Hart Greaves News

In 2010/11 one in 20 estates was liable to IHT, according to the Office of Budget Responsibility: this is expected to rise to one in 10 by 2018/19. This is a material increase but is still a much lower proportion of estates than public perception would suggest. The vast majority of deaths do not result […]

The old-age dependency ratio (OADR) is a measure of the number of people aged 65 and over for every 100 people of working age (15–64). A higher OADR implies that there are more people aged 65 and over relative to people of working age. When comparing the OADR across EU countries, please note the state […]

Gross domestic product (GDP) per capita is a measure of a country’s productivity. The figures are expressed in purchasing power standards (PPS), with the EU average set to equal 100. A value for GDP per capita greater than 100 is therefore above the EU average, and vice versa. The use of PPS means figures are […]

So, 31st January has come and gone, tax has been paid. What can be done now? For some people it may be…. For some people it might be possible to invest into an EIS (Enterprise Investment Scheme) and claim back 30% of the investment in tax relief, up to a maximum of tax actually paid. […]

You must appoint someone who has the mental capacity to make their own decisions. A relative A friend A professional Eg solicitor ,Financial Adviser Your Spouse Other matters to consider may include: How good are they at managing their own finances / affairs How well do you really know them. Are you sure they will […]

At Hart Greaves, we feel that there are 12 points to consider when reviewing your pension. One From April 2015 anyone over age 55 who has a defined contribution pension scheme can access their pension scheme as they see fit. All restrictions have been taken away. Two Even so not all pension providers have to […]

These new reforms begin to roll out in 2016. The Government are introducing a new single -tier pension. This is meant to replace the current complicated system with a number of earnings related add-ons. Like any new system there are winners and losers. Who are the possible winners? Women, cares and low paid. Why? Because […]

A more sensible and fair way to charge Stamp duty was announced in the budget recently and it affects anyone buying a house for more than £125 000, but less than £937,500. * This new ruling cuts stamp duty for 98% of people who pay it. An Example Buy a house for £185,000 under the […]

The government is encouraging people to invest in UK small companies by offering valuable tax breaks through an Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS).  Great news if you are looking to reduce your tax bill. Putting money into an EIS could give you: 30% income tax relief on EIS investments of up to £1million in any tax […]

A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a legal tool that allows you to state who you would like to make decisions on your behalf, should you become unable to do so in the future. There are two different types of LPA. 1. Property and affairs LPA A property and affairs LPA covers decisions about […]