The Chancellor, Rishi Sunak’s plans to cut the basic rate of income tax by 2p in 2024/25 is nothing but “smoke and mirrors” as the government makes it first moves towards the next General Election.
Nimesh Shah, CEO of tax and advisory firm Blick Rothenberg, said: “Rishi Sunak wanted to be a transformational Chancellor, but the proposals to reduce basic rate income tax, if they are taken forward, will do nothing to reform the personal tax system and manipulates the tax system for political gain.”
He added: “Reports over the weekend suggest Rishi Sunak is proposing a cut to the basic rate of income tax by 1p in 2023/24 and a further 1p reduction in 2024/25, taking the basic rate from 20% to 18%.”
“An individual earning GBP30,000 would be GBP349 per annum better off in 2024/25 compared to the current tax year under the proposals, but this doesn’t tell the whole story.”
Nimesh said: “A 1% cut in the basic rate of income tax would cost the government GBP6 billion, but the government has moved to raise an estimated additional GBP70 billion by 2025/26 through freezing personal tax allowances and the introduction of the new 1.25% Health and Social Care Levy, which comes into effect from April 2022.
“For someone earning GBP60,000, the 2% income tax cut will be worth GBP754 compared to the current tax year; however, when you factor in the 1.25% Health and Social Care Levy, it is only worth GBP165. In fact, a person earning GBP60,000 will see their net income reduce by GBP589 from April 2022 compared to the current tax year.”
He added: “This is a tactical move by Rishi Sunak to essentially give something back which Boris Johnson took away when he announced the Health and Social Care Levy in September.”
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Rishi Sunak’s plans to cut income tax is just smoke and mirrors