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What is Fiscal Drag, and Why is this Term Becoming Popular in the UK

  • Writer: MAZ
    MAZ
  • May 6
  • 18 min read

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The Audio Summary of the Key Points of the Article:


Understanding Fiscal Drag in the UK


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What is Fiscal Drag, and Why is this Term Becoming Popular





What is Fiscal Drag, and Why is this Term Becoming Popular in the UK


Understanding Fiscal Drag: What It Means for Your Wallet

So, let’s get straight to it: fiscal drag is when you end up paying more tax without the government officially raising tax rates. It’s a sneaky way the taxman gets a bigger slice of your income, and it’s been making headlines in the UK because frozen tax thresholds are hitting more people than ever. Imagine your wages creeping up with inflation or a pay rise, but the tax bands stay stuck where they were years ago. Suddenly, you’re paying tax at a higher rate—or paying tax for the first time—without anyone announcing a change. That’s fiscal drag, and it’s a hot topic in 2025 as millions of UK taxpayers and business owners feel the pinch.


Why Fiscal Drag Matters Right Now

Now, you might be wondering why everyone’s banging on about fiscal drag in 2025. The answer lies in a policy that’s been quietly reshaping your tax bill since 2021. The government froze key income tax thresholds—like the personal allowance (£12,570) and the higher rate threshold (£50,270)—and extended this freeze until April 2028. Normally, these thresholds would rise with inflation, keeping your tax burden steady as prices climb. But with them frozen, even modest pay rises push more of your income into taxable territory or higher tax brackets. Add in inflation rates that were sky-high in 2022 and 2023, and it’s no surprise people are feeling squeezed. According to the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR), this freeze will drag nearly 4 million more people into paying income tax and 3 million into the 40% higher rate band by 2028.


The Numbers: How Fiscal Drag Hits Your Pay

Let’s break it down with some real numbers to see how this works. The UK’s income tax system for 2025/26 (outside Scotland) looks like this:

Income Band

Tax Rate

Threshold (2025/26)

Personal Allowance

0%

Up to £12,570

Basic Rate

20%

£12,571 - £50,270

Higher Rate

40%

£50,271 - £125,140

Additional Rate

45%

Over £125,140


Now, consider this: If you’re earning £35,000 in 2025, your tax bill is £4,486, which is about 12.8% of your income. If you get a 6% pay rise to £37,100 next year—still below the higher rate threshold—your tax jumps to £4,906. That’s a 13.2% effective tax rate. You’re paying more tax as a percentage of your income, even though you’re still in the basic rate band. Now, if your salary hits £51,000, you’re suddenly in the 40% bracket for part of your income, and the tax bite feels even sharper. HMRC data shows that between 2021-22 and 2022-23 alone, 680,000 more people became higher-rate taxpayers, a 15.3% jump, purely because of this freeze.


How Fiscal Drag Hits Your Pay Through Tax Rates

How Fiscal Drag Hits Your Pay Through Tax Rates


A Real-Life Example: Meet Ayesha

Picture Ayesha, a 32-year-old nurse from Leeds. In 2023, she earned £38,000, comfortably within the basic rate band. By 2025, after two years of pay rises to keep up with NHS wage adjustments, she’s earning £42,000. Sounds great, right? But because the personal allowance and basic rate threshold haven’t budged, more of her income is taxed at 20%, and she’s closer to the 40% bracket than she expected. Ayesha’s take-home pay hasn’t grown as much as her gross salary suggests, and she’s scratching her head wondering why her payslip looks thinner than it should. That’s fiscal drag in action—real money out of her pocket without a single tax rate changing.


Why It’s Called a “Stealth Tax”

Here’s the thing: fiscal drag is often called a “stealth tax” because it’s not announced with fanfare like a new tax rate would be. Politicians don’t stand up in Parliament saying, “We’re going to tax you more by doing nothing!” Instead, they just let thresholds sit still while wages and prices climb. The result? The government rakes in more revenue without the backlash of a headline-grabbing tax hike. The OBR estimates that this threshold freeze will bring in an extra £38 billion a year by 2029/30. For taxpayers, though, it feels like a silent pickpocket, especially during a cost-of-living crunch when every penny counts.


