How do the 2008 tax changes affect you?

As announced in the Budget 2007, the Government is introducing a number of tax changes that will come into effect from 6th April. This could have an effect on people’s take home pay and pension payments. In summary, the basic-rate of income tax will be cut from 22% to 20%, higher-rate income tax will apply to earnings of around £40,000 and over, while the current 10% starting rate of tax will be abolished. The personal allowance will also increase from £5,225 to £5,435.

Standard Life has launched a website to help people understand the impact of the 2008 tax changes.

The website includes:

A salary calculator to show how take home pay is affected
Case studies
Comprehensive Q+A section
John Lawson webcast to explain the tax changes
ISA changes explained in detail

Type standardlife.co.uk/taxchanges in your web browser to work out how the changes might affect you.

John Lawson, Head of Pensions Policy, Standard Life said: "There will be winners and losers following the changes. We have launched the website to help guide people through the maze of changes which are coming in April 2008. This is a great opportunity to review your finances and make appropriate plans and possibly take advantage of these changes.”

Lawson continued: “For example, basic-rate taxpayers only have a short time left to benefit from the higher rate of tax relief on their pension payments. A £10,000 payment made now will only cost £7,800 net of tax relief. After April 5th, the net cost of the same £10,000 payment will rise by £200 to £8,000. People looking to put away something for retirement should act now."