Sharing group structure information with HMRC
HMRC has published Guidelines for Compliance (GfC) 17: Help with sharing group structure information. HMRC says that use of GfC17 is “not mandatory” and that HMRC hopes it will “help business avoid misunderstandings and save time and resource as well as supporting collaborative working”. It provides guidance on the information needed by HMRC to understand the group structure, which shapes and symbols to use, and how to deal with hybridity and complex group structures.
Investment zone tax sites
HMRC has published maps of the following investment zone tax sites: Glasgow City Region; and North East of Scotland. The tax sites have been designated with effect from 26 February 2026. Businesses that are active in investment zone tax sites may benefit from tax reliefs, including enhanced capital allowances.
Further information
Why special tax sites really are special | ICAEW
New registration requirement for trusts
The latest issue of HMRC’s Trust and Estates Newsletter includes a warning that some types of financial institution and trust were required to register for the automatic exchange of information (AEOI) service by 31 December 2025. The requirement was explained in an earlier article.
HMRC says that late registration penalties:
- will not be charged automatically; and
- will not apply if there is a reasonable excuse for the delay in registering.
HMRC can be contacted by email at enquiries.aeoi@hmrc.gov.uk if help is required with registering for the AEOI service.
Business rates support in Wales
The Welsh Government has announced that approximately 4,400 hospitality businesses in Wales will be eligible for 15% relief on their rates bills in 2026-27. This will be given in addition to support announced previously and follows the UK government’s announcement of additional support for pubs and live music venues in England.
MTD income tax: availability
HMRC has advised that the Making Tax Digital for income tax service will be down:
- between 5pm on Friday, 27 February 2026 and 9am on Tuesday, 3 March 2026; and
- between 5pm on Friday, 20 March 2026 and 1pm on Tuesday, 24 March 2026.
Salary-sacrificed pension contributions
The Office of Budget Responsibility (OBR) has published supplementary forecast information relating to the Autumn Budget 2025 announcement that national insurance savings on salary-sacrificed pension contributions will be capped from April 2029.
Further information
Budget: NIC saving on salary sacrifice pension contributions capped | ICAEW
What are salary sacrificed pension contributions? | ICAEW
First-tier Tribunal consultation
Between July and October 2024, the Tribunal Procedure Committee (TPC) consulted on possible changes to the rules for each chamber of the First-Tier Tribunal, the Employment Tribunals (England and Wales) and the Employment Tribunals (Scotland) concerning the provision of written reasons for decisions. ICAEW’s Tax Faculty responded to the consultation at the time. The TPC has now published its response to the consultation.
Scotland's air departure tax
The Scottish Government has published a consultation seeking views and evidence on the implementation of air departure tax (ADT). The intention is for ADT to become operational from 1 April 2027. The consultation closes on 26 March 2026. If you have any comments that could contribute to ICAEW’s response to the consultation, please contact Ed Saltmarsh by 27 February 2026.
HMRC's bereavement service
HMRC’s bereavement service now has a dedicated postal address: Bereavement Services; HM Revenue & Customs; BX9 2BS.
This address should be used for:
- providing notifications of death;
- informal administration period queries; and
- sending supporting documents.
HMRC says that the postcode BX9 1AS should only be used for formal tax returns for the administration period.
Plan 2 student loans
The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) has published a report on plan 2 student loans. Plan 2 student loans were issued to English students who started university between 2012 and 2022. The report explains how they work and considers the impact of changes announced at the Autumn Budget 2025.
Further information
Prepare for 2026/27: Employers | ICAEW
Student loans: Interest rates and repayment thresholds FAQs
Tax Faculty
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