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Pension simplification was heralded as a new approach to pensions but successive governments have made the system more complicated.  The present government created what can only be described as a revolution in pensions with the Taxation of Pensions Act 2014.  At the same time, by making the tax benefits of ISAs transferable on death, it is now possible for the wealth created by an individual’s lifetime savings to pass on to the next generation.  If this is done correctly it can be very tax efficient.

Although the tax treatment varies depending on whether a person dies before the age of 75 or afterwards, the benefits which can accrue to their heirs is significant.  The opportunities to skip a generation and thereby allowing pension benefits to be paid to those who are on a low income (or no income) can be significant.  In years to come, we anticipate that pension funds will be used to assist grandchildren with education costs and make a good start in life.

It has been said that keeping a pension as the fund of last resort is almost desirable.  We do not believe that is right in most cases, but it does highlight the fact that the way in which pension benefits can be used has changed very dramatically since 5 April 2015.  The way in which an individual’s pension benefits should be used will depend on personal circumstances and advice should be sought.

Contact our Private Client Team
telephone: 020 7691 4000
or email: enquiries@edwincoe.com

The team undertakes difficult and sensitive work for the full range of private clients with quiet competence and dedicat...

Legal 500 UK 2023

The team undertakes difficult and sensitive work for the full range of private clients with quiet competence and dedication. They are especially good at the client-care side of the job. More than once I have seen clients with real difficulties – both technical legal difficulties and emotional/family ones – rely heavily on the firm’s compassionate approach. They couple this with a pragmatic understanding of tax risks and a good working relationship with counsel of all levels of call to whom they are not afraid to turn for complex or finely-balanced matters.

Legal 500 UK 2023

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They have been very nice people to deal with, and that makes it all the better.

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David Goepel brings a sense of calm and order to legally complex matters, which are often very emotionally intense for t...
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David Goepel brings a sense of calm and order to legally complex matters, which are often very emotionally intense for the client.

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They provide a prompt service at a reasonable cost.

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Private Client

Pensions and Estate Planning

Pension simplification was heralded as a new approach to pensions but successive governments have made the system more complicated.  The present government created what can only be described as a revolution in pensions with the Taxation of Pensions Act 2014.  At the same time, by making the tax benefits of ISAs transferable on death, it is now possible for the wealth created by an individual's lifetime savings to pass on to the next generation.  If this is done correctly it can be very tax efficient. Although the tax treatment varies depending on whether a person dies before the age of 75 or afterwards, the benefits which can accrue to their heirs is significant.  The opportunities to skip a generation and thereby allowing pension benefits to be paid to those who are on a low income (or no income) can be significant.  In years to come, we anticipate that pension funds will be used to assist grandchildren with education costs and make a good start in life.

It has been said that keeping a pension as the fund of last resort is almost desirable.  We do not believe that is right in most cases, but it does highlight the fact that the way in which pension benefits can be used has changed very dramatically since 5 April 2015.  The way in which an individual’s pension benefits should be used will depend on personal circumstances and advice should be sought.

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