At Nicholas Peters, we understand that managing your taxes can be daunting. As a London-based accountancy firm with clients across the UK, we aim to make tax planning as straightforward as possible.
Effective tax planning is essential for individuals and businesses alike, and it can lead to substantial savings. This blog will outline the benefits of tax planning services and provide practical tips on maximising your tax savings.
Why tax planning matters
Tax planning involves organising your finances to reduce your tax liability legally. It’s about ensuring you pay the right amount of tax while taking advantage of all available allowances, deductions, and credits. Proper tax planning can free up resources that can be reinvested into your business or saved for future needs.
Common tax planning strategies
Utilising tax allowances and reliefs: In the UK, numerous tax allowances and reliefs are available. These include the Personal Allowance, which lets you earn a certain amount of income tax-free each year. For the 2024/25 tax year, this amount is £12,570. Additionally, if you’re married or in a civil partnership, you might be eligible for the Marriage Allowance, which can transfer part of your unused Personal Allowance to your partner.
Making use of ISAs: Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs) are a tax-efficient way to save or invest money. Any income or gains within an ISA are tax-free. For the current tax year, you can invest up to £20,000 in ISAs. This can be split between a Cash ISA, a Stocks and Shares ISA, an Innovative Finance ISA, and a Lifetime ISA.
Capital Gains Tax (CGT) planning: If you sell assets such as shares or property, you may be liable to pay Capital Gains Tax on the profit. However, each individual has an annual CGT allowance of £3,000 for the 2024/25 tax year. You can save a significant amount on taxes by utilising this allowance.
Pension contributions: Contributing to a pension scheme not only secures your future but also provides immediate tax benefits. Contributions to a pension scheme are tax-deductible, and you can get tax relief at your highest income tax rate. For example, if you’re a higher-rate taxpayer, you can get 40% tax relief on your contributions.
How our tax planning services can help
Our tax planning services are designed to help you navigate the complexities of the UK tax system and make informed decisions. Here’s how we can assist you:
Personalised advice: Every individual and business is unique, as are their tax situations. We provide personalised tax planning advice tailored to your specific needs and circumstances. This ensures you make the most of all available tax-saving opportunities.
Regular reviews: Tax laws and regulations are constantly changing. We stay up-to-date with these changes and regularly review your financial situation to ensure your tax planning strategies remain effective.
Comprehensive service: Our tax planning services cover all aspects of tax, including income tax, corporation tax, VAT, and inheritance tax. We take a holistic approach to optimise all areas of your finances for tax efficiency.
The importance of starting early
One of the key principles of tax planning is to start early. The earlier you begin planning, the more options you have to reduce your tax liability. For example, making timely investments in ISAs or pensions can maximise your tax savings over time. Early planning also helps avoid last-minute rushes and potential mistakes that could cost you more in taxes.
Get started with Nicholas Peters
Effective tax planning requires expertise and a proactive approach. At Nicholas Peters, we pride ourselves on our ability to provide comprehensive and personalised tax planning services. Our team of experienced accountants is dedicated to helping you maximise your tax savings and achieve your financial goals.
If you’re looking to optimise your tax situation, get in touch with us today. We’ll work with you to develop a tailored tax planning strategy that suits your needs and ensures you take full advantage of all available tax-saving opportunities. Let’s make your money work harder for you.
Contact us to schedule a consultation and see how our tax planning services can benefit you and your business. Together, we can achieve a more secure and prosperous financial future.