Your Autumn Budget 2025: What to Watch and How to Prepare
We’ll explore what likely changes could be on the cards, how they might affect you (or your business), and importantly, how you can prepare, including how Chandler & Partners can provide support from specialist accounting services.
Economic & Fiscal Backdrop
The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) will issue its forecast on Budget day. Early indications suggest that productivity growth remains weak, which puts more pressure on the fiscal gap. Government borrowing has already come in higher than expected this year, forcing the Chancellor to make tough decisions about spending and taxation.
These pressures mean the Autumn Budget is likely to be cautious, balancing political promises with the economic reality, but some revenue-raising measures now seem inevitable.
What Changes Are Being Predicted
One of the most talked-about areas is income tax thresholds. The freeze on personal allowances and higher-rate thresholds looks likely to be extended, pulling more earners into higher bands without changing the headline rates. This is sometimes referred to as a “stealth tax” and can have a significant impact on take-home pay.
Changes to Capital Gains Tax (CGT) are also widely rumoured, with the potential for higher rates or lower exemptions. This could affect property sales, investments and business disposals, so it’s worth reviewing timing and planning now.
There is also speculation around Inheritance Tax (IHT), with possible reforms to gifting rules and nil-rate bands. For families and business owners thinking about succession planning, this could reshape how wealth is transferred.
Property and housing-related taxes may be under review, with potential updates to Stamp Duty Land Tax, council tax reforms, and additional measures for landlords or second-home owners.
On the savings and pensions side, ISA limits and pension tax relief could be tweaked, while salary sacrifice schemes may face new restrictions.
Businesses will also be watching for business rates reform, changes to employer National Insurance costs, and possible adjustments to reliefs like R&D or investment allowances, all of which directly impact profitability and cash flow.
Likely Constraints / What Probably Won’t Change
The government has signalled that it does not intend to increase headline rates of income tax, VAT or National Insurance on working people. Instead, changes are more likely to come through freezing thresholds or reforming reliefs and exemptions.
Major structural reforms or new wealth taxes, though often discussed, may be delayed or announced only for future consultation, due to their complexity and potential political backlash.
What This Means for You
For SMEs, this Budget could mean higher operational costs through business rates or payroll taxes. Now is a good time to review cash flow forecasts and budgets so that you’re not caught out.
Larger businesses should be mindful of potential adjustments to tax reliefs, R&D incentives, or investment allowances. Strategic planning can help protect margins and ensure investment decisions still stack up post-Budget.
Individuals and families should pay close attention to potential changes to CGT, IHT and income tax thresholds. If you’re planning to sell assets, pass on wealth, or make significant pension contributions, timing may be critical.
Property owners and landlords face possible reforms to SDLT and rental taxation, so it’s worth reviewing portfolios and assessing the impact of different scenarios now.
How to Prepare Now
You don’t need to wait for the Chancellor to act. Here are practical steps to get ahead:
- Review your tax position – Understand where you sit relative to income tax, CGT and IHT thresholds.
- Consider timing of transactions – Bringing forward a sale, transfer or pension contribution might save you money.
- Use management accounting for clarity – Up-to-date numbers and cash flow forecasts can show you exactly how potential changes would affect you.
- Seek expert tax planning advice – Structuring your finances now can help you take advantage of today’s allowances and mitigate future exposure.
- Protect your wealth – Explore strategies like trusts, pension planning, and estate structuring to safeguard assets.
How Chandler & Partners Can Help
At Chandler & Partners, we offer tailored advice and hands-on support to help you prepare and thrive through periods of change:
- Management Accounting & Accountancy Manager Services – Real-time financial reporting and scenario planning so you can see exactly how potential Budget changes affect your business performance.
- Financial Director Services – Strategic guidance without the cost of hiring a full-time FD, perfect for businesses needing high-level insight ahead of uncertain policy changes.
- Tax Planning Advice – Our tax planning and advice services help you structure transactions, use reliefs effectively and stay ahead of new rules.
- Wealth Protection Services – From inheritance planning to trust structures, we help you safeguard assets for the future.
Take Control Before the Budget
Waiting until after the Budget is announced can leave you reacting instead of planning. The smartest businesses and individuals act early, reviewing their numbers, optimising their tax position and preparing for change.
Contact Chandler & Partners for Specialist Accounting Services
Get in touch with Chandler & Partners today to discuss your management accounting, financial director support, tax planning advice or wealth protection needs. Whether you want to model the impact of potential changes, prepare for a transaction, or simply gain clarity on your position, our team can help you move forward with confidence.