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Employee Issues

 

Jill Storey, Head of People Services, KPMG LLP (UK)

Jill Storey, Head of People Services, KPMG LLP (UK)

Snapshot

Budget 2009: Employee Issues Summary

Budget 2009 contained two key measures targeted at higher earning employees. These are:

  • the introduction of a new higher rate of tax of 50% on incomes over £150,000 from 6th April 2010
  • restriction of the amount of tax relief available on pension contributions for employees with income over £150,000

Employees earning over £150,000 will now, therefore, face a combined highest rate of tax and National Insurance of 51%, with much restricted capacity to shelter income through tax relief on pension contributions.

The 50% income tax rate is now one of the highest headline rates in Europe and stands in stark contrast to the 18% capital gains tax rate. Indeed, this difference in rates means that HMRC approved share scheme arrangements (e.g. Company Share Option Plans, SAYE schemes etc) are likely to become much more attractive. 

Other measures include:

  • the removal of the £80,000 price cap that currently applies when calculating the benefit-in-kind for company cars;
  • various amendments to the significant Finance Act 2008 changes to the "remittance basis" of taxation, which are designed to make the now (very complex) rules simpler to operate;
  • anti-avoidance legislation directed at living accommodation which is provided to employees under short lease premium arrangements;
  • the introduction of a new penalty and interest regime for the late payment of in-year taxes and deductions due under PAYE.

Although, higher earning employees will feel the pinch as a result of the various changes announced in the Budget, this will also translate into higher costs for employers where international assignees are posted to the UK under tax-equalisation arrangements.  In turn, the danger is that this may lead international businesses to reflect on whether the UK is the right place to be investing capital and resources.

 

For more information contact:
Jill Storey