Every client is unique and will have particular financial needs and goals
You might simply want to maximise your wealth so that you can enjoy more of your hard-earned money now and in retirement. We suggest practical, tax-efficient ways to make your objectives a reality.
Key allowances for 2026/27
Use them each year or lose them.
- Personal allowance £12,570
- ISA allowance £20,000
- Pension annual allowance £60,000
- CGT annual exempt amount £3,000
- Dividend allowance £500
Figures for UK taxpayers. Scottish income tax bands differ.
Safeguarding your personal wealth
You might need to pay for your children’s education, or to help support ageing parents. Or perhaps all of the above apply. As your accountants, we can suggest practical ways to help make these objectives become reality.
Whether it is tax on your earnings, business income, investments or estate, there is frequently a significant amount that can be achieved to minimise your personal tax exposure.
As well as advising on tax-efficient strategies to reduce your liability, we will also ensure you remain fully compliant with all relevant tax rules and procedures. We keep in mind the outcome you are looking for and look to safeguard your personal wealth.
Do the following challenges resonate with you?
These are the questions we are asked most often by individuals, directors and investors.
Where can I make tax savings?
We review all of your income, gains and allowances to find savings you are missing.
How can I mitigate my tax liabilities?
Planning ahead of the tax year end, not after it, gives you the most options.
How do I reduce income tax?
Pension contributions, Gift Aid and the right mix of income can all cut your bill.
How can I reduce capital gains tax?
Timing disposals, using both spouses’ exemptions and claiming reliefs.
Should I pay myself using salary or dividends?
We model the best mix for company directors, including the 2026/27 dividend rates.
I need help with my tax return
We prepare and file your self assessment return accurately and on time.
I am interested in investing in Bitcoin / cryptocurrencies. What are the tax implications?
Disposals, swaps and staking can all be taxable. We help you keep the right records.
Can a trust save me tax?
Trusts can help with succession and inheritance tax, but need careful structuring.
I’m being investigated by HMRC
We deal with HMRC on your behalf and help you through enquiries and disclosures.
Our advice can cover
- Income tax planningIncome tax planning to mitigate your liability on all your income sources.
- Your personal financial positionReviewing your personal financial position to ensure that your personal and business funds are arranged in a manner that is tax efficient, whilst at the same time achieving your desired outcomes.
- Reliefs and claimsMaximising claims for relief against your income and gains.
- Spouses and civil partnersTax planning between spouses and civil partners to ensure all available allowances are used, as well as advising on the sharing of joint incomes and investments.
- Family and successionGifts, trusts and wills planning to pass on wealth tax-efficiently.
- Making Tax DigitalGetting landlords and the self-employed ready for quarterly digital reporting.
To find out how we can cater for your personal tax needs, please contact a member of our team.
10 ways for high earners to reduce their tax bill in the UK
Creating wealth is one thing, but retaining it and growing it is another. Tax, left unchecked, can be a major contributor to eroding your wealth.
With the top rate of income tax currently at 45% in the UK, having a sophisticated tax strategy is equally as important as a well-planned investment strategy. The optimum solutions will depend on individual circumstances, but a number of routes exist for high earners to minimise both current and future tax liabilities.
We can advise you on how to make use of the following routes to gain tax advantage
Maintain your income tax allowance
The £12,570 personal allowance is withdrawn between £100,000 and £125,140 of income. Pension contributions and Gift Aid can bring it back.
Utilise any marriage tax allowances
A non-taxpaying spouse can transfer £1,260 of allowance to a basic rate partner, and couples can share income-producing assets.
Use your personal savings allowance
Up to £1,000 of interest is tax-free for basic rate taxpayers and £500 for higher rate taxpayers.
Utilise ISA contributions
Up to £20,000 a year can be invested with no tax on income or gains.
Consider the dividends allowance
The first £500 of dividends is tax-free. From April 2026 basic and higher rates rose to 10.75% and 35.75%.
Make use of annual pension contributions
Up to £60,000 a year with tax relief at your highest rate, tapered for the highest earners. Unused allowance can be carried forward three years.
Use the capital gains tax allowance
Each person has a £3,000 annual exempt amount. Planning disposals across tax years and between spouses can save tax.
Maximise the advantages of EIS investments
30% income tax relief, CGT deferral and inheritance tax relief on qualifying shares.
Make the most of SEIS investments
50% income tax relief on qualifying investments in early-stage companies, plus CGT reinvestment relief.
Explore VCT investments
Tax-free dividends and gains. Income tax relief is 20% from 6 April 2026 (previously 30%).
Read more on tax efficient investments, including EIS, SEIS and VCTs.
Tax efficient investments ›What changed for 2026/27
Recent Budget changes that affect personal tax planning.
Dividend tax up 2 points
Basic rate 10.75% and higher rate 35.75% from 6 April 2026. Additional rate stays at 39.35%. Directors should review their salary and dividend mix.
Making Tax Digital for Income Tax
From 6 April 2026, landlords and the self-employed with qualifying income over £50,000 must keep digital records and send quarterly updates.
Business Asset Disposal Relief
The CGT rate on qualifying business disposals rose to 18% from 6 April 2026.
VCT relief reduced
Income tax relief on new VCT subscriptions fell from 30% to 20%. EIS relief stays at 30%.
Business and agricultural property relief
From 6 April 2026, 100% relief is capped at a combined £2.5 million per person, with 50% relief above that.
Pensions and inheritance tax
Most unused pension funds are due to fall into the estate for inheritance tax from April 2027. Now is the time to review your plans.
How we work
A clear, year-round plan rather than a once-a-year return.
Review
We look at your income, assets, family position and goals.
Plan
A written tax plan with savings, actions and deadlines.
Implement
We help you put the plan in place with your other advisers.
Comply
Returns filed and payments scheduled on time.
Revisit
Before each tax year end and after every Budget.
Want a personal tax plan? Tell us about your circumstances and we will send a tailored proposal.
Request for Proposal ›Keep more of what you earn
To find out how we can cater for your personal tax needs, please contact a member of our team. Call us on 0333 880 8400.
Related services and insights
This page gives general information only and is based on our understanding of UK tax rules for 2026/27. It is not advice for your circumstances. Please speak to a member of Silverthrone before acting.
