latest debt news<< go back
Apr
11

Couples could be losing out on tax savings

April 11, 2009    Posted in: Debt News
New research by Abbey Savings has revealed that people in the UK are not exercising enough financial awareness when it comes to their nest egg, with 2.5 million British couples paying too much tax on their savings. The organisation studied the savings habits of UK couples, revealing that one in ten pairings are paying too much tax on their rainy day money by putting the account solely in the name of the member of the partnership paying the highest level of income tax. Joint accounts may also be causing couples to lose out where one partner is a lower or nil rate tax payer, as switching their savings into one person’s name could reduce their tax bill. Reza Attar-Zadeh, Director of Savings & Investments at Abbey, said:
“Savers need to be savvy when it comes to the tax they pay on their savings. In the tax man’s eyes money held within a joint account will be split 50/50 between the two people holding it and the interest taxed accordingly. So, if one partner is actually a lower rate tax payer, or in fact pays no tax at all, it makes sense to hold the bulk of the money solely in their name – reducing the slice of savings eaten up by the tax man.” “At a time where every penny counts there is no point wasting money by unnecessarily paying too much tax on savings. We can all be bamboozled by rules and regulations, and tax is certainly no exception, but a basic knowledge of which tax band you and your partner fall into will mean you can distribute your savings accordingly.”
Despite many couples paying over the odds, the survey also revealed that almost half (47%) of those with joint savings consider tax and important consideration when choosing an account.
April 11, 2009    Posted in: Debt News

Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Site Map

Clark Richards Financial Management100% Secure Site

© 2011 Clark Richards is a trading style of Complete Money Limited.
Oxford House, Oxford Road, Macclesfield, SK11 8HS Company Registration No. 6246376.

Consumer Credit License No. 0609783. FSA Firm No. 478215.

Website design by LJA Studios