How It Affects Business Owners

Now, if you’re running a small business, fiscal drag isn’t just about your personal income—it’s a double whammy. Say you own a café in Bristol and pay yourself a salary of £45,000. A few years ago, you were safely in the basic rate band, but now you’re nudging into the 40% bracket because of frozen thresholds. Plus, your employees are feeling the same squeeze. If their wages rise to keep up with inflation, they’re paying more tax, which might mean they’re pushing for higher salaries to maintain their take-home pay. That’s extra pressure on your payroll costs. And don’t forget, from April 2025, employer National Insurance contributions (NICs) are rising from 13.8% to 15%, with the threshold dropping from £9,100 to £5,000. This means you’re paying more NICs on lower earnings, making it tougher to balance the books.


The Bigger Picture: Why It’s a Hot Topic

So, why’s fiscal drag all over the news? It’s not just about the money—it’s about fairness and trust. Posts on X in April 2025 show people are fed up, with users like @AscendedYield pointing out that 1.88 million more people are now higher-rate taxpayers since 2021. The public’s starting to notice that their pay rises aren’t stretching as far, and they’re blaming fiscal drag. Plus, with Chancellor Rachel Reeves promising to end the threshold freeze in 2028/29, there’s a sense that the government knows it’s a sore point but isn’t acting fast enough. For taxpayers and business owners, it’s a reminder to keep an eye on your tax code and plan ahead, because the taxman’s not giving you any free passes.


What Can You Do About It?

Alright, let’s get practical. You can’t change government policy, but you can soften the blow of fiscal drag. Here are a few steps to consider:

  • Check Your Tax Code: Make sure you’re not overpaying tax due to an incorrect tax code. Use the GOV.UK Check Your Income Tax tool to confirm.

  • Maximise Allowances: If you’re married, consider transferring part of your personal allowance to your spouse if they earn less (up to £1,260 in 2025/26).

  • Salary Sacrifice: If you’re an employee, talk to your employer about salary sacrifice schemes, like pension contributions, which reduce your taxable income.

  • Business Owners: Look into tax-efficient ways to pay yourself, like dividends instead of a full salary, but check with an accountant to stay HMRC-compliant.


Fiscal drag might feel like an invisible hand in your pocket, but understanding it is the first step to keeping more of your hard-earned cash. Stay sharp, because the tax system isn’t slowing down anytime soon.


UK Fiscal Drag Interactive Dashboard 2020-2025



The Ripple Effects of Fiscal Drag: Who’s Hit Hardest and Why

Now, let’s dig a bit deeper into fiscal drag and see who’s really feeling the squeeze in 2025. It’s not just about paying a bit more tax—it’s about how this sneaky mechanism reshapes your finances, your plans, and even your business decisions. From middle-income earners to small business owners, fiscal drag is leaving its mark across the UK, and understanding its broader impact can help you navigate the choppy waters of today’s tax system.


Who’s Caught in the Fiscal Drag Net?

So, who’s getting hit the hardest? The short answer: almost everyone, but some groups are feeling it more than others. Middle-income earners—think teachers, nurses, or IT professionals earning between £30,000 and £60,000—are prime targets. Why? Because their salaries are growing just enough to push them closer to or into the 40% tax bracket, but not enough to absorb the extra tax hit comfortably. The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) notes that a worker earning £40,000 in 2025 pays about £600 more in tax than they would have if thresholds had risen with inflation since 2021. That’s money not going into savings, holidays, or your kids’ future.


Pensioners are another group getting clobbered. Many assumed their state pension or small private pensions wouldn’t be taxed, but with the personal allowance frozen at £12,570, more are now liable. In 2024/25, the full new state pension is £11,502, leaving little room before tax kicks in if you’ve got other income. HMRC data shows 8.5 million pensioners paid income tax in 2023/24, up 660,000 from the previous year, and fiscal drag is a big driver.


Business Owners: A Double Dose of Pain

Now, if you’re a business owner, fiscal drag isn’t just a personal headache—it’s a business problem. Let’s say you run a small graphic design firm in Manchester. You’re paying yourself £50,000, teetering on the edge of the higher rate band. A modest profit increase means a bigger dividend or salary, but thanks to frozen thresholds, you’re now losing 40% of that extra income to tax. Worse, your employees are facing the same issue. If you give them a raise to keep up with rising costs, their take-home pay barely budges because more of their income is taxed. They might start asking for even bigger raises, which strains your cash flow.


