WPM: Spring Budget Summary
On Wednesday 3 March 2021, the Chancellor presented his much-anticipated Spring Budget. After months of speculation as to how the 2021 Budget might use tax increases as a method to rebuild the economy following the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, much remained surprisingly unchanged for individuals. This will be a welcome temporary reprieve for many but it remains as important as ever to continue to review your Will and to consider your estate/IHT and succession planning during this time.
The current tax allowances and thresholds will remain until April 2026:
Income Tax
| Band £ | Rate % |
| 0 – 37,700 | 20 |
| 37,701 – 150,000 | 40 |
| Over 150,000 | 45 |
Pension Allowance
| Lifetime Allowance Limit | £1,073,100 |
| Annual Allowance Limit | £40,000 |
| Money Purchase Annual Allowance | £4,000 |
Inheritance Tax
| Death rate | Lifetime rate | Chargeable transfers | Residence |
| Nil | Nil | £0 – £325,000 | £0 – 175,000 |
| 40% | 20% | Over £325,000 | Over £175,000 |
Capital Gains Tax
| Individuals | |
| Exemption | £12,300 |
| Standard Rate | 10% |
| Higher/additional rate | 20% |
| Trusts | |
| Exemption | £6,150 |
| Rate | 20% |
While the tax rates remain stagnant, future proofing your finances should not and there are a couple of developments that you may wish to consider further.
A new mortgage guarantee scheme is to be introduced in April 2021 allowing lenders to offer 95% mortgages to people who have saved a 5% deposit for homes worth up to £600,000. The Stamp Duty holiday has also been extended until the end of June 2021, meaning that anyone buying a home worth up to £500,000 will pay no SDLT.
It is therefore potentially a great time to get a foot on the property ladder or think about your next move. You should consider making or updating your Will following the addition of a new property into your estate to ensure that it is as tax-efficient as possible. You may also consider taking a pro-acting approach to your financial and health care decisions by putting Lasting Powers of Attorney in place in case of temporary or permanent loss of mental or physical capacity.
The Job Retention Scheme has been extended until 30 September 2021 meaning many will continue to receive furlough payments at a portion of their usual wages. The need for parents and grandparents to help financially continues to be a very relevant topic. You may wish to consider putting assets into Trust for the benefit of your loved ones or gifting assets or financial contributions outright during your lifetime. We can help you assess the pros and cons and offer in-depth advice on the tax implications of the different types of trusts available, and how lifetime gifts may affect the inheritance tax payable on your estate.
If you would like to discuss any aspect of your estate planning or documentation, please contact us – we would be happy to help.
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