Considering your retirement planning options very carefully is vital for anyone who wants to enjoy a financially comfortable life in their later years and eventually pass on their legacy to the next generation in a tax-efficient way.
At a time when life expectancy is on the rise and healthcare is forever evolving, many Britons are living for 20 to 30 years after they retire, which is why making adequate preparations for retirement is now more important than ever before.
Here are a few things to consider:
Investing in property
Those who decide to invest in property need to factor in the costs of Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) on additional property purchases, and the phasing out of mortgage interest tax relief if they intend to let out a property in order to supplement their retirement income.
Similarly, anyone who is investing in a property with a view to selling it on needs to plan ahead for the Capital Gains Tax (CGT) implications of this.
Keeping on top of your pensions
Pensions are one of the most important aspects of retirement planning. But equally important is structuring your investments in a tax-efficient way and ensuring that the contributions you pay towards your pensions benefit from tax relief where appropriate.
Life insurance and medical insurance
It is important to consider the benefits of life insurance, long-term care and medical insurance in order to safeguard yourself and ensure that you and your family are guaranteed a good quality of life.
Business succession and exit planning
If you are a business owner, you might wish to pass your business on to other members of your family when you retire or sell the business on. Whatever your wishes, you will need to seek specialist tax advice and plan ahead accordingly from an early stage to avoid facing unfavourable tax consequences.
Passing on your legacy in a tax-efficient way
Drafting a Will can help you to ensure that your estate is passed on in line with your wishes when you die. However, you will need to think about the Inheritance Tax (IHT) implications of passing on your legacy and plan ahead accordingly.
In England and Wales, each individual is entitled to a tax-free allowance of £325,000, above which estates will attract IHT at a rate of 40 per cent. Fortunately, there are various ways you can mitigate your IHT liability, such as by leaving money to a charity in your Will or passing property down to direct lineal descendants using the residence nil rate band (RNRB).
Our team can help in these areas and can also assist individuals with keeping records of any gifts made during their lifetime and helping with the necessary tax planning to ensure these gifts are free of IHT.
Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs)
Drawing up a LPA can enable individuals to give others the authority to make important decisions on their behalf if (or when) they become incapable to do so themselves in the future.
Trusts
Individuals may want to control how assets are passed on through the generations by using trusts. We can advise on how this would be implemented and the tax implications.
Good investment and future planning is hard work, which is why it is always best to seek specialist advice at the earliest possible opportunity.
Speak to Grunberg & Co today to find out how our expert team can help.