The wish to pass on unused wealth to family is a strong motivation for many people.
That's why Inheritance Tax (IHT) has such a high public profile, despite raising relatively small amounts of tax for the government. The desire to pass on pension wealth is no different, and pensions had the similarly reviled 82% tax charge for those wanting to pass on lump sums if they died after age 75. As part of the widespread retirement changes introduced in April, this tax charge has been much reduced. So are pensions now the ideal estate planning vehicle? Previously, there was a three-tier tax structure for lump sum death benefits. If the individual died before age 75 and ...
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