What happens if I want to plan for retirement?
At a time when life expectancy is on the rise and healthcare is constantly evolving, many Britons are living for 20 to 30 years after they retire. This is why sound retirement planning is vital – especially for anyone who wants to enjoy a financially comfortable life in their later years and leave behind a tax-efficient legacy for their family.
There are a number of different types of investments individuals can consider when planning for their future. These range from ISAs and traditional savings products to property investments and pensions. However, each of these has its own tax and financial implications which investors and savers need to take into account.
Pensions
Pensions are one of the most important aspects of retirement planning. But equally important is structuring your investments in a tax-efficient way and ensuring that the contributions you pay towards your pensions benefit from tax relief where appropriate.
Property investment
Those who decide to invest in property need to factor in the costs of Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) on additional property purchases, and the phasing out of mortgage interest tax relief, too, if they intend to let out a property to supplement their retirement income.
Similarly, anyone who is investing in a property with a view to selling it on needs to plan ahead for the Capital Gains Tax (CGT) implications of this.
Life assurance
It is important to consider the benefits of life assurance, long-term care and critical illness cover in order to safeguard yourself and ensure that you and your family are guaranteed a good quality of life.
Succession and exit planning
If you are a business owner, you might wish to pass your business on to other members of your family when you retire or sell the business on to someone else entirely.
Whatever your wishes, you will need to seek specialist tax advice and plan ahead accordingly from an early stage to avoid facing unfavourable tax consequences.
Passing on your legacy in a tax-efficient way
Drafting a Will can help to ensure that your estate is passed on in line with your wishes when you die. However, you will need to think about the Inheritance Tax (IHT) implications of passing on your legacy and plan ahead accordingly.
In England and Wales, each individual is entitled to a tax-free allowance of £325,000, above which estates will attract IHT at a rate of 40 per cent.
Fortunately, there are various ways you can mitigate your IHT liability, such as by leaving money to a charity in your Will or passing property down to direct lineal descendants using the residence nil rate band (RNRB).
Good investment and future planning is hard work, which is why it is always best to seek specialist advice at the earliest possible opportunity.
To find out how AGS can help, get in touch with our expert team today.
