The tax rules concerning what constitutes a distribution for tax purposes have remained largely unchanged since Corporation Tax was introduced in 1965. HMRC has recently published a consultation looking at possible changes to bring the rules more closely into line with modern commercial practices.

The consultation considers seven areas where the existing rules may create differences in tax treatment or uncertainty. The aim is to make the rules clearer and more consistent, while reducing unintended differences in tax treatment and the risk of errors and non-compliance.

The areas being considered include reductions of share capital, demergers, distributions from non-UK companies, loans to participators, purchases of own shares and the Transactions in Securities rules.

The consultation is mainly focused on shareholders within the charge to Income Tax, including individuals and trusts. The proposals are not intended to affect corporate shareholders directly.

HMRC also wants to ensure that genuine commercial activities and legitimate company reorganisations are not adversely affected and that the wider implications for growth and investment are taken into account.

For companies and their shareholders, the proposals are worth watching. They could ultimately affect the tax treatment of a number of transactions between companies and their owners, including capital reductions, company purchases of own shares and some company reorganisations.

At this stage these are proposals for consultation rather than confirmed changes to the tax rules.

The consultation closes on 14 September 2026. The government will then consider the responses and publish a summary. Further consultation may take place before any changes are introduced.