A brand new tax yr begins at the moment – and many people will discover the tax on our pay-slips has simply bought a LOT scarier 👀 however why?

Nationwide insurance coverage (or NI) is a type of tax that’s paid by many full-time and self-employed staff over the age of 16 in addition to employers. It’s solely paid as a proportion fee above a sure stage of earnings or earnings – that threshold goes up this month to £9,880.

NI is a vital a part of the tax system as a result of it’s essential to pay it to get sure advantages and the state pension later in life. The truth is, you may make voluntary NI contributions to be sure you get your full entitlement.

It was initially devised as a tax paid by staff particularly to fund the Nationwide Well being Service, generally known as a hypothecated tax, however over time, the cash raised from NI has ended up going into the final pot of taxation obtainable for the federal government to spend on no matter it likes.

Nationwide Insurance coverage contributions are going up by 1.25 proportion factors. So, the principle fee for full-time staff will rise from 12% to 13.25%. Employers will even should pay the next fee, so consultants are mentioning that this might make issues even worse for staff as a result of not solely are we paying extra Nationwide Insurance coverage, however employers might find yourself decreasing wages because of their very own tax invoice going up.

The cash raised from this tax rise will go in direction of the NHS this yr to assist it reduce down lengthy ready lists for remedy following the pandemic. Subsequent yr, the NI charges will return to what they had been beforehand, and the additional money will probably be collected as a separate well being and social care levy.

You may reduce your tax payments by claiming tax aid for added family prices if you need to work from home regularly, both for all or a part of the week.

Have a look at whether or not you’re entitled to tax-free advantages out of your employer like a season ticket mortgage, 25% off childcare prices (as much as £500 each three months) or wage sacrifice childcare.

When you’re switching firm automobiles, going for a low-emission mannequin will imply you’re taxed at a decrease fee than in case you have a fuel guzzler. Lastly, take into consideration whether or not you may put further into your pension to get long-term tax aid.