The Salary Calculator

The gender pension gap

by Madaline Dunn

While many are all too familiar with the gender pay gap, the gender pension gap gets a lot less coverage but is, unfortunately, a reality for many women. Now, warnings are being issued around the gap, with many calling on the government to do more as women live longer with smaller pensions.

At The Salary Calculator, we’ll walk you through and explain:

• What the gender pension gap is
• How the gap has widened
• How to navigate the gender pension gap

What is the gender pension gap?

The gender pension gap refers to the percentage difference in pension income between female and male pensioners. According to research from Legal & General, the gap is 17% at the beginning of a woman’s career, reaching 56% at retirement when compared to men.

Moreover, the average pension pot of a woman is less than half that of a man’s, and the gap even penetrates female-dominated industries.

Research from Prospect outlines that some of the reasons behind the gender pension gap include:

• An imbalance in the level of occupational and private pension saving between men and women
• The gender pay gap
• Indirect gender discrimination
• Women taking breaks or reducing hours to look after family

This imbalance, of women having to work 14.5 more years to access the same pension savings as men, occurs despite women contributing more of their income to pension savings.

Research from SunLife’s survey also found 30% of women hope to depend on their partner’s pension when they get older. However, this doesn’t take into account potential separation, divorce or early widowhood. On top of that, when it comes to divorce, research shows that three in five divorcees fail to bring up pensions when discussing their financial settlement.

Commenting on the inequality relating to pensions, Juan Yermo, Chief of Staff to the OECD Secretary-General, said: “Still today, the design of retirement savings arrangements sometimes disadvantages women compared to men, for example when eligibility criteria based on working hours or earnings restrict plan access, when contributions stop during periods of maternity leave, or when women do not get their share of retirement benefit entitlements upon divorce.”

How has the pension gender gap widened?

The pandemic has, unfortunately, worsened an already dire situation. Research from More2Life and the Centre for Economics and Business Research outlined that during the pandemic, the gap widened to £184,000 in 2021. That was £26,000 more than the previous year.

The study also found that 30% of women had found their financial situation worsened, impacting their ability to save; comparatively, 24% of men agreed.

More2Life said that the research revealed 62% of women worried about being able to “pay enough into their pension” compared to 57% of men.

How to plug the pension gap

Many pension experts and organisations are calling for government intervention to plug the pension gap.

Some of the recommendations made by Prospect include:

• Introducing a statutory requirement for the government to report to Parliament on the gap and outline plans for closing it
• Commencing an inquiry by the Work and Pensions Committee into the gender pension gap
• Implementing changes to the tax system to address and resolve the ‘net pay anomaly’, which means low earners “do not benefit from tax relief on their contributions.”

While these recommendations, if implemented, could be fruitful, change isn’t going to happen any time soon, and in the meantime, there are ways that you can safeguard your future.

Helen Morrissey, senior pensions and retirement analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown, outlined there are steps that women can take: “It’s not too late to make a difference to your pension value by continuing to contribute after the age of 55. You should also check with your employer to see if they will match any further contributions as this can give your retirement planning a real boost.”

It’s a good idea to check in on your National Insurance contributions and review whether there are any gaps to ensure you’re eligible for the full state pension. Also, plan ahead of time, and if possible, pay into your pension if you take maternity leave.

If you’re planning on taking a career break for another reason, it’s wise to top up your pension, too, as a way of compensating for any losses.

Ultimately, saving as soon as possible is a wise plan because even if you contribute a small amount to your pension each year, you can make full use of compound interest.

Tags: 2021, Employed and Self Employed, gender pension gap, income, pension, savings

All you need to know about UTR numbers

by Madaline Dunn

[Sponsored Post]

Self Assessment: It’s coming around to that time of year again. While some may have already completed and sent off their annual tax return, there are also many who have not! In 2020, 700,000 taxpayers waited until the last day to file their return, and a staggering 26,562 taxpayers left it to the last hour.

So, if you haven’t filed your tax return yet, and perhaps are doing so for the first time, you may have a few questions, including; what on earth is a UTR number?

