Leading UK wealth managers have issued stark warnings to Chancellor Rachel Reeves regarding her proposed plan to subject pensions to inheritance tax, describing it as a measure that could severely damage the nation’s retirement savings framework.
AJ Bell’s chief executive, Michael Summersgill, has penned a critical letter to the Chancellor, emphasising that the Budget proposal represents an unnecessarily complex and expensive method of taxing unused pensions upon death. The planned changes, set to take effect from April 2027, would eliminate the current inheritance tax exemption for pensions—a move projected to generate nearly £1.5 billion annually by 2030.
The controversial reform introduces a ‘double taxation’ scenario for pension funds remaining after death post-75 years, as these assets would face both inheritance tax and income tax charges. Industry experts calculate that higher-rate taxpayers could effectively face a punitive 64 per cent tax rate on inherited pensions.
Significant concerns have emerged regarding potential delays in beneficiaries receiving pension funds, as unused retirement savings will require probate clearance before distribution under the new regime. This administrative burden could prove particularly challenging for estates involving multiple pension pots or complex investment structures.
The Treasury has defended its position, stating that inherited pensions will follow the same principle as other savings, being subject to inheritance tax once and income tax once where applicable. However, wealth management firms including Hargreaves Lansdown and Quilter have highlighted operational challenges, with particular emphasis on the six-month deadline for inheritance tax payments.
Industry professionals are calling for a more balanced approach that considers simplification, fairness, and practical implementation. The government maintains its stance on incentivising pension savings for retirement purposes rather than wealth transfer vehicles, yet the sector argues for a more nuanced transition period to protect existing financial planning arrangements.
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