When it comes to the spelling of "personal allowance," it's important to note that the pronunciation of the word influences the spelling. The IPA phonetic transcription for "personal allowance" is /ˈpəːs(ə)nəl əˈlaʊəns/. The second syllable of "allowance," represented by the phoneme /əʊ/, is pronounced with a long "o" sound. It's important to remember this as it differs from another commonly misspelled word, "alliance," which has the phonetic transcription /əˈlʌɪəns/ and a shorter "a" sound.
Personal allowance refers to the amount of income that an individual is permitted to earn before they become liable to pay income tax. This allowance is set by the government and is typically reviewed and adjusted annually. It is an important aspect of the tax system as it ensures that individuals with lower incomes are not burdened with the same tax responsibilities as those earning larger sums.
The personal allowance is designed to provide individuals with a certain degree of financial freedom, allowing them to earn a specific amount of income each year without having to pay tax on it. This tax-free allowance is subtracted from an individual's total income, effectively reducing the income that is subject to taxation.
The specific amount of personal allowance can vary depending on factors such as an individual's age, marital status, and overall income level. For example, in some jurisdictions, individuals over a certain age may be entitled to a higher personal allowance. Similarly, if an individual earns above a certain threshold, the personal allowance may be reduced or even eliminated.
The personal allowance is an essential element of tax planning, as it allows individuals to make better financial decisions and manage their income more effectively. By understanding and utilizing their personal allowance effectively, individuals can optimize their earnings and reduce their overall tax liability.
The term "personal allowance" does not have a clear etymology by itself, as it is a combination of two separate words: "personal" and "allowance".
- "Personal" originates from the Latin word "personalis", which means "pertaining to a person". It entered English in the mid-17th century and is commonly used to refer to things related to an individual or their private life.
- "Allowance" has its roots in the Old French word "alouance", which means "approval" or "permission". It ultimately comes from the Latin word "allaudare", which means "to praise". In English, "allowance" generally refers to a sum of money allocated or granted regularly for a specific purpose.
When combined, "personal allowance" typically refers to the amount of money an individual is permitted to earn or receive without having to pay tax on it.