CrossCountry Accountants : March 2026






Welcome to the March 2026 Edition

With the 31 January deadline now a fading memory, March is traditionally the month of "The Final Countdown." For UK businesses, this period is less about looking back at 2024/25 and more about the urgent sprint to 5 April 2026.

This month is particularly dense with activity. We have the Chancellor’s Spring Statement on 3 March, a series of confirmed tax and compliance changes taking effect from April and the final opportunity to use your 2025/26 allowances. Here is your essential guide to navigating the coming weeks.

1. Spring Statement 2026: 3 March

Chancellor Rachel Reeves will deliver the Spring Statement on 3 March. Unlike a full Budget, this is primarily an economic "health check," but we expect several key signals:

  • Threshold Freezes: Confirmation on whether Income Tax and NIC thresholds will remain frozen (further increasing "stealth tax" as wages rise).
  • Fuel Duty: A major talking point is the potential end of the 15-year fuel duty freeze, which could impact transport-heavy businesses later this year.
  • Business Rates: Updates on the promised "permanently lower" multipliers for the high street (retail, hospitality, and leisure).

2. The April 2026 "Big Shifts"

In exactly one month, several significant legislative changes go live. If you haven't acted yet, the window is closing:

  • MTD for ITSA (The £50k Threshold): From 6 April 2026, if your combined self-employed and property income exceeded £50,000 in the 2024/25 tax year, you are legally required to use MTD-compatible software for quarterly reporting.
  • Dividend Tax Increase: The Basic Rate jumps to 10.75% and the Higher Rate to 35.75%.
  • National Living Wage: Confirmed rates from 1 April 2026: 21 & Over: £12.71 (up from £12.21) 18–20: £10.85 (up from £10.00) Under 18/Apprentice: £8.00 (up from £7.55)

3. March Tax Saving Tips

Before the clock strikes midnight on 5 April, consider these "use it or lose it" strategies:

March Tax Saving Tips

Before the clock strikes midnight on 5 April, consider these "use it or lose it" strategies to maximize your 2025/26 allowances:

  • Dividend Timing: Declare and pay dividends before 6 April to avoid the 2% rate hike coming in the new tax year.
  • Pension Contributions: Maximize personal or employer contributions. This reduces your taxable income and can help you regain the Personal Allowance if your earnings exceed £100,000.
  • ISA Allowances: Top up your £20,000 annual limit to ensure that all future growth and interest remain entirely tax-free.
  • Capital Allowances: Finalize equipment and machinery purchases by 31 March to utilize Full Expensing (100% relief) and lower your Corporation Tax bill.
  • Asset Sales: Aim to complete business disposals by 5 April to secure the 14% BADR rate before it rises to 18% in the new tax year.

4. Essential Compliance Dates: March 2026

  • 1 March: Corporation Tax payment deadline for companies with 31 May 2025 year-ends.
  • 3 March: Spring Statement Day. Watch for mid-day announcements.
  • 14 March: Internal preparation window for ATED returns (where applicable), ahead of the 1 April filing period.
  • 19 March: CIS return deadline and deadline for postal PAYE/NIC payments.
  • 22 March: Deadline for electronic PAYE, NIC, and CIS payments.
  • 31 March: Corporation Tax filing deadline (CT600) for 31 March 2025 year-ends.
  • 31 March: Final day for companies filing accounts directly via HMRC (not via commercial software or agents) to use the legacy "HMRC Online" accounts service before it closes permanently.

5. Looking Ahead to April

The first week of April will bring the start of the new tax year. We will be reaching out to all clients affected by the MTD for ITSA rollout to ensure your software is connected and ready for the first quarterly window.

Visit the CrossCountry Website: www.crosscountry-accountants.co.uk



Location: Greengate, Middleton, Manchester M24 1RU, UK

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