Inheritance Tax
In a significant shift announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves, inherited pensions will become subject to Inheritance Tax (IHT) from April 2027. This marks a departure from previous rules where pensions were excluded from IHT calculations. Currently, pensions are usually passed on tax-free if you die under the age of 75 – or taxed at the beneficiaries’ marginal rate of Income Tax if you die over 75 – but in most cases, pensions don’t attract IHT.
This announcement is expected to impact roughly 8% of estates annually, as those who have saved heavily in pensions to lower their IHT liabilities may now face new tax burdens.
Additionally, the IHT tax-free threshold remains frozen at £325,000 (your property, money and possessions) until 2030. If your assets include the family home that you’re giving away to children or grandchildren, you also receive up to a £175,000 residence nil rate band. As property and asset values rise, more estates will likely fall above this threshold, incurring IHT at the standard 40% rate.
Chancellor Reeves emphasised that these adjustments aim to make the IHT system fairer, ensuring wealthier estates contribute more to public finances. Also, starting April 2026, reductions in agricultural and business property relief will be introduced. The first £1 million of such assets will remain tax-free, with a 20% IHT levied beyond that.
Retirees may need to reassess their long-term financial plans, as defined contribution pension funds could attract up to 40% IHT. Despite these changes, no adjustments to existing gifting rules were announced.
Time to act now to secure your family’s financial future? As the landscape of IHT undergoes significant changes, it’s crucial to stay ahead of the curve. With pensions soon to be included in IHT calculations starting April 2027, now is the time to reassess your long-term financial strategy. Don’t leave your estate planning to chance. Contact us and take proactive steps to ensure your wealth is preserved for future generations, aligning with your goals and minimising tax burdens.
This information has been prepared using all reasonable care. It is not guaranteed as to its accuracy, and it is published solely for information purposes. It is not to be construed as a solicitation or offer to buy or sell securities and does not in any way constitute investment advice.
Information based on our current understanding of taxation legislation and regulations. Any levels and bases of, and reliefs from, taxation are subject to change.
The value of investments and income from them may go down. You may not get back the original amount invested.
Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance.