Do you know your Pension Lifetime Allowance? - Part 4

What other things should I consider?

• For Defined Contribution schemes, is the period over which you will be invested long enough so that, even net of the LTA charge, it is worth continuing to contribute?

• Is the period over which you will be investing long enough so that if the rules may change (again) in this area by the time you wish to access your funds, is taking the tax relief now on contributions attractive and worth considering, or are you happy to take your chances with the LTA down the road?

• Bear in mind that pension contributions receive tax relief and pension funds grow tax-free. Therefore, even if the eventual tax rate is higher due to an LTA charge, the return you receive after tax could be attractive due to investment growth on tax- deferred funds.

• If you ceased to be a member of the pension scheme, would your employer give you sufficient salary to compensate you?

• For DC schemes, if you are concerned about exceeding the LTA, does taking a lower level of investment risk make sense in your pension? One could argue that to some extent it is like asking for less salary so that you pay less tax, but if you are holding lower-risk investments outside the pension, and higher-risk investments inside the pension, is there a case to effectively swap them around?

• Defer taking any of the excess over the LTA for as long as possible – why not take funds up to the level of the LTA and, if practical, leave the balance untouched to age 75,
  deferring and perhaps reducing the impact of the tax.

• If you are in drawdown, consider taking more income before you hit age 75.

Everyone's pension situation is different and it's impossible to predict all scenarios. For most individuals with pension pots, you will only need to consider the LTA when you withdraw tax-free cash or reach age 75. But there are still other potential factors it's important to be aware of.

SIMPLE TAKEAWAY - If you haven't already read Parts One, Two and Three we strongly encourage you to do so!

A downloadable PDF of this article is available, here.

For further information or to arrange an initial chat with us, please contact your nearest Carbon office or Richard Wadsworth, Director, Glasgow, at richardwadsworth@carbonfinancial.co.uk

The value of investments and the income derived from them can fall as well as rise. You may not get back what you invest. This communication is for general information only and is not intended to be individual advice. It represents our understanding of law and HM Revenue & Customs practice. You are recommended to seek competent professional advice before taking any action. Tax and Estate Planning Services are not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.