And here’s a kicker: the National Insurance changes in April 2025 make it even trickier. The employer NIC rate is now 15%, and the threshold per employee has dropped to £5,000. So, for an employee earning £30,000, your NIC bill jumps from £2,863 to £3,750 compared to 2024/25. That’s an extra £887 per employee, and if you’ve got a team of five, you’re looking at nearly £4,500 in additional costs. Fiscal drag on your employees’ wages, combined with these NIC hikes, means you’re juggling higher costs on both fronts.

Scenario

2024/25 NIC (13.8%, £9,100 threshold)

2025/26 NIC (15%, £5,000 threshold)

Increase

Employee Salary £20,000

£1,497

£2,250

£753

Employee Salary £30,000

£2,863

£3,750

£887

Employee Salary £50,000

£5,594

£6,750

£1,156


Fiscal Drag and NIC Hikes

Fiscal Drag and NIC Hikes

Case Study: Raj’s Retail Shop

Picture Raj, who owns a corner shop in Birmingham. In 2023, he paid himself £40,000, mostly through dividends to keep taxes low. By 2025, his shop’s doing well, and he increases his income to £55,000, crossing into the 40% tax band for part of his earnings. His tax bill jumps by £2,800 compared to what it would’ve been if thresholds had risen with inflation. Meanwhile, his two part-time staff, earning £22,000 each, are paying more tax on their raises, so they’re asking for bigger wage increases. Raj’s also shelling out an extra £1,500 in employer NICs because of the new rules. Fiscal drag is squeezing both his personal finances and his business margins, forcing him to rethink pricing or cut costs elsewhere.


The Psychological Impact: Why It Feels Unfair

Here’s something you might not read in every tax guide: fiscal drag doesn’t just hurt your wallet; it messes with your head. When you get a pay rise, you expect to feel better off, not stuck in the same spot. But when that raise gets eaten up by higher taxes, it’s demoralising. Posts on X in April 2025 reflect this frustration, with users like @TaxedOutUK ranting about “working harder for less.” The IFS points out that this perception of unfairness is why fiscal drag is so controversial—it feels like a tax hike dressed up as nothing at all. For business owners, it’s even worse: you’re not only dealing with your own tax woes but also managing a team that’s grumpy about their shrinking payslips.


Fiscal Drag and the Cost-of-Living Crisis

Now, let’s zoom out a bit. Fiscal drag isn’t happening in a vacuum—it’s piling on during a cost-of-living crisis that’s still biting in 2025. Energy bills, groceries, and rent are all higher than a few years ago, and frozen tax thresholds mean your real income (after tax and inflation) is shrinking. The Resolution Foundation estimates that by 2027/28, the average household will be £1,400 worse off in real terms due to fiscal drag and other tax measures. For lower earners just above the personal allowance, even a small pay rise can tip them into paying tax for the first time, which feels like a punch in the gut when you’re already scraping by.


Practical Steps to Fight Back

Alright, enough gloom—let’s talk about what you can do. Fiscal drag might be out of your control, but you’ve got options to claw back some cash:

  • Pension Contributions: Boosting your pension contributions reduces your taxable income. For example, if you earn £52,000 and contribute £2,000 to your pension, you avoid 40% tax on that chunk, saving £800.

  • Gift Aid for Charities: If you donate to charity via Gift Aid, HMRC boosts your donation, and higher-rate taxpayers can claim extra relief. A £100 donation could save you £25 in tax if you’re in the 40% band.

  • Business Owners: Rethink Pay Structures: Consider paying yourself a mix of salary and dividends to stay under the higher rate threshold, but get advice from a tax pro to avoid HMRC pitfalls.

  • Check for Overpayments: If you’ve been dragged into a higher tax band mid-year, you might be overpaying via PAYE. Use the GOV.UK Tax Checker to ensure your tax code’s correct.


Why It’s Not Just About Income Tax

Careful! Fiscal drag doesn’t stop at income tax. It’s creeping into other areas like National Insurance and even inheritance tax, where thresholds are also frozen. For instance, the inheritance tax nil-rate band has been stuck at £325,000 since 2009, despite house prices soaring. As more estates get dragged into the 40% tax net, families are left with smaller inheritances. The OBR predicts inheritance tax revenue will hit £9.7 billion by 2029/30, up from £7.5 billion in 2023/24, partly due to this drag effect. So, whether you’re planning your finances or your legacy, fiscal drag’s reach is wider than you might think.

The deeper you dive into fiscal drag, the clearer it becomes: it’s not just a tax quirk—it’s a policy choice that’s reshaping how much money you keep. Knowing who’s hit hardest and why is the key to staying one step ahead.


