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UK Lawyers Push Back Against Reported Plan to Levy Employer-Style NIC on Partnerships

Reports say the Treasury is weighing a partnership national insurance charge ahead of the 26 November Budget to raise roughly £1.9bn.

Overview

  • Reuters reports legal industry bodies criticized the unconfirmed proposal, saying it would hinder growth and alter how professional partnerships operate.
  • The Times first reported that Chancellor Rachel Reeves is considering applying an employer-style national insurance charge to people in LLPs or partnerships.
  • Think tank CenTax estimates about 190,000 to 200,000 partners, largely in law, accountancy and general practice, would be affected with receipts near £1.9bn.
  • CenTax modelling suggests a typical solicitor drawing £316,000 could face about £23,000 more tax with a notable rise in effective and marginal rates.
  • Tax experts warn of administrative complexity and potential restructurings such as incorporation or partners becoming consultants, and Dan Neidle cautions that excluding general partnerships would create unfairness and invite avoidance.