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Autumn Budget 2026: what we already know, what to watch, and how to be ready

The Autumn Budget is on Wednesday 28 October. Between now and then you’ll see plenty of headlines about what might be in it – but nothing is decided until the Chancellor stands up. What we can do is look at what’s already confirmed, so you can plan around the facts rather than the rumours.

When is the Budget?

The Chancellor, John Healey, will deliver the Autumn Budget on Wednesday 28 October 2026. The Office for Budget Responsibility will publish its economic and fiscal forecast on the same day.

Why we’re not making predictions

Every year there’s a run of stories about what the Budget “could” include. Some turn out to be right, many don’t. Acting on a guess – rushing to take a dividend, sell an asset or buy equipment – can cost you more than waiting a few days. On Budget day we’ll publish a plain-English summary of what has actually been announced and who it affects.

Already confirmed: income tax and National Insurance thresholds

The main income tax thresholds are frozen until 5 April 2031, along with the matching National Insurance thresholds:

  • Personal Allowance: £12,570

  • Basic rate limit: £37,700

  • Higher rate threshold: £50,270

Frozen thresholds mean that as income rises, more of it is taxed at higher rates – worth bearing in mind when you plan pay, bonuses or dividends.

Already confirmed: dividends, savings and property income

From 6 April 2026, dividend tax rates went up by two percentage points:

  • Ordinary (basic) rate: 10.75%

  • Upper (higher) rate: 35.75%

  • Additional rate: unchanged at 39.35%

The dividend allowance is £500.

From 6 April 2027, tax rates on savings income go up to 22%, 42% and 47%. Rates on property income in England, Wales and Northern Ireland go up to the same levels – 22%, 42% and 47%. If you’re a landlord or you hold significant savings, these changes are already law, whatever the Budget says.

Making Tax Digital is still coming

Making Tax Digital for Income Tax extends to sole traders and landlords with qualifying income over £30,000 from 6 April 2027, and over £20,000 from April 2028. Qualifying income is your gross self-employment and property income before expenses – not your profit. If that’s you, now is a good time to get your records into software such as Xero.

How to get ready this month

  • Get your bookkeeping up to date so you know where you stand.

  • Have a rough idea of your profit for this year.

  • Write down any plans – taking dividends, buying equipment, selling an asset – so we can check them against what’s actually announced.

  • Hold off acting on rumours. A few days’ patience costs nothing.

How we’ll help after 28 October

We’re a family-run firm of CIMA Chartered Management Accountants in Fawley, Hampshire, and a Xero Gold Partner working with clients across the UK. On Budget day we’ll share our plain-English summary. After that, we’re happy to look at what actually changes for you or your business.

The Budget is on Wednesday 28 October. We’ll share a plain-English summary on the day – and if you’d like to know what it means for you or your business, book a free call with our team: www.kara-accountants.net/contact/

Sources: HM Treasury Budget date announcement; HMRC policy paper on maintaining Income Tax and NI thresholds until 5 April 2031; HMRC policy paper on changes to tax rates for property, savings and dividend income; GOV.UK Income Tax rates and allowances; HMRC press release, 5 October 2026.

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