Pensions

UNDERSTANDING PENSIONS

The importance of saving into a pension cannot be overstated. It’s a means of taking advantage of a savings plan that will grow into a fund that will see you through retirement. One of the most crucial aspects is that it’s a tax-efficient way of saving, as you receive tax relief on your pension contributions. Thus for a basic rate 20% tax payer, each £8 contributed to the fund converts to a £10 deposit. Higher rate tax payers can benefit even further.

Contributions are held in a pension fund, but there is a range of types from which to choose, with varying degrees of risk. Therefore it’s important to seek advice to ensure you’re investing in a way that suits your age and attitude to risk.

There will be charges to consider, which may be in the form of a percentage of the contribution as an initial fee or a percentage of the fund value every year, to cover administration and fund management.

You may wish to opt to top up your pension by making additional contributions, particularly as your income grows, so that your pensions doesn’t lag behind your earnings.

AT RETIREMENT

Your pension fund should now provide an income for your retirement years. This may be in the form of an annuity or by drawing down an income from the fund. You will be taxed on your pension income, although you may take the first 25% as a tax-free lump sum.

CHANGING TIMES

The pension landscape is constantly shifting. People are now living longer and it has become increasingly important for individuals and businesses to plan ahead for access to tax-free lump sums and sustained income in later life.

The farthest-reaching reforms to pension legislation occurred in April 2015. ‘Pension freedoms’ were introduced, giving us the potential of earlier access to our pension pot, and improved ability to pass on tax-free assets from pension schemes. But it is far from straightforward and there are risks.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERTISE

We take pride in keeping abreast of the changes and their financial implications, and we have in-depth expertise in the field of pensions.

We help individual clients understand how their own pension situation is affected by the current climate, and help steer corporate clients through the Auto Enrolment regulations. Professional advice is more vital than ever in optimising this crucial area of long-term financial planning.

A pension is a long-term investment not normally accessible until 55 (57 from April 2028).Your capital is at risk. The value of your investment (and any income from them) can go down as well as up and you may not get back the full amount you invested.

The tax implications of pension withdrawals will be based on your individual circumstances, tax legislation and regulation which are subject to change in the future.