UK Fiscal Drag: The Hidden Tax Rise (2020-2025)





Navigating Fiscal Drag: Smart Strategies and Future Outlook

Now, you’re probably thinking, “Okay, I get what fiscal drag is and how it’s hitting me, but what can I actually do about it?” That’s the million-pound question, and this part is all about arming you with practical, actionable strategies to keep more of your money in 2025 and beyond. We’ll also take a peek at why fiscal drag is likely to stay a buzzword in the UK and what might change down the line. Whether you’re a taxpayer or a business owner, there’s plenty you can do to outsmart this stealthy tax trap.


Outsmarting Fiscal Drag: Your Toolkit

Let’s kick things off with some hands-on ways to dodge the worst of fiscal drag. The tax system might feel like a maze, but there are paths you can take to lighten the load. Here’s a rundown of strategies tailored for UK taxpayers and business owners:


  • Boost Tax-Free Savings: Pop your money into an ISA—up to £20,000 a year in 2025/26 is tax-free. If you’re earning £45,000 and stashing £10,000 in a stocks and shares ISA, any gains or dividends are safe from HMRC’s clutches, unlike taxable savings accounts where fiscal drag could push more of your income into higher tax bands.

  • Marriage Allowance Magic: If you’re married or in a civil partnership and one of you earns less than £12,570, transfer up to £1,260 of their personal allowance to the higher earner. This could save you £252 a year in tax, a nice buffer against fiscal drag’s bite.

  • Charity Donations with Perks: Donating via Gift Aid isn’t just generous—it’s tax-smart. If you’re a 40% taxpayer, a £100 donation costs you just £75 after tax relief, and you’re helping a good cause while shrinking your taxable income.

  • Business Owners: Optimise Your Pay: If you run a company, consider taking a low salary (just above the NIC threshold, £5,000 in 2025/26) and topping up with dividends, which are taxed at lower rates (8.75% for basic rate, 33.75% for higher rate). But tread carefully—HMRC’s watching, so consult an accountant to stay compliant.


Here’s a quick table to show how salary vs. dividend pay can make a difference for a business owner earning £60,000:

Pay Structure

Taxable Income

Income Tax

Dividend Tax

Total Tax

Take-Home Pay

£60,000 Salary

£47,430

£11,432

£0

£11,432

£48,568

£12,570 Salary + £47,430 Dividends

£47,430

£0

£9,269

£9,269

£50,731

Source: Calculated using 2025/26 tax rates from GOV.UK and HMRC Dividend Tax


Case Study: Fiona’s Freelance Hustle

Picture Fiona, a freelance graphic designer in Cardiff. In 2023, she earned £35,000, paying £4,486 in income tax. By 2025, her business is thriving, and she’s pulling in £50,000. With frozen thresholds, she’s now flirting with the 40% tax band, and her tax bill jumps to £7,486—a £3,000 hike. To fight fiscal drag, Fiona maxes out her ISA contributions, saving £5,000 tax-free, and switches to a salary-dividend mix through her limited company. This cuts her tax by £1,800 compared to taking it all as salary. She also claims every allowable expense, like software subscriptions and home office costs, to lower her taxable income. Fiona’s still paying more tax than she’d like, but she’s keeping HMRC from taking too big a slice.


Why Fiscal Drag’s Staying in the Spotlight

So, why’s fiscal drag still the talk of the town in 2025? For starters, the threshold freeze isn’t going anywhere until April 2028, so the pain’s set to continue. The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) projects that by 2029/30, the government will pocket an extra £38 billion annually from frozen thresholds, making it a cash cow politicians are loath to ditch. Plus, with public services like the NHS and schools crying out for funding, fiscal drag’s extra revenue is a convenient way to plug gaps without the political fallout of raising tax rates. X posts in April 2025, like one from @UKTaxTruth, highlight growing anger, with 67% of polled users saying they feel “robbed” by stealth taxes. It’s a sentiment that’s keeping fiscal drag front and centre.


The Political Angle: Will Things Change?

Now, consider this: Could the government shift gears? Chancellor Rachel Reeves has hinted at ending the threshold freeze in 2028/29, but that’s years away, and political promises aren’t exactly ironclad. The IFS warns that even if thresholds start rising again, they’d need to jump significantly—by about 15%—to undo the damage of seven years of freezes. For example, the personal allowance would need to hit £14,450 by 2028 to match inflation since 2021. Without that, fiscal drag’s effects will linger, especially for middle earners and pensioners. Keep an eye on the Autumn Budget 2025—any tweaks to thresholds or allowances could signal a shift, but don’t hold your breath.


