Pension Credits can provide extra income to those over State Pension age and on a low income. The credits were first introduced back in 2003 to help keep retired people out of poverty. The Department for Work and Pensions has launched a Pension Credit awareness drive, urging pensioners to check their eligibility for Pension Credit […]
Claim tax deduction for working from home
Employees who are working from home may be eligible to claim a tax deduction on certain work-related bills. If their employer does not cover these expenses or allowances, they can claim tax relief directly from HMRC. You can claim tax relief if you are required to work from home, such as if your job requires […]
Update on High Income Child Benefit Charge
Changes to the High Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC) came into effect on 6 April 2024. The income threshold at which HICBC starts to be charged increased to £60,000 (from £50,000). The charge is calculated at 1% of the full Child Benefit award for every £200 (2023-24: £100) of income between £60,000 and £80,000. (2023-24: […]
Do you have a personal tax account?
HMRC’s Personal Tax Accounts (PTAs) serve as an online tool that enables taxpayers to view and update their information in real time. The PTA can be used for many routine requests and services and help you bypass the need to call or write to HMRC. Every individual in the UK that pays tax has a […]
Effects of the US presidential election
The American presidential election may have significant effects on the United Kingdom, impacting various aspects of the relationship between the two countries. Here are some key areas where the UK might feel the influence: 1. Trade Relations Post-Brexit Trade Deals: The UK's ability to negotiate a favourable trade deal with the US is closely […]
Further drop in interest rates
Interest rates are a powerful lever in our economy. Increase rates and economic activity tends to slow down, and vice versa if interest rates fall. The recent hikes in rates, to control inflation, were reversed recently when the Bank of England (BoE) reduced rates to 5% (from 5.25%). The following notes are a summary of […]
Rachel Reeves announcements since the election
Since Rachel Reeves was appointed Chancellor of the Exchequer in May 2024, she has made several significant announcements aimed at addressing the UK's economic challenges as well as the much publicised tax changes already described in previous posts on our blog. Her primary focus has been on fiscal responsibility, economic stability, and reforming key […]
Private pension contributions
Tax relief on private pension scheme contributions is a significant incentive in the UK, encouraging individuals to save for retirement. Here’s how it works according to GOV.UK: Basic Rate Tax Relief (20%): If you are a basic rate taxpayer, your pension contributions receive tax relief at 20%. For example, if you contribute £80 into your […]
DWP reforms
Liz Kendall recently set out how Britain’s system of employment support must be fundamentally reformed to tackle the “most urgent challenge” of spiralling economic inactivity. In a Department for Work & Pensions press release issued 23 July 2024 it was announced: Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall will use landmark first speech to set out […]