IHT on pensions: 'HMRC wants to have its cake and eat it'

IHT on pensions comes into effect in April 2027

clock • 4 min read

Andrew Tully assesses HMRC’s latest technical note on pensions and IHT which in his view is a case of the Revenue wanting to have its cake and eat it too…

HM Revenue & Customs has issued a technical note on the inclusion of pensions within inheritance tax from April 2027.  This confirms much of what we already knew, as well as giving further details on exactly how pensions fit with established IHT rules. In general, the essence is that HMRC wants to have its cake and eat it. Most pensions will be included in the estate for deaths on or after 6 April 2027 (deaths before then which aren't paid until after April 2027 remain exempt). Payments to spouses, civil partners and charities will be exempt in keeping with general IHT legislation. ...

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