaneous updates which you can read more about below, the April 2026 Employer Bulletin and the most recent Agent Update have both been published by HMRC. Other updates to be aware of this week are as follows: HMRC has advised that new VAT registrations may not appear on HMRC’s Check a UK VAT number online service from 9am today, Monday 20 April, until 5pm Friday 24 April 2026, From 1 April 2026, the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) ceased to exist independently and is now providing its services as part of HMRC. A Press Release has been published explaining this which also advises that the VOA’s customer helpline and online contact form continue to be available as normal, Until 15 June 2026, the Scottish Government is consulting on proposals relating to its communications to taxpayers, HMRC recently published a new online tool Tell HMRC about loans that participators have repaid in full. The tool can be used by company officers, participators in close companies and authorised agents, A HMRC webinar being held on 23 April 2026 which will examine statutory maternity and paternity pay is still open for registrations, The deadline for submitting and paying the annual tax on enveloped dwellings for the return period 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027 is 30 April 2026, The latest schedule of HMRC Talking Points live and recorded webinars for tax agents are available for booking. Spaces are limited, so take a look now and save your place, and finally, Check HMRC’s online services availability page for details of planned downtime and the online services affected. April 2026 Employer Bulletin The April edition of the Employer Bulletin brings you all the latest HMRC updates and guidance to support employers, payroll professionals, and agents. Included in this edition are important updates on: key dates and processes for reporting benefits in kind, Real Time Information submission problems: incorrect handling of payroll ID, the removal from April 2026 of employee tax relief for non-reimbursed homeworking expenses, the official rate of interest from 6‌‌‌ April 2026, and Statutory Sick Pay changes from April 2026: what employer’s need to know. Agent Update 142 Agent Update: Issue 142 is available now. Get the latest guidance and information on the following in this edition: Making Tax Digital for Income Tax, Corporation Tax late filing penalties – temporary delay to notices, and the tax rules for non-UK domiciled individuals have changed.

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. And finally the Government’s Borders Directorate Communications Team has sent an email about changes to the process for returning consignments rejected at EU Border Control Posts which come into effect from today, Monday 20 April 2026. The email also includes suggested actions to take. Miscellaneous guidance updates and publications This week’s miscellaneous guidance updates and publications are as follows: Amend or cancel a Customs Declaration Service import declaration, Report a problem using the Customs Declaration Service, The Customs (Northern Ireland) (EU Exit) (Amendment) Regulations 2026, Customs declarants and declaration volumes for international trade in 2025, Method 1 - Transaction value, Advance valuation rulings, Customs valuation, Reference Document for The Customs (Northern Ireland) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020, UK import trade in goods by country of origin and country of dispatch, 2024, Amend or cancel non-special procedure supplementary declarations, External temporary storage facilities codes for Data Element 5/23 of the Customs Declaration Service, and Internal temporary storage facilities (ITSFs) codes for Data Element 5/23 of the Customs Declaration Service.

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. 

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.