Knowledge hub

As we approach the end of another tax year, Julia Peake from Sanlam discusses what you need to look out for to ensure clients remain on track.

Tax year end is fast approaching and we’re here to support you and your clients at this busy time. We’ve outlined the important deadlines for sending us applications and other top-ups to ensure your clients’ money is invested for this tax year.

Since the Federal Reserve (Fed) paused interest rate hikes, markets have been taking a ‘wait-and-see’ approach, leading to a recovery in equity valuations and a period of relative calm. But with inflation pressures still evident in both the US and UK, and the outlook for growth looking uncertain, our focus is on three potential scenarios as the year progresses.

The Individual Savings Account (ISA) allowance rose to £20,000 in the last tax year (2017-18), by far its most generous level since the ISA was launched 20 years ago. But are you making the most of this allowance? And if not, why not?

Most people accept that tax is a fact of life, and that while there might be ways to minimise it, the more you earn, the more you owe. But when it comes to Inheritance Tax (IHT), many clients feel a sense of injustice. After all, they’ve dutifully paid their taxes, and diligently saved so as not to be a burden on the state.

This year managed to get off to a positive start with equity markets recovering some of the losses endured at the end of 2018. This recovery was largely due to the US Federal Reserve (Fed) taking a U-turn on monetary policy.

Our round-up of the top performing UK Equity income funds in 2018.

Julia Peake, National Account Manager, reflects on a report published by the Department for Work & Pensions and discusses how we can engage the self-employed with their pension savings.