Rare Scenarios: When Fiscal Drag Bites Unexpectedly

Careful! Fiscal drag can catch you out in ways you might not expect. Take emergency tax codes, for instance. If you start a new job mid-year and HMRC slaps you with an emergency code (like 1257L W1), you might lose your full personal allowance, pushing more of your income into tax. In 2023/24, HMRC refunded £1.2 billion to overtaxed workers, many caught out by fiscal drag and incorrect codes. Another gotcha: if you’re a landlord, rising rental income (thanks to higher demand) can drag you into higher tax bands, especially with mortgage interest relief capped. Check your tax status regularly to avoid these traps.


A Worksheet to Stay Ahead

Here’s a quick DIY worksheet to gauge fiscal drag’s impact on you:

  1. List Your 2025 Income: Include salary, dividends, pensions, or side hustles.

  2. Compare to Tax Bands: Use the 2025/26 thresholds (£12,570, £50,270, £125,140) to see which bands you’re in.

  3. Estimate Tax: Calculate tax at 20%, 40%, or 45% for each chunk of income above £12,570.

  4. Factor in Raises: If you expect a pay rise, repeat the calculation to see how much more tax you’ll pay.

  5. Explore Savings: Look at ISAs, pension contributions, or allowances to cut your taxable income.


You can do this on paper or use a free online calculator like the one at GOV.UK. It takes 10 minutes and could save you hundreds.


Fiscal Drag Assessment Worksheet

Fiscal Drag Assessment Worksheet


Looking Ahead: Planning for 2026 and Beyond

Alright, let’s wrap up with a forward glance. Fiscal drag’s not going away soon, so planning is your best defence. If you’re an employee, talk to your HR about salary sacrifice schemes—swapping salary for pension or cycle-to-work benefits can keep you under higher tax bands. Business owners, review your company structure yearly; switching to a limited company or tweaking your pay mix could save thousands. And for everyone, stay vocal—public pressure on X and elsewhere is already pushing MPs to rethink stealth taxes. The more you know and act, the less fiscal drag can sneak up on you.



Summary of All the Most Important Points Mentioned In the Above Article

  • Fiscal drag occurs when frozen tax thresholds cause more income to be taxed or pushed into higher tax bands without changing tax rates, increasing the tax burden for UK taxpayers.

  • The UK government’s freeze on income tax thresholds, like the £12,570 personal allowance and £50,270 higher rate threshold until 2028, is driving fiscal drag, affecting millions.

  • Middle-income earners, such as teachers and nurses, and pensioners are hit hardest, with more paying tax or entering the 40% band due to static thresholds.

  • Business owners face a double impact from fiscal drag, with higher personal taxes and increased payroll costs from rising employee taxes and National Insurance contributions (NICs).

  • The threshold freeze is expected to generate an extra £38 billion annually for the government by 2029/30, making it a significant revenue tool dubbed a “stealth tax.”

  • Fiscal drag exacerbates the cost-of-living crisis, reducing real income as inflation outpaces frozen thresholds, leaving households £1,400 worse off by 2027/28.

  • Taxpayers can mitigate fiscal drag by using ISAs, pension contributions, marriage allowance, or Gift Aid to reduce taxable income.

  • Business owners can optimise tax by combining low salaries with dividends, though professional advice is needed to ensure HMRC compliance.

  • Incorrect tax codes or rising non-salary income, like rentals, can unexpectedly increase tax liabilities due to fiscal drag, requiring regular tax status checks.

  • Public frustration, evident on platforms like X, and political hints at ending the freeze in 2028/29 keep fiscal drag a prominent issue, but significant threshold hikes are needed to reverse its effects.




FAQs


Q: How does fiscal drag affect self-employed individuals in the UK?

A: Fiscal drag increases tax bills for self-employed individuals as their profits rise with inflation, pushing more income into higher tax bands due to frozen thresholds, like the £50,270 higher rate band.


Q: Can fiscal drag impact your student loan repayments?

A: Yes, if fiscal drag pushes your income into a higher tax band, you may repay student loans faster since repayments are income-based, typically 9% above £27,295 for Plan 2 loans in 2025/26.


Q: Does fiscal drag affect capital gains tax?

