Follow our quick guide to structuring your financial affairs more tax-efficiently.
Tip 1
If you are married or in a registered civil partnership, you could potentially increase your tax-free income by switching assets that produce income into the name of the person who has not used all of their personal tax allowance. If you are both under the age of 65, you can currently each receive up to £6,475 (2009/10) a year before income tax is payable. For the over-65s there are even higher allowances available.
Additional State Pension
The earnings-related part of the State Pension built up in the State Second Pension and/or the State Earnings Related Pension Scheme (SERPS).
The first step to ensure that your estate is shared out exactly how you want it distributed
It’s easy to put off making a will. But if you die without one your assets may be distributed according to the law rather than your wishes. This could mean that your partner receives less, or that the money goes to family members who may not need it.
Making ethical choices when it comes to your finances
More and more people are taking an interest in green and ethical issues according to the Investment Management Association, covering subjects as diverse as environmental improvement, climate change, genetically modified foods, gambling and the destruction of rain forests. Nowadays, you can choose to actively support or avoid these causes through everyday activities such as buying organic food, donating to particular charities or using recycled products. There are also increasing opportunities to make ethical choices when it comes to your finances.
Will you have to work until you are almost 80 year of age?
According to research from fund management group, Fidelity International, many Britons hoping for a comfortable income at retirement could find themselves working until they are almost 80 years of age.
Meeting the distinct and changing needs of you and your business
Did you know that we provide a comprehensive planning service designed to meet the distinct and changing needs of you and your business? We understand that having a sound financial plan is vital to the success and growth of your business, and to your own personal wealth and security.
Now is a great time to discuss your problem with us
The fall in the value of assets such as shares, buy-to-let properties and holiday homes to their lowest levels in years, combined with a historically low capital gains tax rate, may be prompting more and more taxpayers to give away surplus assets to minimise future inheritance tax (IHT) bills. If you are considering tackling a potential IHT issue, now is a great time to discuss this with us.
Don’t miss out on the extra tax relief available this year
Research from Unbiased.co.uk, has found that UK workers in company pension schemes are missing out on huge sums by neglecting to save more tax-efficiently.
If you’re thinking of retiring soon, we can help you navigate through the minefield of choices that you are likely to face and ensure that you receive the pension and other benefits you are entitled to.
