Freedom and flexibility
The reduction of the lifetime allowance from £1,250,000 to £1,000,000 in 2016 might have made traditional pensions less attractive for high earners, but with more flexible pension withdrawals now available, it does mean that there can be greater freedom for retirement planning. This freedom is increasingly being channelled towards VCT funds which have become a highly attractive alternative for a relatively new generation of investors.
As an investor into a VCT the tax relief is incredibly attractive and is the government’s way of encouraging people to support often higher risk smaller businesses.
What tax reliefs are available?
- Income Tax Relief – individual shareholders aged 18 or over can claim income tax relief at the rate of 30% of up to £200,000 annual investment, provided their shares are held for at least five years.
- Dividends – no income tax is payable on dividends from ordinary shares in VCTs.
- Capital Gains Tax (CGT) – No CGT is payable on disposals by individuals of ordinary shares in VCTs.