Don’t worry; there’s still plenty of time to file your tax return before 31st January and make sure you’re not faced with late payment fines. At The Salary Calculator, in this article, we’ll get you to speed and explain:

• What a UTR number is
• When you need a UTR number
• How to register for a UTR number if you don’t have one
• What will happen after registering for a UTR number
• Where you can find your UTR number

What is a UTR number?

UTR stands for Unique Taxpayer Reference, and this is a 10-digit number that is unique for each person or business. Just as with a National Insurance (NI) number, once you have one, you have it for life. So, even if you’ve been out of business for a while, you’ll never lose your UTR number, your number will just become dormant.

A UTR number is issued by HMRC and sometimes includes the letter K at the end of it.

When do you need to provide a UTR number?

A UTR number is required if you:

• Need to create an online account with HMRC
• Are self-employed or have a limited company
• Owe tax on savings, capital gains, and dividends
• Must register individual taxes
• Work within the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS)

How do you register for a UTR number?

If you don’t already have a UTR number and need one, the most simple and fastest way to get one is to apply online on HMRC’s website.

Of course, not everyone’s preferred method involves a computer or laptop, so rest assured, you can also apply to get your UTR number via letter too. That said, this way is, unfortunately, much slower and will involve postage fees as well.

When it comes to registering for a UTR number, this must be done within the first three months of opening your business, regardless of your occupation.

In order to register, you must also submit a few different pieces of information. This information includes:

• Your name, DOB and address
• Your contact information (preferred number and email address)
• Your NI number
• When you commenced self-employment
• The type of business you have
• Basic business information (address, number, name)

What happens after registering for a UTR number?

Once you’ve applied for your UTR number, there are a few things to bear in mind. First of all, it can take up to ten days for your UTR number to arrive, sometimes longer.

In addition to this, once you’ve heard back from HMRC and received your activation code, don’t wait around too long before using it, as it expires at 28 days.

Where can you find your UTR number?

Your UTR number can be found in a number of places, including:

• Statements of accounts
• Your Self Assessment Tax Return
• HMRC payment reminders
• HMRC Self Assessment notices

If you think you’ve either misplaced or lost your UTR number, don’t panic. Contacting HMRC is your best bet. When reaching out to HMRC, you should have your NI number to hand, as you will be asked for it when you call.

HMRC can be contacted via:

• 0300 200 3310 (UK)
• +44 161 931 9070 (Outside UK)
• 0300 200 3319 (Textphone)

Final thoughts

Navigating the world of tax returns can be anxiety-inducing for some; that said, there are several sites out there that can lend a helping hand. HMRC are always available if you need guidance on your tax return and can answer any burning questions.

Go Simple Tax also helps to make things simple and straightforward. The software provides guidance, as well as hints and tips on how to save money.

Tags: Economy, Employed and Self Employed, Self Assessment, self employed, The Salary Calculator, UTR number

Should you register as a sole trader or form a limited company?

by Admin

[Sponsored post]

A key decision when starting a business is which legal structure do you choose when registering. The three most common options are sole trader, limited company and ordinary business partnership, although most people become a sole trader. Sole traders make up about 59% (3.5m) of the total UK business population of 5.9m, and they include many freelancers, contractors and agency workers.

Ordinary business partnership members make up about 7% (405,000) and basically these are sole traders who go into business together. The UK also has about 2m (34%) active private limited companies. So, why do so many people in the UK who work for themselves operate as sole traders?

What is a sole trader?

Being a sole trader is the same as being self-employed. In law, you and your business are the same thing, which makes you personally responsible for your sole trader business debts. If you don’t build up large debts and your business is successful, this won’t be an issue, of course.

To become a sole trader, you must register for Self Assessment (SA), the system (UK tax authority) HMRC uses to collect tax from sole traders. You’ll then pay Income Tax on your profits during the tax year (20%, 40% or 45% depending on your income/earnings). You work out your profits by deducting your expenses and any allowances from your income/earnings/sales.

