January / February 2012 Newsletter

Welcome to the latest issue of our personal finance and investment magazine.

Taking money 2012 Jan-Feb cover

With further tax increases likely on the horizon, there really is no time like the present to take a step back and look at how you could reduce your taxes and improve your financial planning strategy before the end of the current 2011/12 tax year on 5 April. On page 4 we have provided an overview of the key areas you may wish to consider to get your finances fit for 2012 and achieve a more secure future for you and your family.

An Individual Savings Account (ISA) is a tax-efficient wrapper. Within an ISA you pay no capital gains tax and no further tax on the income, making it one of the most tax-efficient savings vehicles available. If you are planning to open or transfer an existing ISA, you have until 5 April, but don’t leave it until this date. If you miss the deadline, you’ll lose your £10,680 allowance for the 2011/12 tax year forever. Read the full article on page 12.

Inheritance Tax (IHT) in the UK may be one of life’s unpleasant facts but IHT planning and professional advice could help you pay less tax on your estate. With the current thresholds set to remain at £325,000 for individuals and £650,000 for married couples and registered civil partnerships until the 2014/15 tax year, on page 7 we consider the importance of reviewing your potential liability and finding out what you could do to reduce or even eliminate this burden.

A full list of all the articles featured in this issue appears on page 3.

If you would like to give your personal financial planning requirements an overhaul at the start of this New Year, please do not hesitate to contact us. We look forward to hearing from you.