'Devil in the detail' — what lawyers say about 'complex' LTA abolition

‘Some rowing back’ may happen as framework is taken apart

Jonathan Stapleton
clock • 4 min read

The abolition of the lifetime allowance (LTA) could ‘remove a burden’ for HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC), will have ‘knock-on’ consequences and may see some “rowing back” as the structure is dismantled, pension lawyers say.

Arc Pensions Law managing partner Rosalind Connor explained that while the chancellor announced the abolition of the LTA in his budget, in practice he was getting rid of any LTA charges - the tax from exceeding the LTA - from 6 April, but taking longer to work out what to do with the "complex framework" of the LTA.  She said this could lead to "some rowing back in the future as the structure is dismantled". Labour this morning (16 March) said it would reverse the move and keep the LTA in place. Connor also questioned the reason given by government for abolishing the LTA - that it woul...

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

HMRC updates on information sharing for IHT on pensions

HMRC updates on information sharing for IHT on pensions

Second technical note

Alex Levy
clock 01 September 2026 • 2 min read
Pension first or last? What the numbers really tell us

Pension first or last? What the numbers really tell us

'Focusing solely on reducing the pension before death can increase lifetime tax'

Joshua Croft
clock 28 August 2026 • 4 min read
IHT on pensions: New thinking on taking income in retirement?

IHT on pensions: New thinking on taking income in retirement?

‘This has undoubtedly had a huge impact on planning for many clients’

Lisa Webster
clock 26 August 2026 • 3 min read