Value for money: State pension vs. NICs
Recent research has compared the value of personal national insurance contributions (NICs) with the value of state pension received. The results may surprise you.
National Insurance Contributions
Striking the balance: company or self-employed?
The announcements in September’s not-so-mini-Budget have altered the balance between operating your business as self-employed or via a company. How will you be affected?
Timing is everything
September’s ‘mini-Budget’ introduced tax and NIC changes with a range of consequences to employees, employers and the self-employed. Have you sought advice before making any financial decisions?
Confused by new NICs changes?
The changes to NICs announced in the Spring Statement were not straightforward for employees, company directors and the self-employed. Let’s set the record straight.
Happy new (tax) year?
The new year is a time of resolutions and the same is true of the new tax year, but from a personal financial standpoint, the 6 April does not signal a positive outlook. How prepared are you for the taxing times ahead?
Reconsidering your pension contributions
Increases to NICs from next April may disadvantage employees who make direct contributions to their pension pot, with salary sacrifice becoming a more attractive option.
NICs – a tax by any other name?
Are NICs a tax? For planning purposes it’s wise to treat them as such and seek advice. The NICs threshold will raise to £9,500 in 20/21 but not for employers.
New government, new tax targets?
How will the new government affect your financial planning and taxes? December’s election result has varied implications.
Check your April pay slip
Your April pay may look much the same as March’s, but it is worth giving your pay slip a close look. If you are an employee, your April pay slip is always worth checking, even if you pay little attention to the other eleven you receive over a year.
Preparing for the new tax year
One of the few certainties about 2019 is that the new tax rates and thresholds will take effect from the start of the 2019/20 tax year on 6 April.