Easter and the end of the tax year 2025/2026 approaches
13 March 2026The weekend that heralded the start of March 2026 was headlined by the bombing of Iran and their retaliation and at the time of writing the start of this blog, the ramifications are ongoing and time will tell what will happen in the next few days and weeks. The depth of the hostilities seems to be ever growing and, as an example, the cost of oil has accelerated quickly, which might make a difference to any travel plans you have for the long weekend at the start of April.
With the many concerning global distractions, and with Easter falling at the end of the tax year, the time available to use up any tax allowances is very slightly curtailed. If you have annual allowances remaining that you would like to consider (for example, ISA allowance or the annual allowance for pension contributions) then please do let us know. There are other allowances, such as gift allowances to be efficient for inheritance tax planning, that can be used where available and appropriate.
The effects of the Budget announcements from the end of November 2025 are now known and this allows many to plan ahead as we all face a higher tax regime over the coming years. Also, the Chancellor’s Spring Statement has been delivered, and we have posted a blog on this topic here: https://www.chaptersfinancial.com/blog/spring-statement-forecast-2026
With 2026 well underway, reflecting on recent times, we saw many global economies evolve in 2025 in their varying directions, with a few global leaders putting the proverbial ‘cat amongst the pigeons’ on occasion, creating much volatility in some markets, with subsequent further change and reaction. This is of course not a guarantee of future performance. The speed of change has increased, and that for me is the takeaway from the last year, and looking forward, no doubt the theme of the period ahead. The general acceptance of market volatility seems to have come of age, and understanding your own tolerance to investment risk might be worth revisiting if needed.
We are advocates of a regular review of financial planning arrangements to ensure that they continue to meet client needs as they look forward to the year ahead. Please do contact the team at Chapters Financial in Guildford for your financial, pension and investment planning needs.
We look forward to working with you over the coming year ahead and beyond.
No individual advice is provided in the course of this blog.
Keith Churchouse FPFS
Director
CFP Chartered FCSI
Chartered Financial Planner
Chapters Financial Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, number 402899.
