Fiscal drag and trying to reduce tax liability

Albermarle

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82029414#Comment_82029414

If you phone at 08.00 sharp when they open, you usually get through in 10 to 20 mins.

fizio

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82033671#Comment_82033671

I guess I don't really see the big deal in say earnings+interest etc totaling 52k versus 53k other than a few quid extra in tax. I used to think that if I earn 52k and had 2k interest then i would get the 1k interest allowance but i gather that the 2k is added to the 52k so even the 1k interest allowance doesnt work out. Same with cgt and dividend etc, they all get added to the income so really - all total income/earnings/etc has to be below 52k to stay basic - which really doesnt seem much of a motivation. Surely it’s better to pay 40% tax and get the other 60% than not? Obviously if you have a choice and don’t need the extra money then fair enough but it seems to be big deal to stay below the threshold when I am not sure it is. Though I could be wrong in my understating but having done self assessments, thats how I understand it to work