It is expected that in the coming months, a growing number of people will be affected by fiscal drag.
Fiscal drag is the phenomenon where taxpayers are pushed into higher tax brackets due to wage increases as they keep pace with inflation.
With the UK Government freezing most tax bands until 2028, and reducing the threshold on the additional marginal rate, fiscal drag can have a significant impact on the finances of people across different income levels.
Rising inflation
Due to rising inflation and to some degree economic growth, wages have risen from £406 a week to £533 on a median basis over the last ten years, according to Money Week.
It also reported that pay in the private sector, excluding bonuses, rose 6.5 per cent from November 2022 to January 2023.
While these rises may be good news, in reality, they are being eroded by spiralling inflation, higher interest rates and increased tax bills.
Increased tax bills
According to Money Week, those earning £15,000, £20,000 and £30,000 will see their income rise by 21 per cent, but their tax bills will increase by 106 per cent, 50 per cent and 32 per cent respectively.
High earners paid over £50,000 are expected to see a 21 per cent increase in wages and a 35 per cent increase in their personal tax bill – an additional cost of £1,905.
To avoid fiscal drag, people should carefully manage their income to take advantage of tax reliefs, allowances and tax-efficient investments.
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