Sole trader NICs

Most self-employed people pay their National Insurance contributions (NICs) via SA:

• Class 2 if your profits are £6,515 or more a year (£3.05 a week) and
• Class 4 if your profits are £9,569 or more a year (9% on profits between £9,569 and £50,270 and 2% on profits over £50,270 – all figures quoted are for the 2021/22 tax year).

Declaring sole trader earnings and VAT

Sole traders aren’t required to submit annual accounts to HMRC, but they must maintain accurate financial records (which can be checked) and submit details of their income and business costs in their annual SA100 tax return, which must be filed each year.

If your VAT-taxable earnings/turnover goes over £85,000 a year (the current VAT threshold) or you know they will, you must register for VAT. You’ll then have to charge VAT, collect it and pay it to HMRC. This also applies to limited companies.

The advantages of being a sole trader

It’s very easy to register online for Self Assessment so you can start your sole trader business. There are no costs and the process is very quick (minutes not hours or days). The tax admin is much easier when compared to a limited company, which means it can be done quicker. This saves cost, whether you do it yourself or pay an accountant to do it for you.

The paperwork and financial record-keeping requirements when you’re a sole trader are minimal; completing your SA tax return is more straightforward and any losses you make can be offset against other income.

Many customers won’t care whether you’re a sole trader or not, as long as your prices, products and/or services meet their expectations. In any case, you can easily change to a limited company structure later if you wish. And sole traders can employ others and their businesses can grow and prosper.

Being a sole trader can give you much more flexibility and control over your business, because you’re not answerable to shareholders – and you won’t have to share your profits with them either. You will enjoy more privacy, too, because the annual accounts of limited companies must be published on the Companies House website, which means anyone can view them. Sole traders do not have to publish their annual accounts.

Sole trader v limited company: which is more tax-efficient?

Example 1

Sole trader profit = £50,000 Net income = £38,717

Ltd co profit = £50,000 Net income = £40,109

Difference = £1,392

 

Example 2

Sole trader profit = £100,000 Net income = £67,752

Ltd co profit = £100,000 Net income = £69,469

Difference = £1,717

 

Example 3

Sole trader profit = £150,000 Net income = £91,723

Ltd co profit = £150,000 Net income = £92,057

Difference = £334

 

These examples assume that all profits are extracted from the business, salary up to Secondary National Insurance threshold (£8,840) is taken and the remainder paid as dividends (2021/22 rates).

Conclusion

As the above examples show, operating as a limited company can reduce your tax bill. However, if you need to pay an accountant each month to look after your tax admin and complete your annual accounts and Corporation Tax returns, in reality, any financial advantage as the director of a limited company can be minimal or non-existent.

Each year, hundreds of thousands of people in the UK who decide to work for themselves register as a sole trader and many go on to establish and grow highly successful small businesses. In many ways, being a sole trader is the easier and cheaper choice and it need not hamper your business or your ambitions.

About GoSimpleTax

Income, expenses and tax submission all in one. GoSimpleTax will provide you with tips that could save you money on allowances and expenses you might have missed.

The software submits directly to HMRC and is the solution for the self-employed, sole traders and anyone with income outside of PAYE to file their self-assessment giving hints and tips on savings along the way. GoSimpleTax does all the calculations for you so there is no need for an accountant. Available on desktop or mobile application.

Try for free – Add up to five income and expense transactions per month and see your tax liability in real time – at no cost to you. Pay only when you are ready to submit or use other key features such as receipt uploading and HMRC direct submission.

Tags: Employed and Self Employed, Self Assessment, self employed, self employment, tax return

Social care tax proposed from April 2022

by Admin

The government announced yesterday plans to introduce new social care tax, intended to help reduce the costs incurred when a person goes into care. If the bill passes parliament, this will mean be an increase in National Insurance contributions of 1.25 percentage points from April 2022, to be replaced by a separate tax of the same amount from April 2023. The benefit of this additional tax, in England at least, is that care costs will be capped at £86,000 (less if you don’t have that much in savings / assets). Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland set their own social care policies, but will receive additional revenue from the tax generated.

