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Pension tax relief and allowances

Pensions remain one of the most tax-efficient ways to save for retirement, due to a range of tax reliefs and allowances that can help boost retirement savings.

One of the key advantages of private pension contributions is the availability of tax relief on pension contributions. Individuals can

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A reminder to consider the Marriage Allowance

Many married couples and civil partners could be missing out on valuable tax savings available by claiming the Marriage Allowance. If your circumstances are suitable, this is a reminder to consider the Marriage Allowance, as a simple claim could reduce your tax bill by up to £252 during the 2026-27

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Companies House publishes its business plan

Companies House has published its business plan for 2026-27, setting out its priorities for the coming year as it continues to implement major reforms aimed at improving the quality of information held on the UK companies register and tackling economic crime.

A key objective is to improve the

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VAT – opting to tax property

The option to tax is a VAT election that allows businesses to treat supplies of most non-residential land and buildings as taxable rather than VAT exempt. Once an option to tax is made, supplies in relation to that property are generally subject to VAT at the standard rate.

One of the key

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Claiming to reduce payments on account

Self-assessment taxpayers are usually required to make payments on account to pay their Income Tax liabilities. These are paid in two instalments, the first on 31 January during the tax year and the second on 31 July following the end of the tax year. A final balancing payment (or repayment) is then

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IHT – gifts made with reservation of benefits

Most lifetime gifts are treated as potentially exempt transfers (PETs) for Inheritance Tax (IHT) purposes. In general, these gifts become fully exempt if the donor survives for seven years after making the transfer. If death occurs within seven years, the gift may become chargeable, with taper

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A reminder of tax-free trivial benefits

Employers looking to provide staff with small gifts or seasonal tokens of appreciation should remember the rules for tax-free trivial benefits.

A benefit can qualify as a trivial benefit where all of the following conditions are met:

the benefit costs £50 or less;
it is not cash or a cash

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Key person policies and tax relief

Many businesses take out “key person” insurance policies to protect against the financial impact of losing an important employee, director or other individual who is central to the success of the business. These policies may provide cover for death, critical illness, sickness, accident

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