As we move through Spring 2026, there are several tax changes and planning points that could affect individuals, families, business owners and executors.
Some of these changes are about compliance (making sure you report things properly), while others are about planning ahead so you do not pay more tax than necessary.
In this guide, we have pulled together the key themes from our latest Pay Less Tax Spring 2026 newsletter, including crypto reporting, executors’ responsibilities, PAYE Settlement Agreements (PSAs), and year-end tax planning reminders.
1) HMRC is increasing its focus on crypto tax compliance
Crypto is now firmly on HMRC’s radar.
The newsletter highlights that crypto ownership has grown significantly in the UK, and HMRC is continuing to strengthen how it monitors and enforces tax rules around crypto activity. It also notes that crypto now has a dedicated reporting section in the 2024/25 tax return, which is a clear sign that HMRC expects better reporting and record keeping from taxpayers.
What this means in plain English
If you buy, sell, trade, gift or earn rewards from crypto, you should assume HMRC expects accurate records.
This does not just apply to people trading large amounts. Even smaller investors can run into problems if records are incomplete.
Practical steps you can take
Keep a record of purchases, sales and transfers
Save exchange statements / CSV downloads where available
Keep screenshots if needed
Use a crypto tracking app if you trade across multiple platforms
Keep your records secure and organised
The newsletter also suggests keeping a separate bank account for crypto-related sterling/USD movements to make tracking easier. That can be a sensible way to avoid mixing crypto activity with your normal personal or business banking.
2) Executors are facing a growing tax and admin burden
One of the most important sections in the newsletter focuses on executors and the increasing responsibilities involved in dealing with estates.
Executors already have a lot to manage, including probate, asset valuations, tax affairs up to the date of death, estate returns, and inheritance tax (IHT) deadlines. The newsletter explains that future changes could increase the pressure further, especially where estates involve:
Agricultural property or farmland
A trading business
Unused pension funds
Why this matters
In plain terms, estates are becoming more complex to administer, and the tax side can become more time-sensitive and more technical.
The newsletter flags that where certain asset values exceed thresholds, there may be more HMRC scrutiny around valuations. It also outlines additional executor responsibilities linked to pension funds and potential inheritance tax compliance from April 2027 (subject to the detailed rules and circumstances).
The key takeaway
If you are an executor — or you are appointing one in your will planning — do not underestimate how much work and responsibility is involved.
Getting professional support early can help avoid delays, missed deadlines and unnecessary stress, particularly given the tight timescales for paying inheritance tax before interest charges can arise.
3) A PAYE Settlement Agreement (PSA) can be a smart way to reward staff
If you are an employer, one useful planning tool mentioned in the newsletter is the PAYE Settlement Agreement (PSA).
A PSA allows an employer to pay the tax and National Insurance on certain staff benefits or expenses, rather than passing that tax charge on to employees. This can be a helpful way to reward employees without creating an unexpected personal tax bill for them.
When a PSA can be useful
The newsletter explains PSAs are generally used for benefits or expenses that are:
Minor
Irregular
Impracticable (hard to value or split between employees)
Examples may include certain gifts, shared taxis, or occasional benefits that are difficult to process through normal payroll reporting.
Important reminder
The newsletter also notes that a PSA can be applied for online (up to 5 July following the relevant tax year), and once in place it usually rolls forward unless cancelled or circumstances change. It also outlines the usual reporting and payment process via PSA1.
In short: if you want to reward staff in a clean and tax-efficient way, a PSA is well worth discussing.
4) Tax year-end planning still matters (even if 5 April feels close)
The Tax Year End Considerations section in the newsletter is packed with prompts that are easy to overlook but can make a real financial difference.
Rather than trying to do everything at once, it helps to think of year-end planning as a checklist of opportunities to review before (or just after) 5 April.
Some of the areas highlighted include:
Dividend planning before expected tax rate changes
Reviewing State Pension contribution gaps and voluntary NI options
Using the £3,000 IHT annual gifting exemption
Reviewing inheritance tax exposure in light of upcoming rule changes
Using the annual CGT exemption (£3,000)
Checking for overpaid employee NI if you have two or more employments
Child Benefit / State Pension credit planning in family arrangements
Preparing for Making Tax Digital if you are self-employed or a landlord from April 2026
Why this is so important
A lot of tax planning is not about complicated schemes — it is about making sure simple allowances, exemptions and elections are not missed.
Even a short review can uncover:
missed reliefs
overpaid tax
better timing for income or distributions
actions to reduce future inheritance tax exposure
5) The bigger message: preparation beats panic
Across all sections of the newsletter, there is one clear message: good records and early planning matter.
Whether it is crypto reporting, estate administration, staff rewards through PSA, or tax year-end planning, the people who stay organised usually have:
fewer surprises
fewer penalties or interest charges
better options when making decisions
That is especially true now, as compliance expectations continue to increase and more reporting moves into digital systems.
How Thorne Widgery can help
If any of the topics in the Spring 2026 newsletter apply to you, it is worth getting tailored advice rather than relying on general guidance.
We can help with:
Crypto tax record keeping and reporting support
Estate and executor tax compliance
PAYE Settlement Agreements and staff benefit planning
Tax year-end reviews tailored to your circumstances
Making Tax Digital readiness for landlords and the self-employed
If you would like to discuss any of the points raised in our Pay Less Tax Spring 2026 newsletter, please get in touch with our team.