Spring 2011 Newsletter Content Leading article... Anything up his sleeve? General tax... Relaxed association File under 'e' Research costs? Give early A tax on houses Pension changes Holiday entitlement EISy money VAT... 20:20 vision Horses for courses? Do it yourself That's entertainment All in the contract? Where am I? Law items... What's in a title? The privileged few Called to account Don't mince words

Give early When the basic rate of income tax was cut from 22% to 20% on 6 April 2008, charities protested that they would end up with less money from Gift Aid relief – they can claim back the basic rate paid on a donation, and that fell from 22/78 to 20/80. To compensate them, the Government provided for a 2% supplement to be paid on donations up to 5 April 2011. If you are thinking of being charitable around the end of this tax year, the charity will thank you for giving before that date. The effect on the giver is different – if you are a 40% taxpayer in one year and a 50% taxpayer in the other, you will save more tax if you make your gift when your income is higher.