Income tax Rates  
 
 
2008-09
2007-08
Starting rate band to (savings income only)
£2320*
£2230
Tax rate (savings income only)
10%
10%
Basic rate band - next
£34800
£32370
Non-savings rate
20%
22%
Savings Rate
20%
20%
UK dividend rate
10%
10%
Higher rate - income over
£34800
£34600
Higher tax rate
40%
40%
UK dividend rate
32.5%
32.5%
Allowances that reduce Taxable Income
Personal allowances (PA)- under 65
£6035
£5225
Personal allowances - 65 to 74
£9030
£7550
Personal allowances - 75 and over
£9180
£7690
Allowances that reduce Tax
Married couple's allowance (MCA)
Tax reduction - 72-74
£653.50
£628.50
Tax reduction - 75 and over
£662.50
£636.50
The age related allowances are progressively withdrawn if income exceeds
£21800
£20900
Minimum PA
£6035
£5225
Minimum MCA tax reduction  
£254
£244
Ages are as at the end of the tax year.    
Tax Shelters
Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS)
£500000
£400000
Venture Capital Trust (VCT)  
£200000
£200000
"Rent a Room" exempt on gross annual rent  
£4250
£4250
Construction Industry Scheme deduction rate  
20% / 30%
20% / 30%