HMRC data shows pension freedoms over-taxation bill nears £1bn

Some £45m was repaid to individuals in the final quarter of 2022 alone

Jonathan Stapleton
clock • 2 min read

Savers have reclaimed £970m in over-taxation on pension withdrawals since 2015, HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) data reveals.

In its January 2023 pension schemes newsletter, HMRC said more than £45m was repaid to 14,335 people overtaxed on pension withdrawals in October, November and December 2022. AJ Bell said its analysis showed this was the highest quarter four figure on record and third highest of any three-month period since April 2015. The investment platform provider said the average reclaim in Q4 2022 was £3,141, down slightly versus the previous quarter - something it said suggested more people are accessing smaller retirement pots. AJ Bell head of retirement policy Tom Selby said: "As surging in...

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

Preparing for 2029: Adapting to the Budget's salary sacrifice cap

Preparing for 2029: Adapting to the Budget's salary sacrifice cap

'While this policy alters the landscape, it arguably represents an adjustment rather than a fundamental reform'

Steve Charlton
clock 22 December 2025 • 3 min read
Utmost to sell life and pensions business to JAB Insurance

Utmost to sell life and pensions business to JAB Insurance

To focus on wealth solutions business

Jen Frost
clock 22 December 2025 • 2 min read
Editor's view: How disjointed is the government's salary sacrifice change?

Editor's view: How disjointed is the government's salary sacrifice change?

The editor's Friday Night Takeaway from 19 December

Jen Frost
clock 19 December 2025 • 3 min read