Last week's budget has a number of implications for current learners and those recently qualified. If you are part way through your studies with the CII, you should be aware that changes for tax year 24/25 won't be tested until the new syllabus year which kicks off on 1st Sept 24. It's worth having a think about where you may be in your studies at this point to understand how the budget changes will impact you. NOTE: We expect R04 to change considerably. By way of a heads up, here are some of the highlights from the budget that we have drawn together... Increase in the VAT registration threshold from £85,000 to £90,000 (this will take tens of thousands of small businesses out of VAT altogether). Introduction of new ‘British’ investment products in the NS&I British Bond and a new British ISA, the latter of which will have a separate £5,000 annual ISA allowance on top of your existing £20,000 but can only be invested in UK equities. Furnished Holiday Letting Relief – abolished!  SDLT multiple dwellings relief – abolished! CGT higher rate on selling 2nd properties reduced from 28% to 24% (still no mention of whether the basic rate has also been reduced). Non-Dom status – to be abolished from April 2025 and replaced with a residency-based approach.  Child Benefit – Thresholds increasing for the ta charge from £50k-£60k, to £60k-£80k, meaning that 170,000 more families will not pay the tax charge on child benefit.  Long term plan is to move to a household income related threshold  NICs for employees down to 8% from 10% (and down from 12% last year).  Class 4 NICs down to 6% from 8%.  Long-term plan under this government seems to be to gradually remove NICs completely (not sure what this will mean for state pension entitlement!). On top of what was announced, the other changes already mentioned will take effect, notably: Reduction in CGT exemption from £6,000 to £3,000 Reduction in Dividend Allowance from £1,000 to £500 Complete abolishment of Lifetime Allowance, replaced with separate lump sum allowances for death benefits/PCLS/ill-health and overseas pension transfers.

Morning all (well it is at the time i'm writing this!) One of the the things i get asked the most about professional qualification study is how long it will take to study for an exam. Examining bodies, like the CII, will give you a recommended study hours number but for many that's half the story and there are a number of factors to take into account.  These can be... Home life commitments - we all have these! Busy periods in your day job or Uni Planned trips The study environment you can cultivate for yourself Your personal mindset and goals Whether you are part of a study group or learning academy And many more. One thing's for sure, you should scope this out before you start and be realistic about how you will fit study in with other commitments - NOTE: Generally, cramming doesn't work for students! What are your top tips in this area?