The end of the tax year is near, and as we approach it, there is still time to maximise your tax efficiency and take advantage of numerous opportunities – both for individuals and for businesses.
Here are some of them:
- Utilise tax relief on pension contributions
Individuals can contribute into a personal pension scheme and by doing so, qualify for income tax relief at their marginal rate, up to certain limits.
- Make full use of your ISA allowance
The annual allowance for ISA is now £15,000, with no restriction on the amount that can be in the form of cash.
- Avoid the Child Benefit charge for high income earners
For individuals who receive child benefit and their net income exceeds £50,000, this can be clawed back. For couples, there are opportunities to arrange their affairs that neither of them has net income over £50,000, for examples by transfer of shares from one to the other, with no impact on Capital Gains tax.
- Utilise annual exemption from Capital Gains tax
Individuals who sell assets (including shares or a property) with a gain, are liable to Capital Gains tax. the annual exemption is £11,000 and cannot be carried forward into the next tax year. So if an individual is considering selling some assets, then thinking about the timing of the disposal can maximise the use of the annual exemptions.
- Annual Investment Allowance (AIA)
AIA can be claimed on qualifying spend on Plant & Machinery up to £500,000. This limit is being reduced to £25,000 from 1 January 2016. Businesses who are thinking about purchasing equipment should consider doing so, before the limits are reduced.
- Use any carried forward Capital Losses
Capital losses can be carried forward four years after the end of the tax year in which losses arose.
- Review Payments on account for tax year 2014-15
For sole traders who’s income is not taxed at source, are required to make payments on account for the tax year 2014-15 by 31 January 2015 and then again on 31 July 2015. If you feel that the payments on account are excessive based on expected income for tax year 2014-15, then there is an opportunity to apply to reduce them.
