HMRC believes that from April 2013 rebates of annual charges (such as loyalty bonuses) paid on funds held in nominee accounts, such as our Fund & Share Account, should be subject to income tax. Loyalty bonuses paid on funds in ISAs and SIPPs are unaffected, and they remain tax-free.

We believe all loyalty bonuses are tax-free and we are challenging HMRC's interpretation. However, while we make this challenge we are paying loyalty bonuses within the Fund & Share Account net of an amount equivalent to the basic rate tax. If we are successful in our challenge we will return this money to clients. If we are unsuccessful we will use the money to pay over any amounts due to HMRC.

If loyalty bonuses are taxable then the value of our ongoing saving to you could be reduced, depending on the rate of tax you pay. The below table gives an indication of how this may affect you.

In this case, the ongoing saving is 0.50%, of which 0.50% is paid by loyalty bonus. The tax that could be payable on this loyalty bonus, and therefore the value of this saving to you, is shown below.

Tax rules can change and benefits depend on individual circumstances. Please remember loyalty bonuses received on funds held in the ISA or SIPP are exempt from tax.

Also, loyalty bonuses received by overseas investors, companies and charities are not required to be paid with the deduction of tax. Therefore, if you are an overseas investor, or you represent a company or charity please let us know if you would like your loyalty bonuses paid without the deduction of an amount equivalent to the basic rate tax.