New Scottish Income Tax Rates
On 14th December 2017 the Scottish Government published its proposals for income tax rates and bands for 2018/19. The new rate structure will result in Scottish families paying less than similar families in the rest of the United Kingdom but they will still be paying more than comparable families in other countries. Families entitled to Universal Benefit gain less as the increase in income that results in the cut in income tax reduces Universal Credit.
The Scottish Government has published it proposals for income tax rates and bands in 2018/19. The new rates and bands are set out below:
Band name Band Rate
Starter rate Over £11,850-£13,850 19%
Basic Rate Over £13,850-£24,000 20%
Intermediate Rate Over £24,000-£44,273 21%
Higher Rate Over £44,273-£150,000 41%
Top Rate Over £150,000 46%
The tax threshold set by the UK Parliament is to increase from £11,500 to £11,850.
Families currently paying basic rate tax (families with incomes below £44,000) will find that their income tax bill is slightly lower than in 2017/18. Families currently liable to higher rate tax will pay more. Families paying less income tax are still likely to be paying more than comparable families in other OECD countries (see international comparisons page). Those entitled to Universal Credit will benefit less as their higher net of tax income will reduce Universal Credit. This will also be the case for families claiming Housing Benefit.
The table below compares the tax payable in 2017/18 and 2018/19 both single parent and couple households. To enable international comparisons to be made the first thee income points are 50%, 75% and 100% of the average wage as calculated by OECD for 2016/17.
Family Type £18,285 £27,428 £36,571 £44,000 £50,000
2017/18
Single parent £1,357 £3,186 £5,014 £6,700 £10,700
Couple family[1] £1,127 £2,956 £4,784 £6,700 £10,700
2018/19
Single Parent £1,223 £2,960 £4,731 £6.702 £10,801
Couple Family £ 985 £2,722 £4,493 £6,702 £10,801
Income tax change
Single Parent - £134 -£226 -£283 +£2 +£102
Couple Family -£142 -£234 -£291 +£2 +£102
Gain if Universal Credit or Housing Benefit applies
Single Parent £47 £79 £99
Couple Family £50 £82 £102
[1] One earner marriage allowance claimed where appropriate.