A look at everything advisers need to know about top slicing relief

There is a five-step procedure to TSR calculations

clock • 4 min read

Graeme Robb looks at the impact of recent changes to top slicing relief for bonds...

My challenge in this article is to explain top slicing relief (TSR) for investment bonds and the recent changes, which are potentially favourable to clients, simply and concisely. So, here goes… Why do we have TSR? The chargeable event regime taxes bond gains on a realisation rather than accruals basis. This appeals to those whose gain is deferred to a time when they have less taxable income, e.g. in retirement. That's fine but others could be disadvantaged when growth accruing over a number of years is all taxable in a single tax year. TSR is designed to mitigate the impact of this...

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 Tax planning

Advisers urged to protect themselves if clients reject IHT planning

Advisers urged to protect themselves if clients reject IHT planning

Could face questions from beneficiaries

Isabel Baxter
clock 02 October 2026 • 3 min read
IHT on pensions: 'A bigger deal than the government currently realises'

IHT on pensions: 'A bigger deal than the government currently realises'

AJ Bell's Rachel Vahey speaks at PA360 North

Sophia Panayi
clock 01 October 2026 • 3 min read
Budget Media Watch: Labour could scrap 'family farm tax'

Budget Media Watch: Labour could scrap 'family farm tax'

What the papers are saying about the Budget

Sophia Panayi
clock 22 September 2026 • 2 min read