UK Autumn Budget 2026 on 28 October: What You Need to Know Now
Information checked on 15 October 2026. This is a preview of the upcoming Budget: the final decisions to be announced on 28 October have not yet been published.
The UK Autumn Budget 2026 will be presented on Wednesday 28 October. HM Treasury has officially confirmed the date. For people living in the UK, self-employed individuals and small business owners, this is an opportunity to prepare: bring your records up to date and know which questions to ask when the Budget is published.
What has been confirmed?
The confirmed Budget date is 28 October 2026. In its announcement on 31 July, HM Treasury outlined broad priorities including communities, businesses and fiscal discipline. These are policy priorities, rather than announcements of new tax rates.
At the time of publication, the Budget presentation is still ahead of us. This preview therefore does not state unconfirmed new rates or allowances, or promise that any individual will pay less tax.
What should the self-employed and businesses watch for?
The following is a practical checklist of topics to review when the Budget is published. It is not a prediction that all these areas will change.
Self-employed individuals: look for announcements on Income Tax, National Insurance, allowable expenses and reporting requirements. When assessing any change, distinguish business turnover from profit and establish which tax period it applies to.
Limited company owners: review announcements on Corporation Tax, dividends, investment and employer costs. A single headline does not show the combined impact on a company and its owner's finances.
Employers: watch for announcements that could affect payroll costs and recruitment plans. For each change, check the effective date and whether transitional arrangements apply.
Landlords and VAT-registered businesses: review any announcements affecting rental income, property taxation and VAT separately. These are areas to monitor, rather than a statement that changes have already been included in the Budget.
How can you prepare before 28 October?
Bring your income and expense records up to date. A clear picture of your business will make it easier to assess the impact of any announcements.
Gather missing invoices, bank statements and other accounting records in one place.
Review planned major expenses and cash flow. Discuss purchases, salary and dividend decisions in the context of your own circumstances.
Prepare questions for your accountant: what applies to me, from when, and what action will I need to take?
Separate existing obligations from future announcements. Waiting for the Budget is not, in itself, a reason to postpone filing or payment deadlines that already apply to you.
How should you read the news on Budget day?
Start with the official documents rather than relying solely on social media summaries. For each announcement relevant to your business, note three things: who it applies to, when it takes effect and what conditions are attached. Also check whether it describes an adopted change, a proposal or a consultation.
A practical question for your accountant might be: “I am self-employed and also receive rental income. Which announcements are relevant to each type of income?” A specific question will help you get a more useful answer than simply asking whether taxes will rise.
Need help understanding your own position?
ZipTax helps individuals and businesses in the UK manage their accounts and understand their tax obligations. To discuss your business income, expenses or preparation for new requirements, book a consultation.
Sources and information date
Prepared using information available on 15 October 2026. This article provides general information and does not replace individual tax advice.
