Hi People,I'm about to start a new job with a tier 1.5(ish) consultancy and will be just into the 40% tax band. I was wondering if anyone had any tips to improve my quality of life versus that of the taxman. The bases I have covered already:- Pension contributions (but I only want to put in enough to get the matched contributions from my employer)- Buy extra holiday (reducing my overall salary, this should reduce the amount of money I pay 40% on)- Buy a bicycle through the tax free scheme (This is good in year one, but I don't know how many bikes I need).- I heard there might be a tax free computer scheme?Anymore ideas much appreciated.

Not sure what you are asking. Am I right in thinking you want to get out of the 40% tax bracket?? Seems odd since your gross salary will need to be lower.YOu might be on 40% tax but you only get taxed 40% on anything above the threshold, the rest is taxed at normal rate. So if you are only just into the 40% bracket you won't really notice the higher tax at all.......I wouldn't have thought anyway.

Hi Hmmmm,What I'm essentially asking is: are there any other ways to spend money pre-tax.The example with the bike, I get a benefit worth up to £500 to me. Since it doesn't attract tax or NI in real terms it only costs me up to £295.Are there any similar tax efficient spending schemes?

You could reduce the burden of Gordon by emigrating

Charity donations get full 40% relief.Or a SIPP contribution.