Christmas is a time of giving

MJB Avanti advise on the rules around gifting.

Many were expecting the chancellor to announce changes to inheritance tax (IHT) in his Autumn Budget, However, like capital gains tax (CGT), the rules have remained broadly the same as last year. That means that each tax year individuals may make gifts of up to £3,000 in total and that amount is not included in their cumulative total of gifts for IHT. Even if the £3,000 annual exempt amount is exceeded, provided it is an outright gift to an individual, there would be no inheritance tax payable provided the donor survives for 7 years.

Note that the gift of an asset other than cash may also give rise to a capital gain and CGT may be payable where the asset has increased in value. However, if you give away a business asset such as shares in your trading company it is possible to make a claim to hold over the gain so that no CGT is payable. We can of course advise you on the procedure to follow.

REGULAR GIFTS OUT OF YOUR INCOME IS TAX-EFFICIENT

One tax planning opportunity that many thought the chancellor might restrict was the exemption from inheritance tax for regular gifts out of an individual’s income. Inheritance tax is designed to tax transfers of capital so if the donor can demonstrate that the gifts are made out of surplus income then the transfers are not taken into consideration for IHT. The exemption applies where there is a regularity to the payments, such as a standing order to pay school fees. HMRC will also require proof that the payments are paid out of post-tax income and do not limit the donor’s normal lifestyle. Detailed records are required, and we can help you with a suitable spreadsheet.

Many were expecting the chancellor to announce changes to inheritance tax (IHT) in his Autumn Budget, However, like capital gains tax (CGT), the rules have remained broadly the same as last year. That means that each tax year individuals may make gifts of up to £3,000 in total and that amount is not included in their cumulative total of gifts for IHT. Even if the £3,000 annual exempt amount is exceeded, provided it is an outright gift to an individual, there would be no inheritance tax payable provided the donor survives for 7 years.

Note that the gift of an asset other than cash may also give rise to a capital gain and CGT may be payable where the asset has increased in value. However, if you give away a business asset such as shares in your trading company it is possible to make a claim to hold over the gain so that no CGT is payable. We can of course advise you on the procedure to follow.

REGULAR GIFTS OUT OF YOUR INCOME IS TAX-EFFICIENT

One tax planning opportunity that many thought the chancellor might restrict was the exemption from inheritance tax for regular gifts out of an individual’s income. Inheritance tax is designed to tax transfers of capital so if the donor can demonstrate that the gifts are made out of surplus income then the transfers are not taken into consideration for IHT. The exemption applies where there is a regularity to the payments, such as a standing order to pay school fees. HMRC will also require proof that the payments are paid out of post-tax income and do not limit the donor’s normal lifestyle. Detailed records are required, and we can help you with a suitable spreadsheet.

CHRISTMAS GIFTS OF UP TO £50 PER EMPLOYEE IS ALSO TAX-FREE

Remember that certain gifts to staff at Christmas are also tax-free if structured correctly. Employers can provide their directors and employees with certain “trivial” benefits in kind tax-free. This exemption applies to small gifts worth no more than £50 to staff at Christmas, on their birthday, or other occasions and includes gifts of food, wine, or store vouchers.

For more information visit the MJB Avanti website to find out more