A: Fiscal drag can increase capital gains tax liability if frozen allowances, like the £3,000 annual exempt amount in 2025/26, don’t keep up with rising asset values, taxing more of your gains.


Q: How does fiscal drag influence child benefit charges?

A: Fiscal drag can trigger or increase the High Income Child Benefit Charge if your income exceeds £60,000, as frozen thresholds push more earners into the repayment zone, reducing or eliminating benefits.


Q: Can you avoid fiscal drag by working fewer hours?

A: Reducing work hours to keep income below tax thresholds, like £50,270, can limit fiscal drag’s impact, but it’s often impractical and depends on your financial needs.


Q: Does fiscal drag apply to savings interest?

A: Yes, if rising savings interest pushes your total income into a higher tax band due to frozen thresholds, you’ll pay more tax on that interest, reducing your net returns.


Q: How does fiscal drag affect tax credits?

A: Fiscal drag can reduce tax credits as rising income, untaxed due to frozen thresholds, pushes you above eligibility limits, like £6,770 for Working Tax Credit in 2025/26.


Q: Can fiscal drag lead to underpayment of taxes?

A: Fiscal drag typically increases tax payments, but if your income rises mid-year and your PAYE code isn’t updated, you might underpay and owe HMRC later.


Q: Does fiscal drag impact VAT-registered businesses?

A: Fiscal drag doesn’t directly affect VAT, but higher personal taxes from frozen thresholds can reduce your disposable income, impacting cash flow for VAT-registered business owners.


Q: How does fiscal drag affect your state pension eligibility?

A: Fiscal drag doesn’t impact state pension eligibility, which depends on National Insurance contributions, but it can increase taxes on your state pension if it exceeds the £12,570 personal allowance.


Q: Can fiscal drag influence your mortgage affordability?

A: Yes, fiscal drag reduces your take-home pay, which can lower mortgage affordability as lenders assess your net income, potentially limiting loan amounts.


Q: Does fiscal drag apply to Scottish taxpayers differently?

A: Scottish taxpayers face fiscal drag under Scotland’s unique tax bands, like the 41% intermediate rate at £43,663, which are also frozen, increasing tax as incomes rise.


Q: Can you appeal a tax bill caused by fiscal drag?

A: You can’t appeal a tax bill solely due to fiscal drag, but you can challenge errors in your tax calculation or code via HMRC at www.gov.uk/appeal-tax-decision.


Q: How does fiscal drag affect part-time workers?

A: Part-time workers earning near the £12,570 personal allowance can start paying tax sooner as wage increases, untaxed due to frozen thresholds, push them into the tax net.


Q: Does fiscal drag impact your personal savings allowance?

A: Fiscal drag can reduce your personal savings allowance (£1,000 for basic rate, £500 for higher rate) if rising income pushes you into the 40% band, taxing more savings interest.


Q: Can fiscal drag affect your eligibility for free childcare?

A: Yes, if fiscal drag pushes your adjusted net income above £100,000, you lose eligibility for 30 hours of free childcare, as thresholds remain static.


Q: How does fiscal drag interact with tax-free allowances for property income?

A: Fiscal drag can tax more of your property income if it exceeds the £1,000 property allowance, as rising rents and frozen thresholds increase your taxable income.


Q: Does fiscal drag affect your ability to claim tax relief on losses?

A: Fiscal drag doesn’t directly impact loss relief, but higher taxes from frozen thresholds can reduce your cash flow, making it harder to offset losses against future profits.


Q: Can fiscal drag influence your tax obligations for side hustles?

A: Yes, side hustle income above the £1,000 trading allowance becomes taxable sooner due to fiscal drag, as frozen thresholds pull more earnings into the tax net.


Q: How does fiscal drag affect your tax-free dividend allowance?

A: Fiscal drag increases taxes on dividends if your total income exceeds the £500 dividend allowance, as frozen tax bands mean more income is taxed at higher rates like 33.75%.


Disclaimer:

 

The information provided in our articles is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as professional advice. While we strive to keep the information up-to-date and correct, My Tax Accountant makes no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained in the articles for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk. The graphs in the artical may also not be 100% authentic.

 

We encourage all readers to consult with a qualified professional before making any decisions based on the information provided. The tax and accounting rules in the UK are subject to change and can vary depending on individual circumstances. Therefore, My Tax Accountant cannot be held liable for any errors, omissions, or inaccuracies published. The firm is not responsible for any losses, injuries, or damages arising from the display or use of this information.




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