To go straight to the articles in the latest edition please scroll down and expand the section/s below that are of interest to you. For a preview of these articles, read the introduction to the latest edition from Sharon Baynham here:
We are in that pre-Budget lull when tax developments are a bit thin on the ground, and we are all holding our breath for next week. We have fewer articles than normal in this edition, but before getting to those here is a quick reminder of our Budget activity.
In the last couple of weeks, we have seen media reporting from ‘sources close to the Government’ which has given more insights into possible tax announcements, more often ruling a policy out rather than in. In the last edition of Tax Matters Digest we launched our detailed tax predictions. If you haven’t read them yet, then please do take a few moments to look at them. Alternatively, you can tune into our special ‘The Insight in 15’ video which offers a more bite-sized alternative.
Please bookmark our Autumn Budget 2026 hub page to get all the latest updates on the Budget on the day. You can also now register for our Budget events: our LinkedIn Live event that happens at 4pm on the day, where Tim Sarson, KPMG UK Head of Tax Policy, Yael Selfin, KPMG Vice Chair and Chief Economist, and a panel of tax specialists will give you their immediate reactions to the Chancellor’s announcements; and our more in-depth Budget webinar on Friday 30 October at 12 pm.
Turning to this week’s edition, our spotlight article sticks with a tax policy theme as we analyse key tax statements from the party conferences. Party conference season can provide a unique insight into the tax priorities of the main political parties, with policy announcements from opposition parties also being capable of influencing the direction of the Government.
On 16 October 2026, HMRC published a number of documents which move the UK Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) regime from a legislative framework towards an operational compliance model. Key publications include product-level default emissions values for all five UK CBAM sectors, illustrative CBAM rates, a 313-page technical guide for installation operators, verifiers and accreditation bodies, guidance for importers, and other supplementary guidance. Our article provides insights into the publications and reminders of priority actions that should be considered before 1 January 2027.
Our third article is a link to a video in which KPMG tax experts share the lessons learned from the first Pillar Two compliance cycle and how to prepare for a more efficient, scalable second year.
Others New in Brief in this edition includes updates on:
- The Supreme Court decision in the ScottishPower case on the deductibility of redress payments;
- An announcement by the ICAEW that it is forming an independent body to tackle tax complexity which will start work in early 2027; and
- A new consultation launched by the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade which will look at employment rights including reforming employment status and protections for the self-employed.
Finally, we include links to our Indirect Tax Weekly Talking Points and Week in Tax editions, providing highlights and analysis of indirect and international tax developments.
Tax matters for business
Articles of interest to businesses
Tax and the party conferences 2026
A summary of the key tax policy statements from the main political parties’ 2026 conferences.
HMRC have published the emissions, defaults and rates toolkit.
Preparing for year two of Pillar Two compliance
In this video KPMG tax experts share lessons learned from the first Pillar Two compliance cycle and how to prepare for a more efficient, scalable second year.
Indirect Tax Weekly Talking Points – 14 October 2026
This week’s edition covers Bolt and Align VAT appeal updates, an EU ruling on triangulation and proposals to extend key anti-VAT fraud measures.
Indirect Tax Weekly Talking Points – 21 October 2026
This week’s edition looks at two recent UK VAT cases on recovery of wrongly charged VAT post-Brexit, and legitimate expectation.
Tax matters for employers
Articles of interest to employers
Tax and the party conferences 2026
A summary of the key tax policy statements from the main political parties’ 2026 conferences.
Tax matters for Individuals
Articles of interest to individuals
Tax and the party conferences 2026
A summary of the key tax policy statements from the main political parties’ 2026 conferences.
Other news in brief
- The Supreme Court releases decision in the ScottishPower case on the deductibility of redress payments.
- ICAEW to create the ‘Future of Tax Commission’ to tackle tax complexity.
- New employment rights consultation launched.
International round up - Week in Tax
Our tax insights
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