This week saw the Westminster ‘Rumour Mill’ in full flow. Commentators and political pundits have been speculating on how the government will pay for the massive spending related to the Covid crisis. Taxes, and in particular the Lifetime Allowance, may be about to change. The cost of Covid is estimated to be around £360bn. The […]
Financial planning: time for a spring clean!
The COVID-19 lockdown has prompted many to look for ways of using their extra spare time as productively as possible. For some, this includes reviewing their financial plan. We should always keep a close eye on our finances. It’s even more critical now that the fiscal effects of the COVID-19 crisis become apparent. Stock markets […]
DB pension scheme trustees allowed flexibility to cope with COVID-19
The recent stock market sell-off caused by the COVID-19 virus has created unwanted consequences for pension trustees. In particular, those who administer and run Defined Benefit or DB pension schemes are facing unique challenges and are having to reassess how they operate in these difficult times. Administrative challenges People who are in lockdown and need […]
The Modelo 720 declaration
It’s March, and time for expats to complete the Modelo 720 declaration once again. This form has to be submitted before the end of the month by Spanish tax residents. The Modelo 720 declaration is more of an asset reporting requirement than a tax return. Assets which have to be declared include properties, bank accounts […]
QROPS or iSIPP
One of the issues faced by expats wishing to transfer their UK pension plans is whether to move to a QROPS or iSIPP (International Self Invested Personal Pension). The answer as to which choice is best may change depending on how pension legislation evolves in the wake of the upcoming UK and EU trade negotiations. […]
Placing a bet on Brexit
For the last 3 months, it looked and sounded like the Prime Minister had placed a bet on Brexit happening. It was always inevitable though that the latest Brexit deadline of the 31st October would be missed. The PM had maintained a ‘positive spin’ throughout on the prospect of the country leaving the EU; in […]