Private client tax services - Publications

UK big on international tax issues

During the last few years HMRC has adopted a new approach to tackle offshore tax evasion. A new agreement between Switzerland and the UK has been settled, but what are the benefits and concerns?

Weekly tax update - Latest issue

The Tax update provides a round-up and explanation of the latest tax issues.

If you have any questions or feedback, please get in touch with your usual Smith & Williamson contact or Richard Mannion at the email address given below.

Email Richard Mannion (Director of National Tax)
T: 020 7131 4252

Managing your finances post divorce

Smith & Williamson is ideally placed to assist you during all the financial stages of your new life following on from a divorce.

Briefing note - Statutory Residence Test

Outline on the consultation on the proposed statutory residence test to apply from 6 April 2013

Briefing note - Giving a share is good

Brief outline of the effects of the tax reliefs available on giving certain shares, unit trust units or an interest in land to a charity

Briefing note - Reform of the taxation of non-doms

Outline of the consultation on the proposed changes to the taxation of non-UK domiciliaries from 6 April 2012.

Investing in companies - tax incentives

Investing in smaller businesses can often be viewed as risky. But there can be significant tax incentives for investing in some companies, which help to mitigate economic risk.

For those companies looking for alternatives to bank funding, the Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) and venture capital trusts (VCTs) are options well worth exploring.  In relation to the EIS, tax relief is potentially available to owner-managers of businesses, as well as outside investors.

In this guide we examine the EIS and funding from VCTs, which can be an important source of financial support for smaller businesses.

Briefing note - IHT: Reduced rate for estates (short)

Summary of the main principles of the reduced IHT rate for estates leaving 10% or more to charity.

Family wealth management - Winter 2011

In this issue: Preparing for the Finance Act 2012 - Highlights from recent consultation responses and the draft Finance Bill :: Ready for the new tax year? - Use our handy checklist to find out :: Saving for children or grandchildren - The new Junior ISA and other options :: The enduring appeal of gold - A core element in investment portfolios? :: Investment outlook - Eurozone impact on the UK :: Beyond pension contributions - Tax-efficient alternative investments :: Top ten tips for pension drawdown - Getting the best from your scheme :: Pension lifetime allowance changes - Register for fixed protection before 5 April 2012 :: Offshore bank accounts - The UK/Swiss tax treaty :: Awards for Smith & Williamson - Recognition for the investment and tax teams

Specialist investment for high net worth women

Most of us are on our own when it comes to saving for our own future and that of our families. Defined benefit pension schemes have been replaced by defined contribution schemes which, while helping us on our way, are unlikely to be sufficient for our future needs. The harsh reality is that, at today’s yields, a capital sum of c.£1m is needed to generate a gross annual income, with scope to grow, of just c.£25,000 (based upon the average yield from a balanced portfolio comprised of 50% blue chip international equities, 50% index-linked gilts, and assuming no capital drawdown).  

Good financial housekeeping

In an article first published on the barrister’s website in October 2011, Toby Tallon outlines how barristers can gain control of their tax and financial planning.

Briefing note: Tax Rate Comparisons 2011/12

Comparison of the top rates of tax applicable to individual and corporate entities investing in either a company or a partnership.

Personal tax checklist 2011/2012

In advance of the end of the tax year on 5 April 2012, there are a number of planning points that you may wish to consider.

Corporate brochure

Selecting the right adviser for business or personal financial affairs can be a difficult decision. Our aim on these pages is to ease that decision and to demonstrate why Smith & Williamson may be the right choice for you. Find out more...

Tax factsheet: The importance of making a will

Your Will is one of the most important documents you will ever sign. The future wellbeing of your family may depend on it. A badly thought out or poorly drafted will, or no Will at all, can create lasting problems.

Family wealth management - Autumn 2011

in this issue: Investment outlook - An update on selected world markets :: Is the status of the US dollar under threat? - The future of the US dollar as the reserve currency - The Asian bubble? - Is there an Asian bubble and is it in danger of bursting? :: Stagflation or deflation? - Examining the UK economy :: Pension alert for higher earners - Avoiding a substantial tax charge :: Avoiding a potential IHT investigation - Executors in the frame as HMRC focuses on IHT :: Reviewing your will - Keeping pace with recent developments :: Principal IHT reliefs - Making the most of IHT reliefs while they’re still available :: Membership of Lloyd’s - The benefits and risks :: Awards - Wealth manager accolades for Smith & Williamson

Specialist tax advice to classical musicians

Classical musicians face many challenges and uncertainties in a fast-changing world, from public funding cut-backs to constant technological advances in public access
to recordings.

Tax investigation services

Our tax investigations services are provided by a first class team of tax professionals who have spent their entire professional careers negotiating with HMRC. The senior members of our team are ex-inspectors of taxes who have extensive experience of managing and resolving all kinds of disputes, enquiries, disclosures and other complex matters that require negotiation with HMRC.

Tax factsheet: Pensions: reduction to the lifetime allowance

The lifetime allowance upper limit on the amount of pension and for lump sum from pension schemes that benefit from tax relief is being reduced from 6 April 2012, subject to a ‘fixed protection’ election

The right relief for your financial headaches

Uniquely positioned to offer tax and personal financial planning, and investment advice, our team of specialists in Guildford has the cure for your financial headaches.

Liechtenstein Disclosure Facility Brochure

The Liechtenstein Disclosure Facility (LDF) provides an unprecedented opportunity to settle past taxation liabilities with HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) on extremely favourable terms, often leading to very significant savings.

As professional advisers who specialise in resolving matters with HMRC we can provide you with the expertise required to disclose and conclude LDF matters with HMRC.

Briefing note - Disclosure, Information Notices and Discovery

Considers the rules for discovery assessments and the level of disclosure required to prevent discovery.

Budget 2010 (Ireland) - 10 December 2009

"We've had to make some very tough choices" - one of the statements from the speech by Ireland's Minister of Finance, Mr Brian Lenihan TD, in his Budget 2010 speech to Dail Eireann on 9 December 2009.