Proposed Government changes to pension death benefits from 6th April 2027 are set to have significant implications for estate planning. At present, unused pension funds can typically be passed to beneficiaries outside of the estate for inheritance tax purposes. Under the proposed rules, however, unused pension funds are expected to be included in the value …

You may have heard of the gender pay gap, but have you heard of the gender pension gap? The gender pension gap refers to the difference in pension income and overall retirement wealth between men and women. The latest data used by the government to measure the gap shows that in the UK: By the …

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 …