Tax

Life assurance bonds can keep the taxman at bay

Life assurance bond investors benefit from tax-deferred withdrawals. But are the products as useful as some claim? Sam Barrett finds out about this appealing investment proposition.

Are company cars still worth having?

Changes to the company car fuel benefit charge in the March 2012 Budget will put the squeeze on drivers of these vehicles. Are they still an attractive prospect?

Five strategies to reduce your CGT liability

Phil Leiwy reveals solid strategies that can help you reduce your capital gains tax liability.

Budget 2012: 50p tax rate scrapped

The 50p income tax band for higher-rate taxpayers will be scrapped, Chancellor George Osborne announced in Wednesday's Budget.

The EIS - a truly British investment

If one was to create a rallying cry for the Enterprise Investment Scheme it would be: "Investors! Back Britain's small business!"

How to avoid inheritance tax

Inheritance tax is often described as an avoidable tax, as careful planning can allow you to pass everything on to your loved ones instead of the taxman. There are a variety of tax-efficient investment options that can form part of a plan.

Higher-rate pensions tax relief could be axed in Budget

The government is considering axing higher-rate tax on pension contributions in next month's Budget, to help pay for lifting people earning less than £10,000 out of tax.

Are there financial benefits to being married?

Steve Theaker, a senior tax partner at accountancy firm UHY Peacheys, provides an overview of the tax advantages of tying the knot rather than co-habiting.

Rev up your excise routine

January is the time to trim your income tax and capital gains tax liabilities, says Phil Leiwy. Here, he looks at how investors can use ISAs, pensions and other investments to do so.

IHT and CGT allowances to rise at lower rate

The government has announced that two tax-free allowances will rise in line with the Consumer Prices Index rate of inflation, rather than the more generous Retail Prices Index rate.