# Three-quarters of small business owners delay having kids or buying houses over tax fears

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/three-quarters-of-small-business-owners-delay-having-kids-or-buying-houses-over-tax-fears/
- Published: 2026-10-22T13:08:52+00:00
- Updated: 2026-10-22T13:45:21+00:00
- Original publisher: The Independent (publisher lean: Left)
- Original article: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/tax-ni-budget-sme-founders-owners-property-children-b3071315.html
- Topics: Art, Culture, Politics

## Key points

- 77% delayed a major personal decision over Budget tax uncertainty.
- 65% fear tax rises could force their business to close.
- Many expect to raise prices, pause growth or stop hiring.

## Summary

UK research suggests Budget tax uncertainty is affecting small business owners’ personal lives and business plans. A survey of 500 firms found 77 per cent had delayed a major financial decision, such as buying a home, having children or planning retirement, because of uncertainty about tax changes.

The research also found 65 per cent fear a business tax rise could force their firm to close within a year. Ahead of the Budget, 45 per cent said they felt anxious or dreaded it, while 22 per cent were optimistic; if taxes rise, 57 per cent expect to increase prices, 39 per cent to pause growth plans and 29 per cent to stop hiring.

---
Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.