Crime & Safety
HMRC tax warning many don’t understand new April 2026 rules
New rules under Making Tax Digital for Income Tax come into force from April 6, requiring many self-employed workers and landlords to keep digital records and submit updates to HMRC throughout the year.
But research suggests a large number are unprepared and increasingly anxious.
A study by FreeAgent found:
- Less than half feel confident they will be ready
- Only 39 percent say they fully understand the rules
- One in five do not know what is required
- More than one in ten have lost sleep over the changes
The reforms will initially affect more than 850,000 sole traders and landlords earning over £50,000, with millions more set to follow in the coming years.
Concerns go beyond understanding the rules, with many worried about the consequences of getting it wrong.
- 47 percent fear being fined or penalised
- 17 percent admit avoiding letters or emails about the changes
- Nearly half say they feel confused or anxious about the system
Some are even reconsidering their future:
- 23 percent are thinking about leaving self-employment
- 28 percent say they may take on less work
According to Oliver Harcourt from Taxfix, the scale of confusion is a major concern.
He said hundreds of thousands are heading into the changes without a clear understanding, adding that the reforms risk making tax feel like a second job for many.
What the new tax rules actually mean
Despite widespread confusion, the changes are about how tax is reported, not how much is paid.
Key points include:
- You will still need to submit an annual tax return
- Quarterly updates are summaries, not full tax returns
- The rules do not mean you will pay more tax
- Digital record keeping and approved software will be required
However, fewer than four in ten correctly understand the need for digital records, and only a third know they must use HMRC-recognised software.
Dominic Littlewood, working with FreeAgent, said the scale of the change explains why so many are worried.
He described Making Tax Digital as the biggest shake-up to tax submissions in two decades but stressed it does not have to be overwhelming.
He said many sole traders are asking the same questions about bookkeeping and potential fines, and need clear, simple guidance to stay compliant.
The rollout begins next week for higher earners but will expand:
- Over £50,000 income from April 2026
- Over £30,000 from April 2027
- Over £20,000 from April 2028
In total, around 2.9 million people are expected to be affected.
Experts warn that without better awareness and preparation, confusion could lead to mistakes, penalties and added pressure on small businesses already dealing with rising costs.
Somebody or some people have dumped household furniture near Drayton substation off Hanney Road in Steventon.
Vale of White Horse District Council is aware of the illegal dump and has sent workmen down to log it.
The council pointed out that the waste is a very short drive to the Drayton Household Waste Recycling Centre along Steventon Road up to Drayton.
A spokesman for the council said: “Over the Easter weekend, someone dumped this large amount of waste near the electrical substation along Hanney Road, Steventon.
“All of these items could have been taken free of charge to the nearby recycling centre, just by completing the county council’s free online booking form.
READ MORE: Music bands pull out of popular Oxfordshire festival
“If you know where this rubbish may have come from, or who may have been responsible for the fly-tip, our envirocrimes team would love to hear from you – email envirocrime@southandvale.gov.uk or call 01235 422146.”
Householders must now book a slot to use any of Oxfordshire County Council‘s household waste recycling centres through a system on the authority’s website.
Bookings are available up to two weeks in advance or 30 minutes prior, subject to availability.
Residents without internet access can book slots over the telephone by contacting the council’s customer service centre on 01865 519800 between 8.45am and 5pm, Monday to Thursday, and 8.45am to 4pm on Fridays.
The popular documentary first landed on screens back in 2021, showcasing Jeremy Clarkson’s Diddly Squat Farm in Chadlington, Oxfordshire.
With four series now to date and a fifth expected to be released next month, demand for the farming programme is high among fans.
Diddly Squat is the core focus of the show, with farmhand Kaleb Cooper and Mr Clarkson’s girlfriend Lisa Hogan, among the faces featured throughout its run.
READ MORE: Jeremy Clarkson reacts as bomber plane soars over his Cotswolds pub
Mr Clarkson’s acquisition of The Windmill pub in Asthall, now renamed The Farmer’s Dog following its 2024 opening, also featured in the most recent season.
Now, according to The Sun, show producer Andy Wilman has confirmed that series five should be out in “just a few weeks” and a Christmas special could be on the cards.
The 63-year-old went to school with Mr Clarkson and worked with him on Top Gear and The Grand Tour.
READ MORE: Jeremy Clarkson offering public free tickets to new music festival
Speaking on the Extraordinary Life Stories podcast, Mr Wilman said: “There’s a scene in the pub which happens at Christmas time, and there isn’t a lot of farming going on, and it’s a little bit Vicar of Dibley Christmas special-ish as the stories are there.
“Jeremy wants to make a Santa’s grotto so he has a meeting with Charlie talking about what he wants to do and I think that is the best scene I’ve ever, ever seen them do and I remember the editor and I looking at each other saying ‘this is the best television to make ever’ when it goes out you’ll see what I mean.
“Then Kaleb and Jeremy build the grotto together, and Kaleb’s view on the creation of mankind is blindingly brilliant.”
The woman from Didcot was one of 13 arrested on Tuesday morning, April 7 at RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk.
Lakenheath Alliance For Peace protesters were at the site that morning continuing to demonstrate against the base being used by the US military for its war with Iran.
Suffolk Police has now confirmed seven of the 13 people arrested have been charged.
It includes Marie Walsh, 69, of Warner Crescent in Didcot who has been charged with locking on to the blue VW Passat.
READ MORE: Waste fly-tipped just minutes up the road from recycling centre
In addition, Virginia Herbert, 78 and of Cholsey near Wallingford has also been charged with attempted locking on.
Both Oxfordshire women were bailed to appear before Ipswich Magistrates on June 12.
Suffolk Police’s spokesman said officers arrived at the base soon after 6am following reports of protesters locking themselves to their own vehicles outside the main gate and gathering at two other entrances.
He said the protest caused disruption to motorists with some of the surrounding roads closed to help officers assist with traffic management.
He added: “Suffolk Police has a duty to enforce the law without fear or favour and as it currently stands, not as it might be in the future.
“As such, where offences are believed to have occurred appropriate action will be taken.”
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