Bonus deferral: Pitfalls for the unwary

The UK's additional rate of tax, which applies to individuals's taxable income above £150,000 ($237,000), will be reduced from 50% to 45% from April 6 2013. As no anti-forestalling measures have yet been announced, some employers are considering deferring bonuses that may otherwise be paid this tax year until on or after April 6 2013. There are several tax issues, and wider reputational issues, to be considered.