Commentary on Sections Overview Overview Section 27: Order of deducting tax reductions: individuals
115.This section provides rules about the order in which tax reductions are to be given for individuals. It is based on many provisions in the source legislation.
116.In the source legislation, many of the provisions dealing with tax reductions contain rules which specify how that reduction interacts with other tax reductions. These rules, so far as they relate to individuals, are brought together in subsections (4) to (6).
117.But those rules are not comprehensive. As well as bringing the existing rules together into one place, the section introduces a new rule in subsections (2) and (3) providing that, subject to the following subsections, the reductions are allowed in the way that gives the greatest reduction in liability for the year. See Change 4 in Annex 1.
118.Subsections (4) and (5) list those provisions where rules setting out some priority are contained in the source legislation. Subject to the point mentioned in the next paragraph, the provisions are listed in the order in which the source rules require the reliefs to be allowed. If any other reduction (except double taxation relief) is due then it may be allowed at whatever stage (before or after any of the provisions in subsection (5)) gives the maximum reduction.
119.It is clear from section 256 of ICTA that reductions under Chapter 1 of Part 7 of ICTA are given after all other reductions (except double taxation relief), but no order of priority between the two reductions within that Chapter is given. Since the reduction for married couples and civil partners is transferable whereas the reduction under section 273 of ICTA is not, it will always be beneficial if any reduction under section 273 of ICTA comes first. Subsection (5) reflects this. See Change 4 in Annex 1.