Look out Brown- the UK is watching your tax policies

For two thirds (65 per cent) of Britons, tax policies are a deciding factor when voting and for one in fourteen (7 per cent) it is their main reason for voting for a political party at all, according to research from Unbiased.co.uk.

And it seems Gordon Brown and Alistair Darling have something to worry about with the majority (72 per cent) of Brits saying they are frustrated with the current tax system. 35 per cent of people claim the reason they are so unhappy with Darling's tax system is that they can't see where there money is going whilst 19 per cent think that the government just can't get it right.

Darling's recent announcement of postponing a fuel duty increase until March could prove popular with British voters as almost half (45 per cent) of UK adults said this was their most resented tax. This was followed by Council tax which 42 per cent stated was their most resented tax.

David Elms, Chief Executive of Unbiased.co.uk comments "Our research reveals that although so many consider tax policies when voting, as many as 82 per cent admits that they have not taken any steps to try and reduce the amount of tax they pay. The irony is that many people are needlessly wasting their money on paying existing taxes due to a lack of understanding and guidance.

"No one likes paying taxes and this is evident with such a large number of us saying that we are dissatisfied with the current tax system. The onus is, more than ever, on the individual to get their financial affairs in order. When it comes to tax, there are a number of simple steps people can take to reduce the amount the Chancellor takes from them. Time spent filling in a form, or making a will, or ensuring savings are invested efficiently in an ISA, take relatively little time, but will probably be some of the most effective time you will spend this year.

"People who want to reduce the amount they waste should visit an independent financial adviser who can show you how to become tax savvy with your finances."

As a first step to stamping out this waste, visit Unbiased.co.uk's dedicated website at unbiased.co.uk/taketaxaction. The site contains tips on how to save tax, an online tax wastage calculator, and a guide to saving tax.