Financial markets were primed for sharp, immediate tax rises. Commentators warned of fiscal tightening. Yet when the Chancellor delivered the measures, the initial reaction was muted. Markets barely moved. The plaster came off—and it didn’t hurt.
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Financial markets were primed for sharp, immediate tax rises. Commentators warned of fiscal tightening. Yet when the Chancellor delivered the measures, the initial reaction was muted. Markets barely moved. The plaster came off—and it didn’t hurt.
Plenty of speculation about the taxes that the Government might introduce – and there is lots of choice but let’s examine the potential for a change to the tax free cash sum that clients normally access on retirement.
President Donald Trump announced sweeping tariffs that will reshape trade relations with the United States. The new tariff regime is more severe than expected, and extraordinary both in terms of scale and how they were calculated.
I am sure that you will have followed the news closely in the last couple of days and there will be a lot of comment about the changes announced in the Budget. As financial planners, It is important to be up to date about any changes in the Budget.
There has been a lot of comment in the press about the possible changes in the Autumn (end of October) including the potential impact on the ability to withdraw money from a pension completely free of tax (Tax Free Cash).
Saving for retirement is crucial. With inflation and living costs ever rising, the UK state pension alone is becoming less and less likely to cover your living expenses. The current £11,962.60 a year, while a helpful safety net, typically provides only a basic income that may not meet the needs of many retirees.
As the end of the UK tax year approaches, it’s time for a dive into your finances to make sure you’ve taken advantage of all the available opportunities as well as fulfilling your obligations. Here’s an easy comprehensive list of 20 things to check for personal and business taxes as April approaches.
There has been plenty of press coverage on the various aspects of the budget that affects individuals. What does seem to be missing is any coverage of the 8.5% increase to state pensions in April. Please read the article that highlights what has been announced.
It feels a little late in the day and somewhat locking the door after the horse has bolted as Trusts that are caught by the new rules should have registered in the UK last September.
Financial markets were primed for sharp, immediate tax rises. Commentators warned of fiscal tightening. Yet when the Chancellor delivered the measures, the initial reaction was muted. Markets barely moved. The plaster came off—and it didn’t hurt.
In the weeks leading up to the UK Budget, the industry has struggled to read the signs from the Treasury as to what was most likely to happen in the Autumn Statement and what new taxes were to be introduced – we just knew that tax would rise.
If you watch or read the news at the moment, it’s easy to think the world is falling apart. Political tensions, elections, and talk of global conflict seem to dominate every headline. It can all feel a bit bleak – and when you’re also hearing that some professional investors are ‘turning cautious,’ it’s natural to wonder whether it’s time to be worried. Yet, strangely, the investment markets don’t appear to agree with the headlines.
Over the past few years, one of the quietest but most significant shifts in personal taxation has been the steady tightening of Capital Gains Tax (CGT) allowances. What was once a generous £12,300 annual exemption has been reduced to just £3,000 for the 2024/25 tax year – and there’s every chance that future Budgets or the forthcoming Autumn Statement could push rates higher still.