TL;DR – What You Actually Need to Know This Week

⏰ One million missed the tax return deadline

Around a million people failed to file their Self Assessment tax return by 31 January 2026. Late filing triggers an immediate £100 fine, even if no tax is due, with escalating daily penalties and further charges the longer it’s left. If you’ve missed it, filing sooner rather than later really matters.

📊 Making Tax Digital is coming – April 2026

From April 2026, Making Tax Digital for Income Tax becomes mandatory for sole traders and landlords earning over £50,000. This means digital records and quarterly submissions to HMRC. If you’re not already set up digitally, now is the time to prepare rather than scrambling next year.

💷 Salary sacrifice still offers real tax savings

Despite headlines about future restrictions, salary sacrifice remains fully available until at least April 2029. It can reduce tax and National Insurance costs for both employers and employees, while improving benefits at a time when cash flow is tight. Many small businesses are still underusing this.

🔍 CMA moves to rein in Google’s dominance

The Competition and Markets Authority is proposing new rules to make Google search fairer and more transparent. These include better choice for users, more control for publishers over AI use of their content, fairer ranking rules, and legal data portability. If your business relies on search visibility, this could be significant. Consultation closes 25 February 2026.

⛽ Fuel price comparison just got easier

A new government scheme now requires all petrol stations to report fuel prices in near real time. Apps like Waze, AA and RAC can now show up-to-date prices, helping businesses with vehicles cut fuel costs where price differences can reach 20p per litre.

♿ Accessibility at work back in focus

Big tech firms and disability charities are working with government to improve workplace accessibility using existing tech like screen readers, live captions and AI tools. With changes planned to the Disability Confident scheme, small employers may soon see more tailored support — and access to a wider talent pool.

🤖 Major AI investment lands in Lanarkshire

A new AI Growth Zone in Lanarkshire is set to create over 3,400 jobs, including high-skill roles, apprenticeships and significant community investment. For local businesses, this could mean short-term construction opportunities and long-term demand for specialist services.

🏢 Business rates check deadline: 31 March 2026

If you think your business rates valuation is wrong, you have until 31 March 2026 to challenge it. After that, you’ll be dealing with the new 2026 rating list. Verification can take up to 15 working days, so this is one not to leave late.