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Proposed taxation would see the reality of owning property ‘greatly diminish’

Many young people would find it significantly harder to get a foot on the housing ladder, leaving many effectively renting for longer if retirees living off investment income were to be suddenly penalised with what has been described as a ‘double taxation’, according to Blick Rothenberg.

A proposal to abolish certain income tax allowances and have a single rate for all sources of income has been drafted by the Institute for Public Policy. But were this to come to effect, the accounting and tax advisory firm believes that many retirees would have their retirement income significantly reduced – and that would eventually adversely affect younger relatives. 

Blick Rothenberg’s assistant manager, George Parker, said: “Currently, dividends and savings income enjoy lower rates of taxation and allowances respectively. Were the proposal to be enacted, many retirees who have made sensible investment decisions over their lifetime would have their retirement income significantly reduced.

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“Such a proposal would also affect many small and medium sized enterprises, such as owner managed business (usually trading companies), where the shareholder’s income is often solely made up of dividends.”

He added: “A lower tax rate for dividends reflects risk - how can it be fair to have a single income tax rate for an employee, who is guaranteed a monthly salary along with certain employment rights, compared to an individual who starts up his own company financed by his own capital (or most of the time - debt). The risk should be reflected in the tax rate.

“To give an idea of the risk associated with trading through a company, according to a recent report issued by The Insolvency Service stated, ‘for every 10,000 active companies in England and Wales, 42.1% were liquidated.’ This gives one an idea of the true risk associated with starting up your own limited company.”

Another proposal in the report is to align capital gains tax (CGT) rates to income tax rates. 

Currently, CGT rates range from 10% to 28%, compared to income rates ranging from 20% to 45% (ignoring National Insurance Contributions and marginal rates).

Parker continued: “The report focuses on the asset price inflation of residential properties, which one can’t argue against. However, it shies away from assets such as shares and unit trusts, that do not always appreciate, and which many retirees rely on in retirement.

“Capital gains on residential properties (excluding an individuals’ main residence) already attract the top rate of CGT at 28%. Many retirees invest their savings into a second property, which effectively becomes their pension pot for retirement.”

He added: “In addition to the recent mortgage interest restrictions and additional 3% stamp duty land tax charge, an income tax rate of say 40% on the eventual sale of a residential property would be another kick in the teeth for retirees.”

 

The report also argues to introduce capital gains on assets held at death. 

At the moment, assets held on death are not subjected CGT, but are valued at market value and, depending on the size of the deceased’s estate, can be taxed at the top rate of 40% inheritance tax.

Parker commented: “This is effectively double taxation, and in an economy where younger generations are relying on inheritance from parents and grandparents to get on the housing ladder, such a change would see the reality of owning their home greatly diminish.” 

He added: “Not only do comparably lower CGT rates and dividend tax rates reflect risk taken by individuals on their own capital, but also attracts domestic and foreign investment, something the UK will need, especially over the next few years. The proposals above appear to more to be regressive, rather progressive.”

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    Can we have the link to this report from the Institute for Public Policy please?

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    • 26 September 2019 16:13 PM

    In response it would seem bonkers to invest in second properties.
    Far better to invest in a large residential property where lodgers can be taken in.
    The homeowner can then rent somewhere else with the lodger rents paying the other rent.
    The homeowner pops home once a month or once every tax year to retain PPR status.
    At say 70 the homeowner sells the PPR and rents spending all the tax free PPR sale proceeds.
    So nothing left for any care fees.
    Nothing for Govt to tax as all the assets will have been spent.
    Cash can still beat HMRC.
    A homeowner is not required to state where they have spent all their money.
    They could have spent it on wine; women and song and then wasted the rest!!
    Until Govt can trace who uses and spends cash they will not be able to control what happens to that cash.
    It would be perfectly possible for children for example to pay off vast chunks of their own mortgages but at the same time give cash to their parents to pay IO for the cash they have used given to them on the quiet by the parents.
    HMRC remains easy to beat as long as there is cash.
    Only a Fool would deposit cash with a bank if wishing to keep secret what is done with such cash!

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    govt has over taxed the private sector to fund the parasitic public sector!

    cash is king which is why govt is trying to abolish cash transactions--this is eu/un derived--remember eu stole monies from cyprus bank accounts--civil was will eventually happen imo

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