It’s likely to be the most brutal Budget in decades. Rachel Reeves promised she wouldn’t repeat last year’s £40 billion Budget tax blitz, but she will. The Chancellor will hit us for at least another £30billion, and possibly as much as £50billion. Every taxpayer is in the firing line, but particularly pensioners whose incomes, pensions, savings, homes and inheritances may come under sustained attack.
Reeves may even junk a Labour manifesto pledge and hike income tax by 2p in the pound. She may also cut the 25% pensions tax-free lump sum, halve your Cash ISA allowance to £10,000, introduce two new higher-rate council tax bands on properties, slap a “mansion tax” on homes and unleash yet another inheritance tax raid.
Every one of these options is on the table, and Reeves may have a few stealthy surprises up her sleeve. Other possibilities include hiking fuel duty or slapping a 20% exit tax on those who flee the UK. But for now, we just don’t know.
There’s also a risk in acting on speculation, as many discovered before the last Budget. Some rushed to take their 25% pensions tax-free cash ahead of a rumoured cut, only to regret it when it didn’t happen.
But there are simpler ways to reduce exposure to Labour’s constant tax grabs (there will be be more). Here are five “no-brainer” moves to consider.
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1. Use your ISA allowance. Every adult has an annual £20,000 ISA allowance allowing tax-free growth. Reeves could halve the Cash ISA element to £10,000, although the Stocks and Shares ISA looks safe for now.
Any change is likely next April, so it pays to use as much of this year’s allowance as you can. Families also have a £9,000 Junior ISA allowance for children under 18 and, if possible, should top that up too.
2. Consider pension contributions. There are rumours Reeves could cut higher-rate tax relief on pension contributions, replacing the current 40% and 45% rates with a flat 25% or 30% for all. Higher earners might want to use more of their £60,000 annual allowance just in case.
Remember, pension money is locked away until 55 (rising to 57 from 2028). If Reeves cuts the 25% tax-free cash, anyone with pension above £400,000 could be hit. It’s not easy.
3. Think about gifting to family. Reeves may tighten how annual gifting allowances work for inheritance tax (IHT).
Today, gifts become IHT-free after seven years, but she could extend that to 10 or even 12 years. She might also attack the “gifts from surplus income” clause or the £3,000 annual exemption, as well as smaller £250-per-person allowances. It may be worth gifting before the Budget, but don’t give away money you might need later.
4. Couples should plan together. Married couples and civil partners can double up on allowances, putting more into ISAs or pensions. If one pays tax at a lower rate, income-producing assets can be transferred into their name to reduce the overall bill.
Spouses can pass assets between each other without triggering inheritance or capital gains tax (CGT). That’s a benefit cohabiting couples don’t have.
5. Bank capital gains. The annual CGT exemption was slashed to £3,000 under the Tories, while Reeves hiked rates to 20% and 24% for higher earners. There could be more to come.
Anyone with gains on shares or assets outside an ISA could use the £3,000 exemption now. Couples can double that to £6,000 on jointly held assets. Selling shares or investment you like? You can always buy them back inside a tax-free ISA to shelter future gains.
Don’t panic, but don’t waste time either. If uncertain, consider taking independent financial advice.