A brand new tax yr begins right now – and many people will discover the tax on our pay-slips has simply received a LOT scarier 👀 however why?
Nationwide insurance coverage (or NI) is a type of tax that’s paid by many full-time and self-employed staff over the age of 16 in addition to employers. It’s solely paid as a proportion price above a sure stage of earnings or income – that threshold goes up this month to £9,880.
NI is a crucial a part of the tax system as a result of you want to pay it to get sure advantages and the state pension later in life. The truth is, you can also make voluntary NI contributions to be sure you get your full entitlement.
It was initially devised as a tax paid by staff particularly to fund the Nationwide Well being Service, often called a hypothecated tax, however over time, the cash raised from NI has ended up going into the final pot of taxation accessible for the federal government to spend on no matter it likes.
Nationwide Insurance coverage contributions are going up by 1.25 proportion factors. So, the principle price for full-time staff will rise from 12% to 13.25%. Employers can even must pay a better price, so specialists are declaring that this might make issues even worse for staff as a result of not solely are we paying extra Nationwide Insurance coverage, however employers may find yourself decreasing wages on account of their very own tax invoice going up.
The cash raised from this tax rise will go in the direction of the NHS this yr to assist it lower down lengthy ready lists for remedy following the pandemic. Subsequent yr, the NI charges will return to what they have been beforehand, and the additional money will probably be collected as a separate well being and social care levy.
You possibly can lower your tax payments by claiming tax reduction for extra family prices if it’s important to work from home frequently, both for all or a part of the week.
Take a look at whether or not you’re entitled to tax-free advantages out of your employer like a season ticket mortgage, 25% off childcare prices (as much as £500 each three months) or wage sacrifice childcare.
For those who’re switching firm automobiles, going for a low-emission mannequin will imply you’re taxed at a decrease price than you probably have a fuel guzzler. Lastly, take into consideration whether or not you’ll be able to put additional into your pension to get long-term tax reduction.