The plan has drawn criticism from many who see it is a tax paid by low- and middle-income employees to subsidise wealthy retirees. It also appears to be a break of a manifesto pledge not to raise income tax, National Insurance or VAT – the justification for which, put forward by the government, has been that the pandemic has changed things.

This BBC article has a clear summary of the changes in more detail, as well as a chart showing how much extra tax you’ll pay depending on how much you earn. The bill still needs to pass parliament, but when this and other changes from April 2022 are confirmed, The Salary Calculator will be updated with the latest rates so that you can see what a difference it will make to your take-home pay.

Tags: coronavirus, covid-19, HMRC, income tax, Jobs, national insurance, Pay As You Earn, social care, tax rates

How to navigate pension scams

by Madaline Dunn

Pension scams are on the rise. According to the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), over £2 million has been lost to pension scammers in the last year, with victims, on average, losing out on £50,949. This number is double what it was in 2020. That said, small pots and big pots are being targeted, with victims being conned out of £1,000 to £500,000.

Of course, it’s incredibly worrying that such a nefarious scam has seen such an increase. Savers work hard their whole lives to make sure that they’re set for their golden days.

In response to this concerning trend, the government recently announced anti-pension scam plans to safeguard savers.

At The Salary Calculator, we’ll walk you through what the government’s Fraud Action Plan is, what it means for you and some steps you can take to protect yourself from pension scams.

This article will explain:

• Latest statistics from the FCA
• What the Fraud Action Plan contains
• Tips to protect yourself against fraud

A warning from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)

According to the FCA, pension scams have become increasingly common due to the pension freedoms introduced in 2015. This gave people much more flexibility around their investments; however, this flexibility also brought with it risk.

Now, the FCA says that pension holders were nine times more likely to accept pension advice from someone online than someone in person. Savers were also five times more likely to be attracted to a free online pension review by a stranger than one offered by a stranger in the pub. Worryingly, out of those surveyed, 28% were aware that this kind of offer was typically the sign of a scam.

As a result, Mark Steward, executive director of enforcement and market oversight at the FCA, suggests that pension holders should challenge themselves and “flip the context”. “Imagine a stranger in a pub offering free pension advice and then telling you to put those savings into something they were selling. It is difficult imagining anyone saying yes to that,” he said.

According to Tom Selby, senior analyst at AJ Bell, men aged 55 and over “who can access their retirement pot flexibly” are one of the main targets for this kind of scam. Of course, the current climate caused by Coronavirus has made people more vulnerable to pension scams too.

The Fraud Action Plan

The UK government recently admitted that it needs to do more to protect people from pension scams. So, it will soon publish its Fraud Action Plan 2022-2025, which will seek to bolster consumer protections by eliminating fraudulent infrastructure.

Reportedly, more emphasis will be placed on tackling ‘secondary scammers’ who go after those who have already been scammed, and the government will also pursue greater gathering and sharing of data relating to pension scams.

Tips to protect yourself

While you may think that you’re too savvy to be at risk of a pension scam, scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated with the tactics they use to trap victims.

The FCA has warned that overconfidence on the part of consumers puts people at risk. So, it’s always best to make sure that you take some steps to safeguard yourself.

Look out for red flags – As outlined above, those offering free reviews are unlikely to be legitimate advisors, equally those who promise you ‘high returns’ are likely to be pulling a fast one.

Keep yourself informed – In line with the UK’s pension rules, you typically can’t unlock your pension until you’re 55. So, if you’re promised an early cash release, it’s likely that this is a scam. Get in touch with the Pensions Advisory Service if you have any questions or concerns. Pension Wise is another service that can help you stay in the loop.

Be wary of cold calls – Back in January 2019, the government banned cold calling regarding pensions. So, unless you have given your pension provider prior permission to call you, ignore calls and texts regarding your pension because those who get in touch are likely to be scammers.

Take your time – Those who pile on the pressure or give you a limited time offer will likely be scammers. It’s important to take the time to research a provider to make sure everything is above board. Always check the Financial Services Register before making a decision.

Tags: 2021, FCA, pension, Pensions, The Salary Calculator