Local Chartered Certified Accountants for Accounting services in UK

Started working for yourself between 2015 and 2024? If you didn't tell HMRC using the specific CWF1 form – even if you registered for self-assessment – you may have incorrect gaps in your National Insurance (NI) record. And if that means you're not on track for the full State Pension, you're at risk of being underpaid £1,000s. But you don't need to do anything right now, as HMRC will contact you directly if you're affected. Hannah McEwen  &  Abby Wilson 14 July 2026 Save HMRC estimates that 800,000 people have been hit by this latest State Pension issue, with 160,000 of those already at (or within two years of) the State Pension age. Below we explain what went wrong and what HMRC is now doing. We also plan to publish more detailed, step-by-step guidance soon – sign up to our weekly email and we'll let you know when this is ready. How State Pension entitlement works when you're self-employed To get the full new State Pension – currently £241.30 a week –...

Adults in Ireland who have yet to retire think they'll need an average of €40,860 per year to get by in retirement, equivalent to about three-quarters of the average Irish wage. In a nationwide survey of 900 non-retirees, Royal London Ireland found that men believe they'll need significantly more than women, expecting to require €44,000 on average, compared to €38,000 for women. The vast majority (97%) of people who have yet to retire in Ireland believe that the state pension alone is not enough to get by on in retirement. “People often underestimate the amount of savings required for a comfortable retirement – as well as the expenses they will face during this phase of life," said Mary Reilly , pension proposition lead at Royal London Ireland. "Our research found that, on average, people believe they will need €40,860 a year in retirement. "Given that a report published in 2024 found that a single person would need a pension of €33,600 a year, and that a coupl...

 For millions of retirees across the UK, the annual rise in the State Pension is usually a cause for celebration. In April 2026, the pension received an above-inflation 4.8% boost under the triple-lock mechanism, lifting the full new State Pension to £241.30 per week . However, this welcome increase has brought with it a wave of anxiety. With the personal income tax allowance frozen at £12,570 until 2028, simple multiplication (£241.30 × 52 weeks = £12,547.60) left many fearing they were practically on the verge of paying income tax on their basic state retirement benefit alone. To resolve the growing confusion, HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) recently clarified the exact methodology for calculating taxable pension income. This clarification reveals a subtle mathematical quirk that will keep retirees who have no other income just below the tax threshold for the 2026/27 tax year, but only by a razor-thin margin. At Skz Accountant , we keep a close eye on these regulatory nuances. ...

Retirement planning often feels like a distant priority until it’s suddenly on the horizon. In 2026, the UK State Pension remains the bedrock of retirement for millions, but the rules governing how much you get and when you get it are more nuanced than many realise. Whether you are a sole trader , a limited company director , or an employee, understanding your National Insurance (NI) record is the key to a stable future. At Skz Accountant , we specialise in looking beyond your current tax year to ensure your long-term financial health is protected. Securing Your Future A Comprehensive Guide to the UK State Pension in 2026 with Skz accountant 1. The State Pension Age and Eligibility in 2026 The State Pension age is currently 66, but it is scheduled to rise to 67 between 2026 and 2028. It is vital to check your specific retirement date, as this affects your cash flow planning. The 10-Year Rule : To receive any State Pension at all, you generally need at least 10 qualifying years on y...