The Autumn Budget 2026 introduced a number of changes with implications for businesses, landlords and individuals. Following a Budget, the questions we hear are often personal. Will I retain less of my rental income? Does this change my plans to sell the business? Should I bring forward an investment – or wait?

These were among the issues discussed at RA Accountants’ live Autumn Budget 2026 webinar on 29th October 2026, led by Riz Akhtar, Director, alongside Gordon Fox, tax specialist, and Steven Vyronides, Tax Director.

Start with the business behind the numbers

Riz opened the discussion by encouraging owners to look closely at what their business is actually generating.

An increase in turnover can feel reassuring. But if it comes mainly from higher prices, while wages, purchasing and finance costs continue to rise, it may leave little additional profit.

For healthcare practices, franchise operators and other owner-managed businesses, understanding that difference matters. Reviewing profitability by service, customer or location can reveal where the business is performing well and where pressure is building.

Riz’s advice was to connect that information to a rolling cash-flow forecast, allowing for tax payments, loan commitments and refinancing dates. Having that picture makes it easier to decide what the business can afford and where investment will deliver the greatest benefit.

Consider the income you retain personally

The conversation then moved from business performance to personal income.

Gordon explained why the way someone receives their income can be as important as the total amount they earn. From 6th April 2027, announced savings income tax rates will rise to 24%, 44% and 49%. Property income rates are also set at these levels for England, Wales and Northern Ireland, with devolved rules requiring separate consideration.

For landlords, this makes it worth revisiting the income left after tax and borrowing costs, particularly where rental profits support household spending or retirement plans.

Gordon also addressed a familiar question: would holding property through a company improve the position? The answer requires careful calculation. Potential ongoing savings must be considered alongside capital gains tax and property transaction taxes that could arise when transferring existing properties.

Revisit the assumptions behind a future sale

For owners thinking about selling, Gordon highlighted the reduction in the Business Asset Disposal Relief lifetime limit from £1 million to £500,000, applying to qualifying disposals from 6th April 2027.

The limit concerns qualifying gains, rather than the sale price, and the relief’s rate remains 18%. Owners should therefore review their expected proceeds, eligibility and any relief previously claimed.

The proposed Founders’ Relief attracted attention during the session. It offers a 10% rate on up to £10 million of qualifying gains, but targets eligible founders and early investors in high-growth, innovative companies. Detailed conditions remain subject to consultation.

Establishing which reliefs are available should form part of sale planning, alongside the commercial terms, readiness of the business and the owner’s objectives.

Discuss investment before committing expenditure

Steven brought the discussion back to decisions businesses may already be considering, including equipment purchases.

The main rate first-year allowance will increase from 40% to 50% for eligible expenditure from 1st January 2027. However, the £1 million Annual Investment Allowance or full expensing may already provide full upfront relief.

As Steven explained, identifying the applicable relief comes before deciding whether to change a purchase date. Riz reinforced the value of speaking to the team before committing significant expenditure, so eligibility and cash-flow implications can be assessed together.

Steven also reminded sole traders and landlords to prepare for the extension of Making Tax Digital for Income Tax from April 2027. The £30,000 threshold concerns combined qualifying gross income before expenses, rather than taxable profit.

A conversation about your next steps

Across the session, one point kept returning: the right response depends on your circumstances. A rental portfolio, business investment or future sale will each have implications beyond a single tax calculation. Our role is to help you understand those connections and make informed decisions.

VIEW THE FULL AUTUMN BUDGET BROCHURE HERE.

Thank you to everyone who joined our Autumn Budget 2026 discussion webinar. We hope you took away some valuable insights into the announcements and what they could mean for your business and personal finances.

If the discussion raised a question for you, please speak to your RA Account Manager or arrange a complimentary conversation with with our team. Whether you are reviewing the Budget’s impact or considering your next stage of growth, we would be pleased to help.

This article reflects the position at 30th October 2026 and provides general information. Some measures remain subject to legislation or consultation. Tax treatment depends on individual circumstances and applicable devolved rules. Please seek specific advice before acting.