BUDGET REPORT
9 MARCH 1999
INCOME TAX AND PERSONAL SAVINGS
INCOME TAX RATES
The Chancellor announced that a new 1 Op rate of tax will be introduced
for the new tax year. This will be followed, in April 2000, with a reduction
in the basic rate of income tax from 23% to 22%
Rates for 1999/2000 are:
1999/00 1998/99
Lower rate band to £1,500 £4,300
Tax rate 10% 20%
Basic
rate band - next £26,500
£22,800
Normal
rate 23% 23%
Savings
income rate 20% 20%
Higher
rate band - over £28,000
£27,100
Tax rate 40% 40%
PERSONAL ALLOWANCES
Married Couples Allowance will be abolished with effect from 6 April
2000 for those under 65. MCA at the higher rates will be retained for
those couples in which at least one spouse is aged 65 or more on or before
5 April 2000.
Other reliefs linked to the MCA will also be abolished with effect
from 6 April 2000, with the exception of relief for certain maintenance payments.
Rates announced for 1999/2000 are as follows:
1999/00 1998/99
Allowances that reduce taxable income
Personal allowance - under
65 4,335 4,195
-65 to 74 5,720 5,410
-75 and over 5,980 5,600
Allowances that reduce tax
Married couple's allowance
Tax reduction -under 65 197.00 285.00
-65 to 74 512.50 495.75
-75andover 519.50 501.75
MORTGAGE INTEREST RELIEF
As expected, the Chancellor confirmed that tax relief on mortgage interest
payments will be withdrawn with effect from 6 April 2000.

