Talking Pensions
Wherever you are with your retirement objective, don’t be put off from considering action, it s not too late. There are still steps you can put into place to boost the pension you’ll receive when you finish working.
Pensions are a very tax-efficient way to invest. If you already have a pension, now would be a very good time to talk to us about making a lump sum contribution to improve it, especially as the final stage of tax year is rapidly nearing, or starting a self invested personal pension to improve your choices. You won’t have to draw all your pensions at the same time.
If you are employed, you can contribute up to 100 per cent of the value of your relevant UK earnings (salary and other earnings), up to a maximum of 245,000 for the 2009/10 tax year rising to 255,000 for the tax year 2010/11. Contributions above this annual limit are allowed but will be taxed. You can invest into any no. of pension schemes (personal and/or company) each year.
You ll receive tax relief on your Investments, so if you are a forty % tax payer a 20,000 investment would cost just 12,000. Basic rate tax relief is added by the government to all contributions at a rate of twenty%.
High rate tax payers can obtain up to a further 20% tax relief via their tax return. If you earn more than 150,000 you will see the tax relief on your pensions cut from April 2011, tapering from 40 to 20 % for those making more than 180,000. Earners below 130,000 will not be impacted.
There s a lifetime limit on the size of your pension pot, which is presently £1.75m in the tax yr 2009/10 but rises to £1.8m for the 2010/11 tax year. If your pot surpasses this, you ll incur tax charges of 55 % if the excess benefits are taken as a lump sum and 25 % if taken as income. The income will then be subject to income tax at your highest rate.
From 6/4/10, the age at which you can start drawing your pension rises to fifty five. If you need to, pension benefits can be deferred until you are up to 75 years old. You may still be able to take your pension prior to age 55 in certain circumstances, e.g if you retire through ill-health.
If you are looking at pension advice why not contact our Bristol Office to discuss your own personal requirements.
The value of investments and the income from them can go down as well as up and you may not get back your original investment. Past performance is not an indication of future performance. Tax benefits may vary as a result of statutory change and their value will depend on individual circumstances. Thresholds, percentage rates and tax legislation may change in subsequent finance acts.
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