Personal Tax
Income sharing trouble for separated couple
After a couple separated one spouse received income from letting the property she jointly owned with her estranged spouse. HMRC taxed all the income on her. Was it right to do so or should her spouse have been taxed on half the income?
Income splitting - tackling the practical issue
You recently started a new business which you run through a company. You’ve been told that you can reduce your tax and NI bill if you issue your spouse with shares in the company. Assuming that’s correct, what are the practicalities involved?
Tax exemptions for collectible items
You’re clearing your home ready for moving and you’ve unearthed some items that you’ve been told might now be worth something. If you sell them, will you have to pay tax on the proceeds?
Don’t miss out on IHT exemptions
The Chancellor’s inheritance raid on small business owners and anyone who has pension savings means it’s more important than ever to take advantage of the lifetime gifts exemptions. What are they and when can you use them?
Reduce tax on gains with EIS incentives
You recently made a capital gain on which you’ll have to pay tax. You’ve been told that if you invest in an enterprise investment scheme (EIS), you can defer the capital gains tax, but might it also reduce what you have to pay?
New company - when to start paying yourself a salary?
You’ve decided to start a new business. You’ve set up a company but need to find a premises and deal with other formalities before trading can begin. Is it worth you taking a salary from the company in the meantime?
Last orders to meet deadline to improve your state pension
After a few false starts the government is about to blow the whistle on the end of the extra time granted for you to plug any gaps in your NI record. Why should you bother with this and how much will it cost?
Minimise late payment penalties
You still need to pay some of the self-assessment bill that was due on 31 January 2025. As a result, interest will be added to the debt and penalties can follow. What steps can you take to prevent or mitigate them?
Are employer pension contributions still worth it?
Does the potential inheritance tax (IHT) charge on pensions that will apply from April 2027 mean that employer pension contributions are a tax break of the past, or are they still a winner?
BADR - is there a problem for cash-rich companies?
Your company ceased trading several months back and you’re about to wind it up. The trouble is it has substantial cash investments. Will this affect your entitlement to business asset disposal relief (BADR)?
Start planning now to reduce IHT on pension savings
One of the big changes announced in the Budget was that from April 2027 a person’s pension savings that remain when they die will be subject to inheritance tax. How will this work and are there steps you can take to mitigate the extra tax?
No HICBC reform: a closer look
The 2024 Autumn Budget made headlines for a number of reasons, but behind the flagship announcements was an important confirmation that planned reforms to how families are subject to the child benefit clawback will be scrapped. What’s the full story?