How to Protect Your Finances Before the Autumn Budget

10th November 2025

Seven smart moves taxpayers and business owners can make before Rachel Reeves delivers her second Budget.

With tax rises and relief cuts possible in Rachel Reeves' November Budget, here’s what UK taxpayers can do now to stay ahead.

Less than Two Weeks To Act.

With Chancellor Rachel Reeves set to deliver her second Budget on Wednesday 26 November, the spotlight is firmly on Britain’s finances — and on yours.

In an environment of high borrowing costs, tight fiscal rules, and mounting public debt, new tax rises or relief cuts are increasingly likely. That means individuals and businesses have a short but valuable window to prepare. Whether you’re an investor, entrepreneur, or professional, a little planning before Budget Day can make a meaningful difference.

Here are seven key actions to consider in the weeks ahead.

1. Review capital gains before potential rate changes

Speculation is growing that Capital Gains Tax (CGT) could rise or be aligned more closely with income tax rates.

If you’re considering selling shares, property, or a business, it may be worth assessing whether a sale before 26 November would lock in the current CGT regime.

The annual CGT allowance has already fallen to £3,000.

Further cuts or rate hikes would increase future liabilities.

Tip: Accelerating a sale or crystallising gains can make sense — but only if it fits your wider financial goals. Seek professional advice before acting.

2. Maximise tax-free investment wrappers

The Treasury may not touch ISAs or pensions immediately, but tax reliefs are an easy target in a constrained fiscal environment.

Ensure you’ve used your £20,000 ISA allowance for the year.

Maximise pension contributions while higher-rate relief (40%-45%) still applies.

If you invest in EIS or VCT schemes, consider deploying capital early in case reliefs are scaled back.

These wrappers not only save tax now but also build resilience against future policy tightening.

3. Revisit dividend and income timing

The dividend allowance has been reduced to just £500, and it could vanish altogether.
For company directors or self-employed professionals, consider bringing forward dividends or bonuses if you expect rate changes. Timing matters — a small adjustment in payment dates can significantly impact net income after tax.

4. Strengthen inheritance planning

Inheritance Tax (IHT) remains politically charged, but Reeves could quietly close long-standing reliefs, such as Business Property Relief or Agricultural Relief.
To prepare:

Review wills and trusts for efficiency.

Use your £3,000 annual gift allowance and small gift exemptions.

Confirm that qualifying business assets still meet current IHT conditions.

Early planning offers flexibility that last-minute changes rarely allow.

5. For businesses: accelerate investment where possible

Corporation tax may hold steady at 25%, but capital allowances could change.
The current full expensing regime — which lets firms deduct 100% of qualifying investments — could be capped or narrowed to save Treasury funds.
If you’re planning significant purchases of machinery, IT, or plant, finalising them before the Budget could secure current relief levels.

6. Preserve cash and maintain flexibility

In uncertain times, liquidity is strategy.
Keep cash buffers healthy to absorb potential tax or cost increases in early 2026. Avoid overcommitting to long-term spending until the Budget clarifies future policy. In particular, rising borrowing costs and potential tax reforms make short-term financial agility more valuable than ever.

7. Stay informed and ready to react

Budgets often include "surprise" overnight changes — especially to capital taxes or allowances.
Make sure you and your adviser are ready to act immediately if measures are announced with effect from Budget Day. Quick execution can mean the difference between keeping or losing a valuable relief.

This year’s Budget is set to test not just the government’s fiscal credibility, but the resilience of UK taxpayers. By reviewing your financial affairs now — from capital gains to pension contributions — you can protect yourself against policy shocks and position for stability in 2026.

Preparation, not prediction, is the smartest response.