When someone reaches retirement, they can take up to 25% of their pension as a tax-free lump sum (called the ‘pension commencement lump sum’). The remaining 75% has usually been used to purchase an annuity, a financial product that provides them with a guaranteed income for life, or been left invested, allowing them to take a portion of their pension pot each year to provide an income – known as ‘income drawdown’.
Greater choice and flexibility about how retirees use a
pension pot to fund retirement income
T he 2014 Budget announced major changes to the way that members of a defined contribution pension scheme could access their pension savings. In March 2014, the Chancellor George Osborne announced changes to the pension world which would revolutionise the way members of defined contribution schemes could access their pension benefits. These wide-ranging changes move away from individuals being required to purchase an annuity and instead offer a number of different options for drawing their pension benefits.
Many of Britain’s over-55s say the massive changes to retirement income announced in last year’s Budget 2014 will have no impact on them, research from Aviva’s latest Real Retirement Report shows.
The run-up to the tax year end on 5 April 2015 is the perfect time to consider tax planning opportunities and to put in place strategies to minimise tax throughout 2015/16.
The typical Briton entering the workforce today can expect to have nine jobs, including one major career change, across 48 years of working[1].
Chancellor George Osborne delivered his Autumn Statement 2014 to Parliament on 3 December last year. Much of the commentary focused on weak public sector finances data in the context of strong GDP and employment growth.
Within the next decade, nearly half of those people (44%) due to retire will require professional financial advice to help them make financial choices, according to research[1] published by insurer Zurich.
Pensions have long been seen as a tax-efficient form of investment. The contributions that you pay into your pension will benefit from tax relief and aren’t subject to tax while they’re invested in your pension pot (although the tax credit paid with dividends can’t be reclaimed by your pension scheme). Contributions to your employer’s pension scheme (including any additional voluntary contributions you make) can be made from your gross pay before any tax is charged.
From 6 April 2015, there will be no restrictions on how much income you can withdraw from your defined contribution pension pot, but any income that is withdrawn (and it is possible to withdraw your whole remaining pension pot in one go) may be subject to income tax.
If you’re self-employed, you can claim expenses against your tax bill, but not all business expenses qualify so it’s important to make sure your claim is valid. Unless something you buy for your business is a capital asset, for example, a computer or machinery (which you claim for under different rules), you can deduct its full cost when working out your taxable profits. You receive immediate tax relief for the full amount.
By signing up to the ‘rent a room’ scheme, not only could you enjoy the extra income from the rent, but also up to £4,250 a year is free from tax. ‘Rent a room’ relief is an optional scheme that lets you receive up to this amount in rent each year from a lodger, tax-free. This only applies if you rent out furnished accommodation in your own home.
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