Broadly the new regime allows considerable freedom in the tax relievable contributions that may be made to pension schemes and the assets in which they may be invested. It also, however, caps the size of tax-favoured pension funds that may be accumulated by an individual. This 'lifetime allowance' was set at £1.6M for 2007–08. Funds accumulated in excess of the lifetime allowance are subject to a tax charge of 55%. Transitional protection provisions were made for individuals who had already accumulated pension funds in excess of this amount.
- Full concurrency – contribute to personal and occupational schemes at the same time
- Single tax regime – one set of tax rules
- Lifetime allowance – Amount of pension over which charges may be levied if you have no protection
- Annual allowance – obtain tax relief on contributions of up to £3,600 or 100% of income, if greater, subject to a maximum
- Alternative secured pensions – possible to avoid purchasing an annuity even after age 75
- Single allowable investment regime – all schemes allowed to hold qualifying investments
The annual allowance for each tax year was set at:
2007–2008: £225,000
2008–2009: £235,000
2009–2010: £245,000
2010–2011: £255,000
2011–2012: £50,000
2012–2013: £50,000
2013–2014: £50,000
2014–2022: £40,000
Tax Year - Lifetime Allowance
2006/07 £1,500,000
2007/08 £1,600,000
2008/09 £1,650,000
2009/10 £1,750,000
2010/11 £1,800,000
2011/12 £1,800,000
2012/13 £1,500.000
2013/14 £1,500.000
2014/15 £1,250,000
2015/16 £1,250,000
2016/17 £1,000,000
2017/18 £1,000,000
2018/19 £1,030,000
2019/20 £1,055,000
2020/21 £1,073,100
In addition to the above changes, employees aged 50 or over can withdraw up to 25% of each of their pension funds as a tax–free lump sum when it comes into payment, whether or not they continue to work. The age at which a pension can begin to be paid was increased to 55 on 6 April 2010.[1]This adjustment aimed to provide individuals with more flexibility in managing their retirement finances while aligning with evolving demographics and changing work patterns.
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