How to protect yourself in Chancellor's tax war

Chancellor expected to scrap higher rate tax relief

clock • 4 min read

Chancellor George Osborne has already launched a number of punitive raids on high earners' pension privileges, but the widely anticipated scrapping of higher rate relief amounts to an all out assault, writes Sheriar Bradbury

Take the Chancellor's already announced tax cuts and factor in changes to the way dividends of small companies will be taxed from next year, and for owner-directors it is beginning to feel like total war. The good news is that there remains a short window of opportunity for certain individuals - owner-directors of companies in particular - to restructure their finances in a way that will protect them from the earliest impacts of these changes. Advisers can add real value to directors by finding synergies in the confluence of two attacks on their client, by drawing from the company and...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Pensions

Pension consolidation deserves more respect than it gets

Pension consolidation deserves more respect than it gets

'For me, pension consolidation is a perfect illustration of why financial planning matters'

Andy Zanelli
clock 19 February 2026 • 5 min read
Divorce, pensions and professional collaboration in the HNW world

Divorce, pensions and professional collaboration in the HNW world

'Beware the attraction of the simple solution'

Richard Kershaw
clock 16 February 2026 • 3 min read
A century of the state pension – and why the next redesign is overdue

A century of the state pension – and why the next redesign is overdue

'A pension promise only works if contributors believe it is fair and durable'

Adam Cole
clock 16 February 2026 • 4 min read