Autumn Budget 2021: Pensions and IHT largely untouched by chancellor

Net pay review

Julia Bahr
clock • 3 min read

Chancellor Rishi Sunak largely resisted the temptation to tinker with pension and inheritance taxes to fund his spending plans in his Autumn Budget on Wednesday.

Prior to announcing the Autumn Budget, Sunak indicated he would fund spending pledges through tax rises. Experts expected inheritance tax (IHT) to be a likely target. IHT is largely paid on death and can therefore not be avoided unlike other taxes, which experts often say makes it a good candidate for a potential tax rise. A flat rate for pensions tax relief has been often rumoured over the past few years, while the pensions lifetime annual allowance has been chopped frequently in the last decade. However, the nil-rate band hasn't increased since 2009 and sits at £325,000, with a 40% ...

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 Tax planning

Alternative IHT/pensions strategies outlined as HMRC consultation closes

Alternative IHT/pensions strategies outlined as HMRC consultation closes

Ideas put forward by industry experts in post-Budget technical consultation

Jenna Brown
clock 22 January 2025 • 6 min read
'Christmas has come early for the government' – IHT receipts rise

'Christmas has come early for the government' – IHT receipts rise

Budget tax changes and rising take highlight advice value, experts say

Jen Frost
clock 20 December 2024 • 2 min read
No more IHT relief on pensions: How to maximise alternative tax-efficient vehicles

No more IHT relief on pensions: How to maximise alternative tax-efficient vehicles

In the light of the government’s latest Budget

Jordan Wheatley
clock 19 December 2024 • 5 min read