Introduction
Rachel Reeves is back with her tax-raising playbook, and this time she’s eyeing your National Insurance Contributions again. The Chancellor’s hunting for billions to fill the government’s fiscal black hole, and November’s Budget is shaping up to be another wallet-draining event. If you’re a high earner, lawyer, GP, or fund manager using an LLP structure, you might want to sit down for this one. Here’s what’s coming and who’s getting hit hardest.
The £2bn LLP Tax Grab
Reeves is reportedly planning to extend NICs to limited liability partnerships (LLPs)—a move that could net the Treasury around £2bn. Right now, about 200,000 workers operate through LLPs and enjoy exemption from employer NIC obligations because they’re technically self-employed.
Who’s in the firing line? Lawyers, GPs, and fund managers top the list. These professionals have historically used LLP structures to minimise their tax burden, but that advantage is about to vanish.
This isn’t Reeves’ first rodeo, either. Last year’s Budget already slapped employers with higher NIC rates and a lower tax-free threshold, adding billions in costs for retail and hospitality businesses.
Income Tax Thresholds: Frozen Until 2029
While Reeves probably won’t touch income tax rates directly (Labour’s manifesto promises keep her hands tied), she’s expected to extend the freeze on income tax allowances and NIC thresholds through 2029/30.
What does that mean in practice? Fiscal drag.
As wages rise with inflation, more workers get pushed into higher tax brackets without any actual change to tax rates. It’s a stealth tax that’ll drag millions into paying more—raising an estimated £10bn extra for the government.
Michael Saunders from Oxford Economics puts it bluntly: “We regard a freeze in income tax allowances and NICs thresholds a near certainty.”
Broadening the Tax Base: Who Else Is Paying?
Reeves isn’t stopping at LLPs. Other revenue-raising measures on the table include extending NICs to cover landlords—a policy change that could raise as much as £2bn. If you’re renting out property, this is one to watch.
The Chancellor’s also eyeing a new NIC rate on private companies’ pension contributions, currently exempt but potentially worth another £2bn if taxed. And rumours are swirling about a potential “mansion tax” on ultra-high-value property sales, though details remain thin.
The strategy? Don’t raise headline rates—just broaden what gets taxed and who pays it.
High Earners: Welcome to the Tax Trap
If you’re earning six figures, you’re officially in Reeves’ crosshairs. London alone now has over half a million people earning £100k+, up 9% from last year. That’s roughly one in ten taxpayers—and they’re all feeling the squeeze.
Here’s why high earners are getting hammered:
The £100k-£125k Trap: Earn over £100k and your personal allowance (£12,570) gets reduced by £1 for every £2 earned. This creates an effective tax rate of around 60% in that income band—higher than the top 45% rate itself.
Lost Childcare Support: Cross the £100k threshold and government childcare help disappears, adding thousands in extra costs.
Dragged Into Higher Bands: With frozen thresholds and rising wages, more workers are being pulled into the 45% additional rate band (kicks in at £125,140). The number paying this top rate has already doubled since 2022.
Reeves keeps insisting “those with the broadest shoulders” should pay their “fair share,” but when you’re already paying 60% effective rates, the shoulders start feeling pretty sore.
What Reeves Won’t Touch (Probably)
Labour’s manifesto tied Reeves’ hands on certain tax levers. Economists agree she’s highly unlikely to raise main income tax rates, VAT, employee NICs, or corporation tax.
Another hike to employer NICs also seems off the table after last year’s backlash from businesses struggling with inflation and employment costs.
Instead, expect her to focus on stealth taxes, threshold freezes, and base-broadening measures that technically don’t break manifesto promises but still drain your bank account.
The Bottom Line
November’s Budget is shaping up to be another expensive affair for UK taxpayers, especially high earners and professionals using LLP structures. Between the £2bn LLP raid, frozen tax thresholds dragging millions into higher bands, and potential hits to landlords and pension contributions, Reeves is finding creative ways to raise revenue without technically breaking campaign promises. If you’re a high earner, now’s the time to review your tax strategy with an accountant—the fiscal black hole isn’t going to fill itself, and the Chancellor knows exactly whose pockets she’s reaching into.
FAQ
Q1: Will Rachel Reeves raise income tax rates?
A: Highly unlikely. Labour’s manifesto commitments prevent raising main income tax rates, VAT, employee NICs, or corporation tax. Instead, expect threshold freezes and base-broadening measures that achieve similar results without technically breaking promises.
Q2: How will the LLP tax changes affect me?
A: If you operate through a limited liability partnership (as many lawyers, GPs, and fund managers do), you’ll likely face new employer NIC obligations. This could cost you thousands annually depending on your income, as you’ll lose the current self-employed tax treatment.
Q3: What is the £100k-£125k tax trap?
A: It’s a quirk where your personal allowance gets reduced by £1 for every £2 earned above £100k. This creates an effective tax rate of around 60%—higher than the official top rate—plus you lose childcare support. It’s become a major pain point for high earners.
Q4: When will these tax changes take effect?
A: Most changes announced in November’s Budget typically take effect from April 2026 (the next tax year). However, threshold freezes are expected to extend through 2029/30, meaning years of fiscal drag ahead.
Q5: Can I do anything to reduce my tax burden?
A: Potentially. Speak with a qualified tax advisor about pension contributions (which can reduce your effective income), salary sacrifice schemes, or restructuring your business arrangements. Every situation is different, so professional advice is essential before making changes.
DISCLAIMER
Effective Date: 15th July 2025
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