Other Matters

Land and Buildings Transaction Taxes

Land and buildings transaction taxes remain devolved:

• Scotland: Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (LBTT)
• Wales: Land Transaction Tax (LTT)
• England & Northern Ireland: Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT)

England & Northern Ireland – SDLT

• As of 1 April 2025, the standard nil-rate band is £125,000.
• First-time buyers: 0% up to £300,000 (relief available up to £500,000).
• Higher/additional dwellings surcharge: +3% still applies.
• Non-UK resident surcharge: +2% above standard rates remains in place (applies since April 2021).
  (gov.uk)

Wales – Land Transaction Tax (LTT)

• Current thresholds: 0% up to £225,000 for main residential properties.
• Higher-rates (additional properties) are 4%–16%, depending on value.
• Non-residential and mixed-use bands were adjusted in 2020 and remain in place.
  (gov.wales)

Scotland – Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (LBTT)

• Residential threshold: 0% up to £145,000 (or £175,000 for first-time buyers).
• Additional Dwelling Supplement: 6% surcharge on second homes and buy-to-lets.
  (revenue.scot)

Plastic Packaging Tax

• In force since April 2022.
• Rate increased in April 2025 to £228.10 per tonne of plastic packaging that contains less than 30% recycled plastic.
• Small operator exemption still applies (<10 tonnes per year).
  (gov.uk)

Vehicle Excise Duty (VED)

• From April 2025, zero-emission cars and vans are no longer exempt: they now pay the standard VED rate, plus the expensive car supplement (£425) if list price >£40,000.
• Vans under 3.5 tonnes remain subject to the flat rate (currently £335).
  (en.wikipedia.org)

Penalties for Late Submission & Payment

• The new points-based penalty system for VAT started April 2022.
• For Income Tax Self-Assessment (ITSA) with business/property income over £10k, it applies from April 2026 (delayed).
• Penalties apply based on lateness:
  • 3% penalty if unpaid after 15 days,
  • a further 3% after 30 days,
  • plus 10% annualised interest after 31+ days.
    (kpmg.com)

Contactless Payments

• Since October 2021, the single-transaction contactless limit is £100 and cumulative limit £300.

No further Budget changes; these remain current.
(fca.org.uk)