Navigating the UK Spring Budget: Opportunities for planning

This year's Spring Budget arrived a tad earlier than usual amidst a backdrop that's become all too familiar in recent years: rampant speculation and anticipation.

Much of the pre-budget discourse centred around potential pre-election tax cuts, with National Insurance reductions leading the pack, and the balancing act of tax increases, notably targeting non-Domiciles and investors in furnished holiday lets.

The guiding force behind any possible tax cuts was, as always, the available "fiscal headroom" as projected by the latest Economic and Fiscal Outlook (EFO) from the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR). To many observers' relief, the Chancellor unveiled a more optimistic fiscal landscape than anticipated, with lower inflation, more vigorous growth, and a forecasted decrease in debt relative to GDP.

For individuals and businesses alike, understanding the intricacies of the Budget and leveraging the changes for tax-efficient financial planning is crucial. The latest Budget announcements carry significant implications and remind us of the continuing relevance of some unchanged provisions.

Here's also a summary of the main changes set out in the 2024 Spring Budget that might impact you.

For Individuals:

The highlight for many working individuals is the announced reduction in Class 1 employee National Insurance Contributions (NICs), which, starting 6 April, 2024, will see a 2% cut from 10% to 8%. This adjustment, combined with previous changes, is expected to materially bolster the finances of working households. Similarly, the self-employed will benefit from a reduced Class 4 NIC rate, marking a tangible saving for many.

Amidst these changes, the unchanged ISA and JISA contribution limits stand out, with the addition of the proposed UK ISA serving as a noteworthy innovation to bolster UK retail investment opportunities. Meanwhile, the Capital Gains Tax (CGT) rate on non-exempt residential property gains will decrease from 28% to 24%, providing some relief for investors in these assets.

Despite pre-budget speculation, Inheritance Tax (IHT) remains untouched, and the CGT retains its current structure, barring the notable adjustment for non-exempt residential property.

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Two other main changes announced (in line with pre budget expectations) were the abolition of the tax breaks for furnished holiday lettings and a radical reform to the taxation on non-domiciles.

There were also welcomed changes to the child benefit provisions ensuring that more families will be able to retain the benefit at higher levels of income.

Although there will be no direct changes to the pension regime or tax relief this year, cuts to taxation will have an impact. The abolition of the Furnished Holiday Letting Regime will be one such thing. Currently, income derived from this regime is pensionable so that it can earn personal tax relief. However, with the abolition, the income will become property income, which isn't pensionable. Therefore, maximizing any savings in the 2024/25 tax year against this type of income should be considered.

For Businesses:

The Budget's corporate highlights include the extension of "full expensing" for qualifying capital expenditures to leased assets, encouraging investment in vital business infrastructure. An increase in the VAT registration threshold (from £85,000 to £90,000) signals a boon for small businesses, easing the administrative burden and fostering growth.

However, the intertwining of personal and business finances for corporate business owners means that personal tax changes, particularly the reduction in the dividend allowance and the NIC adjustments, will necessitate careful financial planning to optimize fund extraction from businesses.

Planning Ahead:

The unchanged personal tax thresholds and allowances, set to remain so until April 2028, together with the reduction in the dividend allowance and the CGT exemption, underscore the growing necessity for informed financial planning. As the tax landscape becomes increasingly complex, engaging with a financial adviser to align your financial goals with the evolving tax and economic context is more important than ever.

With its mix of changes and constants, the Budget offers a roadmap for tax efficiency and financial planning. It underscores the importance of staying informed and proactive in managing one's financial journey, emphasizing the strategic use of pensions, savings, and investments.

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In conclusion, the Spring Budget presents many challenges and opportunities. For those looking to navigate its complexities, the key lies in understanding the implications of these changes and engaging with your financial adviser to ensure that your financial planning is responsive to these changes and aligned with your long-term financial aspirations.

Ben Stark is a chartered financial planner with over a decade of experience advising businesses and families. He is partnered with St. James's Place Wealth Management.