Pension tax free lump sum rules overhauled

clock

The Treasury is to give savers more freedom over how they take a tax-free lump sum from their pension pot.

Under current rules people can take a quarter of their pension pot in a tax-fee lump sum after the age of 55. Rules also stipulate the money must be taken within 18 months of the member becoming eligible for their pension income, meaning the money had to be taken as a lump sum either six months before or 12 months after commencement of the income. However, Chancellor George Osborne's pension reforms now mean savers will be able to access their funds when they choose, with each withdrawal coming with a 25% tax-free element. Hargreaves Lansdown head of pensions research Tom McPhail s...

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

Govt forced to respond as pension tax lock petition secures 14,000 signatures

Govt forced to respond as pension tax lock petition secures 14,000 signatures

Started by AJ Bell ahead of 26 November Budget

Jenna Brown
clock 13 October 2025 • 1 min read
Petition pushing government to protect pension tax incentives gets 3,000 signatures

Petition pushing government to protect pension tax incentives gets 3,000 signatures

AJ Bell pushes to end ‘damaging speculation’ on tax-free cash and reliefs

Jenna Brown
clock 07 October 2025 • 2 min read
Clients need 'tailored approach' ahead of IHT on pensions

Clients need 'tailored approach' ahead of IHT on pensions

IHT ‘coming up more and more’ in conversations with clients

Sahar Nazir
clock 03 October 2025 • 2 min read