IFAs concerned over proposed pension death benefits tax rule changes

IFAs cite ‘impact on clients’ financial plans’ as reason for apprehension

Sahar Nazir
clock • 2 min read

The majority of IFAs are apprehensive about potential alterations to pension death benefits tax rules proposed by the government as it will “impact clients’ financial plans”, according to Standard Life.

Just over one in ten advisers have expressed support for the changes. This is according to a study conducted among 207 IFAs from 10 to 15 August 2023. Currently, if a pension owner passes away before the age of 75, their pension is passed on tax-free to nominated beneficiaries. If the pension owner is older at the time of their passing, the pension is taxed at the beneficiaries' marginal rate. However, the proposed alterations would require nominated beneficiaries to receive the pension either as a lump sum outside of a pension wrapper or as an income, taxable at their marginal rate. ...

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 Your profession

Most of our industry has forgotten what advisers actually do

Most of our industry has forgotten what advisers actually do

‘Providers have a responsibility to better support advice firms’

Mark Sanderson
clock 16 March 2026 • 3 min read
Government unveils changes to FOS operations after landmark review

Government unveils changes to FOS operations after landmark review

New ten-year limit for bringing complaints

Isabel Baxter
clock 16 March 2026 • 5 min read
Feel Good Friday: Wise Investment employee takes on the Great Wall of China for charity

Feel Good Friday: Wise Investment employee takes on the Great Wall of China for charity

Raising funds for Katherine House Hospice

Professional Adviser
clock 13 March 2026 • 1 min read