The single person's income tax allowance for the year to 5th April 2009/2010 is £6,475 (2008/2009 - £6,035). If your total income is less than this during the tax year then there's no tax to pay. Neither should you have to pay tax on interest on your savings. So if you're on a low income then your bank can provide you with Inland Revenue form R85 to apply for your interest to be paid gross.

Income tax bands 2008-2010

	2009-2010	2008-2009
Rate	Band (£)	Band (£)
Basic rate 20%	37,400	34,800
Higher rate 40%	Over 37,400	Over 34,800

The self-employed can claim business expenses against their income. So make sure you include all possible justifiable business expenses on your self-assessment form.

You may be able to pay further contributions to your pension, which can soak up some unused tax relief. One other point to remember, if one spouse is a tax payer and the other is not it is worth considering switching some investments to take advantage of their unused tax allowances.

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