The rise of the higher rate taxpayer

The Government continues to freeze both the personal allowance and the higher-rate income tax thresholds – leading to an increase in the number of higher-rate taxpayers this year. The result of ‘fiscal drag’ – a phenomenon where tax thresholds fail to keep up with inflation or wage growth – the freeze will continue to increase…

New tax year – New tax rules

With the start of the new tax year, taxpayers can expect significant changes that will directly impact their finances in the next tax year (2024/25). If you haven’t already, it’s time to closely examine your financial planning, including savings, investments, and tax compliance. So, what changes should you be aware of from 6 April 2024?…

HMRC income tax receipts rise by £2 billion

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) recently reported a £2 billion increase in income tax receipts, reflecting a strong self-assessment period and an evolving dynamic within the tax landscape. The Government’s recent changes, including adjustments to National Insurance Contributions (NICs), have both mitigated and exacerbated the overall NIC burden. This is because they encompass rate reductions…

Spring Budget ushers in property tax shake-up

The Chancellor delivered his 2024 ‘Budget for long-term growth’ in the face of an upcoming general election. Although the headlines have been dominated by the news that employee National Insurance Contributions will be cut further to eight per cent, Mr Hunt also announced several measures, which changed how certain property taxes will be applied. Largely…

Spring Budget 2024

The latest Budget was an important speech for the Chancellor, Jeremy Hunt, and his Government, as he laid out key measures likely to affect his party’s success at the ballot box later this year. Although a date for the next general election is still yet to be set, this is likely to be the last…