Tax by stealth

Tax by stealth

There is a plausible link between a rise in tax payments if tax rates increase or if tax allowances and reliefs fall. But what happens if there is no change in tax rates or allowances? In this case, there would be an assumption that taxes would not increase; why would...
When do you pay tax at Scottish Income Tax rates?

When do you pay tax at Scottish Income Tax rates?

The Scottish rate of Income Tax (SRIT) is payable on the non-savings and non-dividend income of those defined as Scottish taxpayers. The definition of a Scottish taxpayer depends on whether the taxpayer has a 'close connection' with Scotland or elsewhere...
Rent-a-room relief

Rent-a-room relief

The rent-a-room scheme is a set of special rules designed to help homeowners who rent-a-room in their home. If you are using this scheme, you should ensure that rents received from lodgers during the current tax year do no exceed £7,500. The tax exemption is...
Tax-free savings interest

Tax-free savings interest

The Personal Savings Allowance (PSA) was launched in April 2016. For basic-rate taxpayers the first £1,000 of interest on savings income is tax-free. For higher-rate taxpayers the tax-free personal savings allowance is £500. Anyone earning over...
Tax-free allowance on trading and property income

Tax-free allowance on trading and property income

A reminder that there are two separate annual £1,000 tax allowances for property and trading income. If you have both types of income highlighted below, then you can claim a £1,000 allowance for each. The £1,000 exemptions from tax apply in the...
Losing your personal income tax allowance

Losing your personal income tax allowance

If you earn over £100,000 in any tax year your personal allowance is gradually reduced by £1 for every £2 of adjusted net income over £100,000 irrespective of age. This means that any taxable receipt that boosts your income over...