Compact Services

The main tax incentives for investment are:

• income tax deduction for amounts invested - the rebate is either at a fixed 20%/30% or at the taxpayer's marginal rate of tax (DED'N)
• tax exemption on the income from the source (EXINC)
• tax exemption on gains arising (EXGAIN)
• the ability to defer capital gains on other disposals until the new investment is sold (DEFER)

ISA (individual savings account)

Contributions made to one 'Maxi-ISA' (max. £7,000 each year) or to separate 'Mini-ISAs' (max. £3,000 in the 'cash component', £4,000 in the 'share component'). Subscription limits increase to £7,200 in 2008/09 and rules on mini and maxi ISAs will change. No restrictions on withdrawal. No relief for losses.

PEP (personal equity plan)

No new contributions can be made to PEPs after 5/4/99, but existing PEPs can continue with their tax advantages. No restriction on withdrawals, but money withdrawn cannot be reintroduced. No relief for losses. To be combined with ISAs at a date to be announced.

VCT (venture capital trust)

Relief is for subscription for new share capital in approved VCT - a quoted company which invests in small, unquoted trading companies. The income tax relief becomes permanent if the shares are held for 5 years, but gains (if any) are exempt immediately. No relief for losses. Limit £200,000 pa.

EIS (enterprise investment scheme)

Relief is for subscription for new share capital in small, unquoted trading companies. The income tax relief becomes permanent, and gains are exempt, if the shares are held for 3 years. Further relief available for losses on disposal. Maximum investment £400,000 per tax year.

PPP (personal/stakeholder pension plan)

The details of the contract with the pension company may vary, but they must be within the basic framework set down by tax law.

PPP premiums are paid net of basic rate tax. The policyholder pays 78% and the Revenue pay 22%. Higher rate relief is given where due by increasing the basic rate band in the tax computation.

While the money is held within the pension fund, it is exempt from taxes on income and gains, so it grows faster than funds held directly.

When the policyholder takes the benefits under the scheme, 25% of the accumulated fund can be drawn as a tax-free lump sum, and the balance is used to provide an income (which is taxable). The income can be a purchased annuity for life, or an "alternatively secured pension" in which the fund is still identified and produces the income which is paid to the pensioner.

Tax relief is due on an individual's gross contributions up to £3,600 (£2,808 net), or 100% of current year employed or self-employed earnings if higher, up to £225,000 (in 2007/08).

When a policyholder takes benefits, the capital value on which benefits are drawn (e.g. as a 25% tax-free lump sum) are measured against a "lifetime allowance" (£1.6m in 2007/08). If the lifetime allowance is exceeded, there is a clawback charge on the excess.

Employers can contribute up to £225,000 to employees' pension funds, less any contributions made by the individual. The employer can enjoy tax relief on the cost under the normal rules for trading expenses.

If a policyholder dies before taking any benefit under the scheme, the fund usually passes to dependants free of IHT. If death is during payment of benefits and a capital fund is payable to dependants, it is likely to be subject to IHT.