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Pensions revealed

December 9, 2010 15:07

By

Ros Altmann,

Ros Altmann

1 min read

Have you managed to keep up with the pension reform proposals? With so much going on, I thought it useful to summarise the government's plans.

How much can you contribute to your pension? New limits for pensions tax relief will mean contributions of up to £50,000 a year receiving full tax relief, while the lifetime limit on accumulated pension funds will be cut from £1.8 million to £1.5 million - but anyone already over the limit should be protected. So top-rate tax relief remains an extremely attractive incentive for pension savings.

Will you have to buy an annuity (the guaranteed income for life which the government currently forces you to buy from an insurance company in exchange for your pension fund by age 75)? This unpopular requirement is being abolished. Initially, the age limit has been raised to 77, to allow time for new legislation next year.

People will be allowed to withdraw money from their pension fund, rather than annuitising, as long as they have sufficient pension income to avoid needing State benefits in retirement.