Pension tax free lump sum rules overhauled

clock

The Treasury is to give savers more freedom over how they take a tax-free lump sum from their pension pot.

Under current rules people can take a quarter of their pension pot in a tax-fee lump sum after the age of 55. Rules also stipulate the money must be taken within 18 months of the member becoming eligible for their pension income, meaning the money had to be taken as a lump sum either six months before or 12 months after commencement of the income. However, Chancellor George Osborne's pension reforms now mean savers will be able to access their funds when they choose, with each withdrawal coming with a 25% tax-free element. Hargreaves Lansdown head of pensions research Tom McPhail s...

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

Women's pensions: Why the gender savings gap opens at age 28

Women's pensions: Why the gender savings gap opens at age 28

Women in their late 50s hold 48% less in their pension than men

Rachel Vahey
clock 11 June 2026 • 3 min read
DC pension pot growth points to increased fraud risk, pensions minister warns

DC pension pot growth points to increased fraud risk, pensions minister warns

Torsten Bell says expanding DC pots will attract increased fraudster attention

Martin Richmond
clock 11 June 2026 • 2 min read
Revised transfer regs widely backed but industry calls for 'clear and practical' guidance

Revised transfer regs widely backed but industry calls for 'clear and practical' guidance

DWP makes key changes to traffic-light transfer conditions

Jonathan Stapleton
clock 10 June 2026 • 7 min read