FINANCE
Tax-efficient investment strategies to preserve and boost your wealth
By RICK SCHOFIELD, PARTNER AT AZETS, Rick. schofield @ azets. co. uk
Investing in tax-favoured investments can significantly support long-term wealth building. With some options offering tax relief at 30 % or even 50 %, these strategies can reduce your overall tax bill while helping your money grow.
That said, it’ s essential to seek guidance from an independent financial adviser before making any decisions. A tailored strategy will ensure investments align with your personal goals and risk profile.
The rise and fall of General Investment Accounts( GIAs)
Traditionally, after using up their ISA allowance, many investors turned to GIAs. But a series of recent tax changes have made these accounts less attractive:
• Capital Gains Tax( CGT) now applies to profits over £ 3,000, down from £ 12,300 in 2022 / 23.
• The dividend allowance is £ 500 from 2024 / 25.
• The Personal Savings Allowance for interest is just £ 1,000 for basic rate taxpayers and £ 500 for higher rate taxpayers.
This means many investors using GIAs now face regular tax liabilities, especially if they self-manage their portfolio or rebalance frequently.
Investment bonds offer several tax advantages, particularly for higher earners:
• No tax on transactions within the bond( no CGT, interest or dividend tax).
• Access up to 5 % of the original investment per year, tax-deferred.
• The ability to defer tax to a later date, potentially when your income is lower.
• Bonds can be gifted, transferring the tax responsibility to another person, such as an adult child- a useful tactic for paying university fees or passing down wealth.
While these bonds are complex, they can be highly effective when used with expert advice.
Enterprise Investment Scheme( EIS)
The EIS supports early-stage businesses and offers generous tax incentives to offset the higher risk:
• 30 % income tax relief on up to £ 1 million(£ 2 million for knowledgeintensive businesses).
• Relief can be carried back to the previous tax year.
• If held for three years, may be CGT-free on disposal.
• CGT deferral relief available when reinvesting other gains( e. g. from buy-tolet property).
• 100 % Business Property Relief from IHT after two years( subject to a £ 1m BPR restriction from April 2026).
These make EIS a powerful, though high-risk, investment option.
Venture Capital Trusts( VCTs)
VCTs offer exposure to a range of small, fast-growing businesses with attractive tax benefits:
• 30 % income tax relief on up to £ 200,000.
• Tax-free dividends – if subscription is below £ 200,000 per tax year.
• No CGT on VCT share gains.
• CGT-free transactions within the VCT itself.
VCTs are still high risk and are best suited for investors with a higher risk tolerance.
Individual Savings Accounts(( ISAs)
ISAs remain one of the simplest and most effective tax wrappers available in the UK:
• Invest up to £ 20,000 per year.
• All income and gains are tax-free.
• No tax due on withdrawals.
Junior ISAs and Lifetime ISAs( LISAs)
• Junior ISAs: Up to £ 9,000 per year for children under 18.
• Lifetime ISAs( LISAs): Contribute up to £ 4,000 / year( ages 18- 40) and receive a 25 % government bonus.
LISA funds can be used for a first home( property cap £ 450,000) or accessed tax-free from age 60. Early withdrawal outside of these conditions triggers a 25 % penalty.
Do note, while ISAs are income and CGT-free, the total value is still liable for Inheritance Tax( IHT) on death.
Consider a Family Investment Company( FIC)
A FIC is a UK company used to manage and pass on wealth across generations. It offers greater control and can be more tax-efficient than traditional trusts.
Benefits of using a FIC:
• Investment income is retained in the company and taxed at Corporation Tax rates( typically lower than personal rates).
• Income can be paid to family members based on their personal tax bands.
• Income can be paid when needed, e. g. to adult children in low tax brackets.
With flexible share structures and strategic planning, a FIC can be a powerful tool for family wealth planning, especially when you don’ t need to draw all the income personally.
However, FICs require careful setup and governance.
We’ re here to help
Reach out to our Wealth Management Team today to begin the journey toward smarter, more efficient investing.
Local Offices: Ashford: 01233 629 255 Canterbury: 01227 454 861 Maidstone: 01622 690 666 Orpington: 01689 827 505 Sandwich: 01304 249 997
www. azets. co. uk
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