Treasury to backdate IHT drawdown exemption

Statement brings 'clarity' to the current situation

Jenna Towler
clock

The government will legislate to ensure assets left in pensions in drawdown will not attract inheritance tax (IHT) charges, according to Autumn Statement documents.

The government said it would ensure IHT liability will not arise when a pension scheme member designates funds for drawdown but "does not draw all of the funds before death". It added this change would be backdated to apply to deaths on or after 6 April 2011. Pension freedom, which came into force in April this year, gave defined contribution savers over the age of 55 complete access to their pension savings, subject to taxation.  The changes opened up the retirement income market meaning many more people can now access drawdown - where pension assets remain invested throughout ret...

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

One year on: Abolished lifetime allowance still throwing up advice queries

One year on: Abolished lifetime allowance still throwing up advice queries

Scheme-specific lump sum queries

Andrew Tully
clock 24 April 2025 • 4 min read
Government to set up small pensions pot consolidator

Government to set up small pensions pot consolidator

Pension Schemes Bill measure will reduce admin costs and boost pots

Jonathan Stapleton
clock 24 April 2025 • 3 min read
Pension engagement only way to cut 'retirement anxiety'

Pension engagement only way to cut 'retirement anxiety'

Verona Kenny says industry has ‘moral duty’ to push engagement

Jenna Brown
clock 23 April 2025 • 3 min read