I am on permanent role with PAYE giving away almost half of my income, I cannot switch to a contract. Are there any reasonable/legitimate ways to keep a taxman happy for less?

You need an accountant, not a quant!Try and find ways to raise your lower earnings threshold (is there anything effecting this limit that you can choose to pay via self-assesment?). See if your employer has any known workarounds, like paying you a car allowance (supposed to be more tax efficient).Put any income which isn't from this employment into someone else's name.Increase your pension payments.Increase your charitable donations.

very difficult.

QuoteOriginally posted by: MHillYou need an accountant, not a quant!Can you recommend any good accountants' forum then?QuoteOriginally posted by: MHillTry and find ways to raise your lower earnings threshold (is there anything effecting this limit that you can choose to pay via self-assesment?). Any examples of what could it be? Or what to read?QuoteOriginally posted by: MHillSee if your employer has any known workarounds, like paying you a car allowance (supposed to be more tax efficient).I understand this will make employer's taxes more efficient, not my. I have to pay the same amount from "car allowance", I would be glad if you prove me wrong. Anyway, it is up to £6k or something like this, this will not change things dramatically.QuoteOriginally posted by: MHillPut any income which isn't from this employment into someone else's name.Salary is my only income at the moment.QuoteOriginally posted by: MHillIncrease your pension payments.That works but I will have no access to pension money until I am old enough.QuoteOriginally posted by: MHillIncrease your charitable donations.I do not want to look selfish or cynical but the primary goal is to improve my quality of life, not someone else's.

Fucking tax dodgers.

QuoteOriginally posted by: katastrofaFucking tax dodgers.It's the opposite in at least two ways:1. The government signals what it prefers its citizens to do (e.g., save for retirement, donate to charity) by offering a lower tax rate for the preferred behaviour.2. Or if you think that government is a kleptocratic institution, then tax avoidance is theft avoidance.

I have reported this thread to HMRC.

QuoteOriginally posted by: chewwyI have reported this thread to HMRC.My dear excessively concerned friend, I am asking whether there are LEGAL ways of paying less taxes to avoid doubts.One perfectly legal way is to work only a part of tax year and spend another part enjoying life. This way you effectively get paid for each day not at work at the end of tax year.Any more ideas? Of course, only legal ones, to make chewwy sleep well.

Legal as in "Put any income which isn't from this employment into someone else's name."?Oh dear.

QuoteOriginally posted by: katastrofaLegal as in "Put any income which isn't from this employment into someone else's name."?Oh dear.Well, I do not mind (and I am certainly not responsible) if anyone mentions not only legal ways in the thread I started. It is good to know what is better not to do.

" It is good to know what is better not to do."Yes. While we're at it, can someone explain me how to hack ATMs?Just so that I don't do it by mistake.

QuoteOriginally posted by: katastrofa" It is good to know what is better not to do."Yes. While we're at it, can someone explain me how to hack ATMs?Just so that I don't do it by mistake.You are very unlikely to do it by mistake which is unfortunately not the case for taxes.

QuoteOriginally posted by: ora600I am on permanent role with PAYE giving away almost half of my income, I cannot switch to a contract. Are there any reasonable/legitimate ways to keep a taxman happy for less?move to Asia

QuoteOriginally posted by: ora600I am on permanent role with PAYE giving away almost half of my income, I cannot switch to a contract. Are there any reasonable/legitimate ways to keep a taxman happy for less?Live with it, or become an escort to recover the loss.

QuoteOriginally posted by: katastrofaLegal as in "Put any income which isn't from this employment into someone else's name."?Oh dear.Like your wife, your mom in law, your mistress etc. Soon you will end with just a shirt and pair of boxers...