14/01/2026
Changes to tax rules can have a knock-on effect across your finances, often in ways that aren’t immediately obvious.
As we move into 2026, it’s a good time to double-check how recent and upcoming changes could affect your tax position.
Here are some of the key changes:
- While the overall ISA allowance remains at £20,000, from April 2027, those under the age of 65 will be able to invest a maximum of £12,000 in a cash ISA.
- Dividend tax rates will increase for basic and higher rate taxpayers from April 2026 to 10.75% and 35.75% respectively. The additional rate will remain at 39.35%.
- From April 2027, savings and property income tax will rise by 2%. Basic rate taxpayers will pay 22%, higher rate taxpayers will pay 42% and additional rate taxpayers will pay 47%.
- Those who use salary sacrifice to contribute to a pension scheme may also lose some of the benefits. From 2029, only the first £2,000 each year contributed via salary sacrifice will be exempt from national insurance (NI) both on the individual and the employer.
Your 2026 tax checklist:
- Make full use of your ISA allowance where appropriate
- Review the performance and structure of your pensions, ISAs and other assets
- Consider maximising pension contributions before tax year end
- Review gifting options, including regular gifts from surplus income
- Discuss ways to manage potential Capital Gains Tax liabilities
2025 was financially challenging for many people. Taking a proactive approach now can help ensure your finances are well positioned as we enter the new tax year.
Read more: https://buchanwm.co.uk/article/detail/sjpp/top-tax-tips-for-the-year-ahead
The value of an investment with St. James’s Place will be directly linked to the performance of the funds selected and may fall as well as rise. You may get back less than the amount invested.
An investment in equities and shares will not provide the same security of capital as a deposit account. Over the long term, inflation may erode the purchasing power of cash.
Tax rules and allowances can change at any time and depend on individual circumstances.
Cash ISAs are not available through St. James’s Place.