George Osborne to axe 55% pensions death tax next year

clock

The current 55% tax duty payable when pension funds are passed on after death is set to be axed under this government, George Osborne has announced.

From April 2015, if a pension saver dies aged over 75, beneficiaries will receive the funds free of tax if they keep them in a pension. If they draw the pension, they will pay their marginal rate of tax. If the person who dies is under 75 there will be no tax. The measure was unveiled by the Chancellor at the Conservative Party conference in Birmingham. It was originally due to be announced at the Autumn Statement on 3 December. Pensions expert Ros Altmann said the move represented a further blow to annuities, but was positive for most savers. "This is good news for ordinary sav...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Pensions

Pension IHT: A minor win for executors, a missed opportunity for HMRC

Pension IHT: A minor win for executors, a missed opportunity for HMRC

'It's a great pity HMRC couldn't have been a bit braver and taken the sensible approach'

Rachel Vahey
clock 09 December 2025 • 3 min read
Salary sacrifice change to 'hit' more than three million workers

Salary sacrifice change to 'hit' more than three million workers

Government releases impact assessment

Jen Frost
clock 05 December 2025 • 3 min read
Andrew Tully: Plummeting pensions confidence is 'siren call' for wide-reaching action

Andrew Tully: Plummeting pensions confidence is 'siren call' for wide-reaching action

'We're seeing a deep erosion of trust in the retirement system'

Andrew Tully
clock 05 December 2025 • 3 min read