MTD and student loans
The latest issue of HMRC’s Agent Update includes details on how student loan information is captured within MTD income tax and includes a link to more detailed guidance on GOV.UK.
HMRC says that the taxpayer/agent’s MTD software will pre-populate the student/postgraduate loan type using information provided to HMRC by the Student Loans Company and will reflect any deductions taken by the taxpayer’s employer if the taxpayer also has a PAYE employment.
Quarterly updates will calculate an estimate of any student and postgraduate loan repayments due (after offsetting any employer deductions) but these estimates are not actually payable. The end-of-year tax return will replace the estimates from the quarterly updates. The due date for making student/postgraduate loan repayments remains 31 January after the end of the tax year.
Further information
GAAR advisory panel opinion
The general anti-abuse rule (GAAR) advisory panel has published an opinion covering the avoidance of inheritance tax (IHT). The case concerns arrangements intended to reduce the value of an estate for IHT purposes and avoiding IHT on a lifetime transfer by acquiring shares in a company and gifting those shares to an employee trust.
The opinion has been added to the GAAR collection page on GOV.UK.
Corporate criminal offence rules
HMRC has published an update on its corporate criminal offence (CCO) investigations. As at 30 June 2026, HMRC:
- had secured one charging decision;
- was pursuing 13 live CCO investigations;
- had 27 live opportunities under review; and
- had reviewed and rejected an additional 136 opportunities.
Further information
Economic crime levy
HM Treasury has published a report on the economic crime levy, providing a breakdown of how the levy was collected and spent in 2024/25. The report reveals that 3,069 entities paid the levy during 2024-25, with receipts totaling £96.9m. Following changes announced at the Budget 2025, the levy is expected to raise around £225m per year from April 2027 onwards.
How to build better tax system
ICAEW outlines the five institutional pillars needed to ensure the proper functioning of the UK tax system.
Tax Faculty
This guidance is created by the Tax Faculty, recognised internationally as a leading authority and source of expertise on taxation. The Faculty is the voice of tax for ICAEW, responsible for all submissions to the tax authorities. Join the Faculty for expert guidance and support enabling you to provide the best advice on tax to your clients or business.