Comprehensive coverage
What’s inside
9 chapters covering the corporation tax decisions that move six-figure outcomes — marginal relief, capital allowances, R&D, groups, distributions and exit. Includes 6 worked examples with real £-impact.
CHAPTER 01
UK corporation tax in 2026/27 — the landscape
The small profits rate, main rate and marginal relief band. Associated companies and the divisor trap. The effective marginal rate (26.5%) and what it means for planning.
CHAPTER 02
Marginal relief — modelling and management
Three worked examples: £80k, £180k and £350k profit. How timing of expenditure, dividends and pensions changes the effective rate. The cliff edge that costs companies thousands.
CHAPTER 03
Capital allowances — Full Expensing, AIA, SBA
The 100% Full Expensing regime (new plant only, companies only). £1m AIA. SBA at 3%. Integral features. Cars. Plus a £150k machinery scenario showing £37,500 year-one relief.
CHAPTER 04
R&D tax relief in 2026/27
The merged RDEC scheme (20% credit) and Enhanced R&D Intensive Support (ERIS at 27%). The 30% intensity test. PAYE cap. Subsidised expenditure. Subcontractor rules. Genuine eligibility — not the over-claims HMRC has been challenging.
CHAPTER 05
Group structures and reliefs
Group relief for losses. Group payment arrangements. Chargeable gains groups. Stamp duty group relief. Substantial Shareholdings Exemption. When to incorporate a group — and when it adds compliance for no benefit.
CHAPTER 06
Profit extraction — salary, dividends, pension
The new dividend rates from April 2026 (10.75/35.75/39.35%). Optimal salary level (£5k or £12,570?). Employer pension contributions vs personal. Director loans and the s.455 charge.
CHAPTER 07
Loss relief — current, carry-back, carry-forward
Current year offset. 12-month carry-back. Indefinite carry-forward (with the 50% restriction above £5m). Terminal loss relief. Group loss surrender. When to use each.
CHAPTER 08
Transfer pricing and the 2026 reforms
The widened “related persons” definition from January 2026. SME exemption thresholds. Documentation requirements. Country-by-country reporting. What mid-market groups need to do now.
CHAPTER 09
Exit reliefs and SSE
BADR at 18% (up to £1m lifetime). Investors’ Relief at 18% (up to £10m lifetime). Substantial Shareholdings Exemption for trade sales. Pre-sale structuring 24 months before exit — the planning window that matters.
