Pension Investments for the End of the Tax Year
Wherever you are with your retirement objectives, don t be put off from taking action, it s not too late. There are however steps you can take to boost the money you ll receive when you retire.
Pensions are a very tax-efficient way to invest. If you already have a pension, now would be a good time to contact us about making a lump sum contribution to boost it, especially as the final stage of tax yr is speedily emerging, or starting a SIPP to increase your choices. You will not 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 applicable UK salary (salary and other earnings), up to a maximum of 245,000 for the 2009/10 tax year rising to 255,000 for the tax yr 2010/11. Investments above this annual amount are allowed but will be taxed. You can invest into any number of pension schemes (personal and/or company) each year.
You will obtain tax relief on your contributions, so if you are a higher rate tax payer a 20,000 investment would cost just 12,000. Basic rate tax relief is supplied by the government to all contributions at a rate of twenty%.
High rate tax payers can obtain up to a further 20 per cent 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 per cent for those earning more than 180,000. Earners below 130,000 will not be affected.
There s a lifetime limit on the amount of your pension pot, which is presently £1.75m in the tax year 2009/10 but rises to £1.8m for the 2010/11 tax year. If your investment fund passes this, you ll incur tax charges of 55 percent if the excess gains are taken as a lump sum and 25 per cent if taken as income. The income will then be subject to income tax at your highest rate.
From 6th April 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 yrs old. You might still be able to take your pension before age 55 in certain circumstances, for example if you retire through ill-health.
Consilium Asset Management Limited provide pension advice and retirement planning advice.
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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