On the 20th January 2016…
David Gauke, the Financial Secretary to the Treasury, said a review of pension taxation would keep savers in mind.
“We need to ensure it is effective in terms of encouraging saving, and it is going in the right place,” he said.
Basically there are 2 changes under review..
The ISA idea
Currently you get tax relief when you pay into pensions and pay tax when you take the money out (after taking 25% tax free), the plan under discussion is to change that so that taxed income goes in and growth in the fund is tax free, like ISA’s.
I think we can all agree the current system is much better, I can’t see that making pensions like ISA’s will encourage investment
Flat Rate Tax Relief
The other plan under discussion is to introduce a flat rate of tax relief on contributions into pension schemes, this would replace the current system where tax relief is based on the actual tax rate you pay.
The BBC explained how this might work
At the moment, basic rate taxpayers receive 20% tax relief, higher rate taxpayers receive 40%, and those with the highest incomes receive 45%.
It is thought that this system could be replaced with a flat rate of anything between 25% and 33%.
Millions of high earners would lose out in such a system, but basic rate taxpayers would stand to gain.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-35360978
So that could be great news for basic rate tax payers!
Many thanks for the update Steve, very helpful
Best wishes
Carol Wade