How-To Guides

Personal pension contributions get 20% relief at source. Higher/additional rate taxpayers can claim the rest via Self Assessment.

Salary sacrifice reduces your gross pay and diverts the money to your pension. You save both Income Tax AND National Insurance.

Transfer £1,260 of your Personal Allowance to your spouse if one of you earns under £12,570 and the other is a basic rate taxpayer.

When you tick the Gift Aid box, the charity claims 25% on top. Higher rate taxpayers can claim back the difference.

You can move your ISA to a new provider for better rates or funds. Never withdraw and re-deposit — you'll lose the tax-free wrapper.

If your employer requires you to work from home (even occasionally), you can claim a flat-rate deduction for extra household costs.

If either parent earns over £60,000 (from 2024/25), you must repay some or all Child Benefit via Self Assessment. But don't just opt out — the NI credits matter.

CGT applies when you sell assets (shares, property, crypto) for a profit above the £3,000 annual exemption. UK property sales must be reported within 60 days.

Repayments are automatic through payroll once you earn above the threshold. Know your plan type so you're not caught off guard.

Invest in qualifying small companies and get 30% (EIS) or 50% (SEIS) Income Tax relief plus CGT exemptions if you hold for 3 years.

A SIPP gives you full control over your pension investments. You can choose from thousands of funds, shares, and ETFs.

No employer pension? You need to sort your own. A SIPP or stakeholder pension gives you the same tax relief as employed people.