Steve Webb claims HMRC will 'over-tax' pension freedom users during crisis

HMRC refutes claim

clock • 2 min read

Pensions consultancy Lane Clark and Peacock (LCP) has called out HM Revenues and Customs (HMRC) tax policy on flexible drawdown as "unacceptable", claiming it could lead to draconian tax penalties during Covid-19.

Research by LCP suggested that the tax penalties imposed by HMRC for drawing from pension pots would become more severe during the current crisis, as investors looked to take lump sums.  Since the introduction of pensions freedoms in 2015, when over-55s could access their pensions in a flexible manner, rather than using it to buy a regular income. But for those who are drawing their pensions for the first time in this way, the excess tax can amount to thousands of pounds. HMRC figures show that around 330,000 people over 55 have accessed their pensions flexibly during the first qua...

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 Your profession

London pushed out of top five wealthiest cities as millionaires exit

London pushed out of top five wealthiest cities as millionaires exit

Comes as Labour cracks down on non-doms

Sahar Nazir
clock 09 April 2025 • 1 min read
BoE governor assures chancellor that UK markets 'are functioning effectively'

BoE governor assures chancellor that UK markets 'are functioning effectively'

Banking system 'resilient'

Linus Uhlig
clock 09 April 2025 • 2 min read
Gilt yields increase as part of sell-off of government debt

Gilt yields increase as part of sell-off of government debt

Investor unloading of US Treasuries drags government borrowing costs higher globally

Jonathan Stapleton
clock 09 April 2025 • 1 min read