It is that time of year when many of us are hoping for treats rather than tricks, as the Chancellor prepares to stand in front of Parliament to deliver the Autumn Budget.
While skeletons, cobwebs and dodgy fancy dress might once have made you jump, it’s the upcoming measures that’s giving business owners and other taxpayers the real chills.
Rumours are spiralling about tax hikes, as Rachel Reeves faces difficult challenges in the forms of tight fiscal rules, rising inflation and a blackhole in the public finances.
Whilst speculation is everywhere and dominating the headlines, the truth is that no one knows what’s lurking in the Chancellor’s red box.
With whispers of new taxes, reliefs being axed, unexpected rules creeping out of the shadows, it can feel like walking through a haunted house waiting for something to leap out at you to give you a fright.
So how do you deal with that most primal of fears – the unknown?
First and foremost, don’t bury your head in the sand, it isn’t going away, so stay vigilant and informed on the day so you are ready to leap into action.
Rigid plans tend to crack under pressure, so smart tax planning is also about agility. If you can quickly pivot to adapt to shifts in allowances or new tax rules appearing overnight then it won’t be quite as big of a shock.
With the right preparations, you can swap fear for foresight and make sure your finances are protected, whatever surprises come your way in the Autumn Budget.
Want to be ready for whatever the Chancellor has up his sleeve? We’re here to help you navigate the twists and turns.