Upcoming Business, Tax & Driving Rule Changes — What You Need to Know

November 2025 version

We work daily to keep our clients ahead of the curve on relevant regulatory changes. While there are no major tax or accounting rules kicking in today, several important changes are coming up — and your business (or your clients’) can benefit by getting ready now.

What’s On the Horizon

1. Company law / Corporate transparency (Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act)

If you’re a director, PSC or involved in company filings, this is a big one.

  • The Act introduces expanded identity verification for directors, PSCs and agents filing on behalf of companies.
  • It also strengthens the accuracy of records held at Companies House and increases penalties for non‑compliance.
  • It’s being phased in — some provisions later in 2025.
  • What you should do now: Review your statutory registers, confirm who is authorised to file on behalf of the company, and ensure your records are up to date.
  • We can help you as a filing agent, verify IDs where needed, and ensure your company’s records are compliant.

Who counts as a PSC?

A person is generally a PSC if they meet any of these conditions:

  1. Directly or indirectly hold more than 25% of the company’s shares.
  2. Directly or indirectly hold more than 25% of the company’s voting rights.
  3. Directly or indirectly have the right to appoint or remove a majority of the board of directors.
  4. Have significant influence or control over the company (e.g., via agreements or trusts).
  5. Have significant influence or control over a trust or firm that meets any of the above conditions.

2. Packaging & environmental responsibility (Producer Responsibility / EPR)

For businesses that manufacture, import or sell packaged goods, these changes matter.

  • New rules require more detailed packaging and material‑type reporting.
  • New or increased fees may apply based on volume and type of packaging placed on market.
  • Some commencement dates are approaching; you should check the specific instrument for when your obligations begin.
  • What to do now: Assess whether your business will fall within scope, begin mapping your supply/packaging chain, and gather data on packaging types and volumes.
  • We can support you in analysing your exposure, planning the reporting process and managing compliance as these rules take effect.

3. Mileage and vehicle / travel rules — what’s changed and what to watch

There are some important rule‑changes around mileage allowances, fuel/advisory rates and driving/vehicle regulation that impact business travel, tax claims and fleet costs:

  • The standard approved mileage allowance payments (AMAPs) remain: for cars and vans your business mileage can be claimed at 45p per mile for the first 10,000 miles in a tax year and 25p per mile after that. ANNA Money+2Rydoo+2
  • The advisory fuel rates (for company cars) have been updated: for example fully electric cars have a home‑charging advisory rate of about 8 p per mile from 1 September 2025, and public‑charging about 14p. GOV.UK+1
  • There are forthcoming licence/driver‑rule changes (for example, some reports show new rules for drivers aged 55+ from about 5 November 2025) that could indirectly impact business travel arrangements or company‑fleet responsibilities. AFSF
  • What you should do now: Check your travel/mileage policy, ensure staff are aware of correct rates and that records are kept (mileage logs, business‑vs‑commute distinction). If you operate a fleet or pay staff mileage, review your reimbursement arrangements in light of the new advisory rates.
  • We can help you review your mileage/travel expense policy, ensure compliance with HMRC guidance and help you optimise tax and reimbursement among your staff or fleet.

4. Payroll / PAYE amendments

  • Technical changes under the Income Tax (PAYE) (Amendment No. 2) Regulations 2025 are coming into force from 24 November 2025.
  • These adjustments are relevant to payroll teams and software providers.
  • What to do: Ensure your payroll system is up to date, and your team (or your payroll bureau) is aware of the changes ahead of 24 November.
  • We can advise on the payroll impact, review your payroll setup and provide training or checklist for your in‑house team.

5. AML levy / Regulated activities changes

  • The Economic Crime (Anti‑Money Laundering) Levy (Amendment) Regulations 2025 come into force 25 November 2025. If you are in a regulated sector (accountancy, tax advice, financial services) you may need to review your liability.
  • The Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Regulated Activities etc.) (Amendment) (No. 2) Order 2025 is due 3 December 2025 and may affect whether certain services you or your clients provide fall under FCA‑authorisation.
  • What to do: If you or your clients provide regulated services, check whether your business is captured by the definitions, and whether the AML levy applies. Assess whether you need to register or update internal controls.
  • We can help you review your business model, identify whether you fall within scope, perform a compliance audit and plan for any required registration or payment.

Putting It All Together

This is not an exhaustive list, but it highlights the top changes coming up that are likely to impact many small‑to‑medium businesses, their accountants and their bookkeepers. The fact is: being early (and ready) often gives you a competitive & compliance advantage.

How We Can Help

As an AAT‑licensed accountancy practice, we offer:

  • Corporate filings, PSC & director verification and register maintenance (you don’t have to worry about the regulatory burden).
  • Travel/mileage policy reviews and expense‑compliance reviews to ensure you’re claiming correctly and paying safely.
  • Payroll review and update support ahead of the late‑November changes.
  • Advisory support for packaging/EPR obligations and business strategy for compliance.
  • AML / regulated‑activities review and planning for firms in regulated sectors.

References

Companies House – Verifying Your Identity
Learn about the new identity verification requirements for directors and PSCs, and how Companies House will implement the changes.
🔗 https://www.gov.uk/guidance/verifying-your-identity-for-companies-house

Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 – Transition Plan
Official overview of the phased implementation of ECCTA, including register updates and compliance timelines.
🔗 https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/economic-crime-and-corporate-transparency-act-outline-transition-plan-for-companies-house/economic-crime-and-corporate-transparency-act-outline-transition-plan-for-companies-house

GOV.UK – Advisory Fuel Rates
Details the updated mileage and fuel reimbursement rates for company vehicles, including electric vehicles, effective 1 September 2025.
🔗 https://www.gov.uk/guidance/advisory-fuel-rates

Want to Get Ahead Now?

If any of the items above sound relevant for you or your business — let’s schedule a quick discussion. We can identify which changes affect you, what you need to do, and how to turn compliance into an advantage.

Contact Steffen today