In the maze of tax laws, there is a barely known yet incredibly generous rule that could benefit families across the UK. With this secret weapon, you can gift unlimited money without the worry of inheritance tax, provided it comes from the right place. The Daily Mail published a summary.
The Magic of Gifting Surplus Income
Imagine being able to give your children or grandchildren a financial boost without any tax strings attached. Well, there’s a special exemption in the tax laws known as “gifting out of surplus income” that allows just that. The key here is that any money you gift must come from your income (like your salary, rental income, or dividends), not your capital or savings.
Unlike the typical seven-year rule, which can claw back inheritance tax on gifts if you pass away within seven years of giving, these gifts are immediately exempt from inheritance tax.
How Does It Work?
Amount and Recipients: There’s no cap on how much you can give, and you can choose anyone as a beneficiary. However, it’s vital these gifts are regular. They could be annual birthday gifts, contributions to education fees, or help towards a home purchase, explains Julia Rosenbloom, a tax expert.
Source of Gifts: The trick is the money must be considered income. This could be your salary, rental income, or even dividends from investments. If you’re keen on using investment income, Faye Church from Investec suggests restructuring your portfolio for higher yields.
Rules to Follow: It’s not just about giving away money; there are rules. The gifts must come from your income, not your savings, and they shouldn’t affect your standard of living. Also, there must be a regular pattern to these gifts.
Setting Up Your Tax-Free Gifting
To get started, all you need is a letter indicating your intention to make these gifts regularly. There’s no formal paperwork required, but keeping detailed records can make life easier for your executors when the time comes.
Interestingly, even if you weren’t aware of this rule, your executors might still apply it retrospectively if they notice regular gifts in your financial history that qualify.
Who Benefits Most?
This exemption isn’t for everyone. If your estate is under the £325,000 inheritance tax threshold (£650,000 for couples), or if you’re leaving a family home worth up to £1 million to your direct descendants, your estate might already be tax-free.
It’s best suited for those with high incomes and lower expenses, as your gifts need to come from surplus income. Also, remember that pensions have their own tax-friendly rules, so speak to a tax expert if you’re considering gifting from pension income.
Avoiding Common Pitfalls
While this exemption is a boon, it’s not without its pitfalls. You can’t just live off your capital while gifting all your income away; the taxman will be onto you. Additionally, not all investment incomes qualify. For instance, insurance payouts or lump-sum cash payments are generally off the table.
In Summary
The “gifting out of surplus income” exemption is a golden but underused key to mitigating inheritance tax. It requires a regular pattern of gifting, must come from your income, and should not affect your usual standard of living. With some planning and discipline, you can support your loved ones generously and tax-efficiently. But as always, consider consulting a financial advisor to navigate the complexities and make the most of your hard-earned money!