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Category: Tax

The Generation Game – Why Inheritance Tax Planning Is Crucial

During his first few months as Prime Minister, John Major famously expressed a desire to see wealth “cascading” down through the generations. “We do not see each generation starting anew, with the past cut off and the future ignored,” he told his party’s conference. Fast forward to the present day and the assumption made by…

Home Thoughts From Abroad – Making Wealth Management Simpler For Expats

According to research commissioned by the BBC, around 5.5 million Britons – roughly one in ten of the population – are currently living permanently abroad. Many live in Europe, of course, but Britain’s diaspora is spread across the world. The US, for example, has attracted more than 600,000 Brits and Australia is home to 1.3…

Tax Has Become A Fairness Issue – What Does That Mean For Tax Planning?  

The annual party conference is usually an occasion for broad brush strokes of policy. Nothing too detailed. Nothing that is likely to cause controversy in the media or divisions among the party faithful.   This year’s conference season in many respects conformed to that template. Dominated by Brexit, superhuman efforts were made at both the…

September 30 Tax Deadline Highlights Continued Avoidance Crackdown

September 30 is a key date for anyone with overseas assets that may be taxable in the UK as HMRC has made it the deadline for disclosure. Disguised remuneration schemes must also be declared by the same day. This month’s deadlines illustrate the importance of good tax advice. Most taxpayers probably have January 31st circled…

Tax Factors – The Rules Are Changing But EIS Remains A Prime Investment Driver

It’s easy to take something for granted once it has become part of the furniture.   Take the Enterprise Investment  Scheme (EIS). Introduced in 1994, the scheme was intended to encourage equity investment in small companies. As the Government minister in charge back then, Michael Portillo put it: “The purpose of Enterprise Investment Schemes is…

Carrot and Stick – What the Spring Statement Means for HNW Taxpayers

There was a time when the start of Spring was heralded by the Chancellor’s Budget, a major political and economic event.   These days the Chancellor offers two Budget statements – one in Autumn and the other in Spring, with the former containing all the major policy announcements and tax changes. The March event has…

Today and Tomorrow  – The Importance of Year End Tax Planning

In terms of taxation, the first few months of any given year are a time to look forward and backwards. For those completing a self-assessment form ahead of the January 31 deadline, all thoughts are on the previous tax year. With that job done, dusted and signed off, the next big milestone is April 6…