Time to start your year-end tax planning
The Autumn Budget may have been deferred, but the tax year clock is still ticking. The deferral of the Autumn Budget, originally due on…
Higher state pension increases on the cards
Recently released economic data suggest a relatively large increase in the main state pensions for the next tax year, but it’s still inadequate for a…
HMRC keeps an eye on offshore fund investors
In early November, HMRC undertook a distinctly non-festive bulk mailing. “We receive information about investment funds and this information shows that you may have…
Factor inflation into your planning cycle
Inflation has fallen to its lowest level in almost three years, but you should still take it into account. The October measure of annual…
Starting early for tax year end investments
Venture Capital Trusts have started their fundraising for 2019/20. There was a time when tax year-end planning didn’t begin until a March Budget was…
One step at a time – investing slowly
Are you reluctant to make a lump sum investment in case the timing is wrong? FTSE 100: 1 January 2017 – 31 October 2019…
What price our tax reliefs?
When you look at your annual tax statement, have you ever wondered about the overall cost of the tax reliefs you enjoy? HMRC has…
Probate fee increases abandoned
The planned reform of probate fees in England and Wales has been scrapped. A year ago, the government tabled proposals to increase the level…
UK dividend growth continues, but for how long?
Recent data show that dividends from UK shares rose by nearly 7% year-on-year in the third quarter. The latest Dividend Monitor from Link Asset…
New thinking for Labour on tax?
New proposals for reforming capital gains and income tax have been published by an influential think tank which could make their way into an…
Blue chips take a knock as Marks & Spencer relegated from FTSE 100
Marks & Spencer was demoted from the FTSE 100 in September. The FTSE100 is subject to a quarterly review of its 100 constituents. The…
Interest rates back on the slopes
In September the US and European central banks cut interest rates, again. When the US central bank, the Federal Reserve, cut its main interest…
Annuity rates hit 25-year record low
Annuity rates hit their lowest level since 1994 in September, with implications for those making retirement decisions. Since the introduction of pensions flexibility in…
Tax planning: who are the top 1% of income tax payers?
A recent report looking at who pays the most income tax reveals some interesting findings. The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) published a briefing…
HMRC’s compliance crack down brings in £34 billion
New figures show HMRC’s compliance crack down efforts are yielding substantial sums. In early August, HMRC issued its annual report and accounts for 2018/19.…
How do you feel about taking a pension at 75?
Is a state pension age (SPA) of 75 looking more likely? Recommendation The SPA should better reflect the longer life expectancies that we now…
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