The National Insurance replacement credits service is designed to help certain parents and carers cover gaps in their National Insurance record. Although it was originally planned to launch in April 2026, it is now expected to be delayed until April 2027. HMRC has issued an update for those impacted by this change. According to HMRC, …

The new tax year brings a number of important changes that may affect your income, investments, and longer‑term planning. While many tax rates have not increased, the overall tax burden is rising for many people due to frozen allowances and higher taxes on investments. Below is a summary of the key points and what they …

Global markets experienced some fluctuations the past few weeks following the US attacks on Iran, with oil prices seeing the most noticeable increase, and it is likely that markets will remain volatile as the situation evolves. Rising geopolitical tensions often lead to short-term movements in global financial markets, as investors weigh the potential implications for …

Members of the Eldon team were delighted to attend the High Sheriff Youth Awards last month, celebrating young people across County Durham. Organised by Point North (the community foundation for County Durham and Tees Valley), and supported by the High Sheriff of Durham, the Awards are presented each year to recognise the extraordinary contribution of …

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has updated its process for issuing tax refunds to employees and pensioners under PAYE. If you are due a refund, you may no longer receive it automatically and may need to claim it. Previously, when HMRC issued a P800 tax calculation showing a refund was due, they would automatically send …

Experienced sailors don’t wait for rough seas to think about how they’ll respond. They prepare in calm conditions, knowing storms are inevitable. Investors face the same reality. Market volatility is not a possibility, it’s a certainty, and preparation determines whether you stay the course or abandon ship at the worst moment. Investors will almost certainly …

Managing a discretionary trust comes with complex tax rules, and the recent Budget announcements mean some important changes are on the horizon. We have provided a summary of the key changes below: Discretionary Trust Income The budget announced a 2% rate increase on dividends from 6th April 2026 which apply to the ordinary and higher …

As the festive season approaches, we’d like to let you know our opening hours over Christmas and New Year: Eldon’s office will close at 2:00 pm on Wednesday 24th December, reopening on Friday 2nd January 2026 at 9am. We’d like to take this opportunity to thank all our clients, colleagues and peers for their support …

Planning for the future isn’t just about saving money or investing wisely, it’s about making sure your wishes are respected when you’re no longer here. A will is a legal document that sets out your wishes for what happens to your money, property, and possessions after your death. It acts as your legal voice and …

How is the High Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC) calculated? Child Benefit is provided to households with eligible children. However, if the claimant or their partner has an adjusted net income above £60,000, the higher earner is required to repay some or all of the benefit, known as the High Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC). …