6 Ways to Get Ahead This New Tax Year! | Gresham Wealth Management

Several of the tax and investment allowances afforded to individuals come to an end on 5^th April each year, with a new set coming into play from 6^th April. Despite these dates being the same each and every year, human nature leads us to leaving addressing matters such as ISAs or pension contributions to the last minute!

Every year we talk to clients about getting their affairs in order well in advance of the end of the tax year. Yet every year, we find ourselves rushing around, sending off paperwork and cheques in an attempt to get funds cleared before the cut-off dates.

Here are 6 ways to get ahead and avoid the last minute rush come the approach of 6^th April next year!

Make regular contributions

Rather than waiting until the 5^th April deadline is approaching to make lump-sum contributions, you could consider making regular contributions to pensions and ISAs instead. The ISA contributions limit is £20,000 for the year 2018/19. So if you plan to utilise your full allowance, you can arrange to make monthly payments of £1666.66 into your ISA account.

Assuming you’re not subject to annual allowance tapering, the normal annual allowance for pension contributions for 2019/20 is £40,000. Depending on the amount you intend to contribute, you could split this equally over 12 months.

The other benefit of doing this is that by making regular investments, you can reduce the risk of buying into the market at a single point in time, a technique that’s often used during times of market volatility (as we have experienced recently).

Get your contributions in early!

If you are in a position to do so, there is certainly an argument to top up your ISA and make any pension contributions during the first few weeks of the financial year. Not only does this give you the peace of mind that you have everything sorted, but when compared to leaving lump sum payments until the end of the year, you’ll have almost a year’s worth of time for the investment to potentially grow in value.

Make contributions to your spouse’s pension

Starting a pension for your spouse (if they do not have one), or topping up if they aren’t contributing their full allowance, may be a tax-efficient way of saving if you have the funds available.

Bear in mind that when it comes to drawing an income in retirement, if a couple’s pension income only comes from one partner, only one tax-free personal allowance can be used. Where both spouses have a pension pot to draw from, two personal allowances can be utilised – therefore potentially doubling the tax free allowance a couple has (depending on other sources of income).

Set up accounts for family members

Again, if you have the funds available, setting up and contributing to ISAs in the name of children/grandchildren can be a useful way of cascading wealth to the next generation. However, any contributions made on behalf of children fall within normal inheritance tax rules, and must also fall within the individual’s personal ISA allowance.

Re-allocate assets

Sometimes, the most appropriate course of planning isn’t to simply top up existing ISA or pension plans, but rather something that requires more thought and therefore time. Depending on what stage of life you are at, you may need to think about re-allocating assets in preparation for retirement. Alternatively, if you are in receipt of a large lump sum, or have experienced any other change in your financial circumstances, this will need to be given careful thought well ahead of the tax year end.

Consider moving your annual review with your financial adviser

Depending on your personal circumstances, there may be a date that works better for you to have your annual review with your financial adviser. For example, if you are a company director, you may want to consider moving your annual review to near your Company year-end. This will allow you to have a clearer picture of your profit and any liabilities due, therefore allowing an informed decision regarding making a lump sum employer pension contribution.

There’s no doubt that getting ahead at the start of the tax year can put you in a preferable position. Not only is there more time to consider the options available to you, once your plans have been actioned, you can sit back and relax!

To discuss your own personal circumstances with one of our financial advisers, and how you can get ahead this tax year, please get in touch.

I am only in this position because of you. One of the best decisions I have ever taken going with GWM.

With great thanks for all your reassuring attention over the last year. It means more to me than I can express in a few words.

I just want to thank you and your team so very much for all you do for me throughout the year. It is a real comfort to know that my investments are in such capable hands. I literally couldn’t do it on my own.

We are both very grateful for the time you spent with us in explaining various options. We certainly feel we now both have a much better understanding of our situation & the decisions which we need to consider moving forward.

Thanks again for your advice, you have given me the kick I needed to take control and I’m very grateful for that.

We feel we can phone at any time during office hours if we need anything clarifying. Our financial adviser knows our personal circumstances and is in tune with our goals and lifestyle. His advice has been and continues to be excellent.

You’ve solved that dilemma for me… Thank you for being so clear and honest as always.

A very personalised service… All advice is tailored to my needs with great consideration to issues I may not have thought of myself. I feel confident about my future finances.

Thank you so much again for your time and brilliant advice.

Just a big thank you for all you have done for our family. We do appreciate it.