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Profit extraction
With dividend tax allowances now a fraction of their original level, employer pension contributions can offer SME business owners a tax-efficient alternative for extracting profits.
Matt HarmanAugust 24, 2026
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The pension property dilemma: balancing tax efficiency with IHT exposure
Explore the evolving role of commercial property in long-term pension and estate strategies as pensions become exposed to IHT
Neil EvansJuly 15, 2026
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Inheritance tax changes could increase scam risk
How advisers can reduce client exposure to pension scams.
Donna WalshJuly 06, 2026
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IHT on pensions… time to consolidate?
As pensions enter the IHT net, is it time to rethink how clients organise their plans?
Matt HarmanJune 19, 2026
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Practical client outcomes: planning for April 2027
Following last month’s analysis of the upcoming Pensions and IHT reforms, we now focus on the real advice implications — client exposure, tax trade-offs and the growing importance of pension nominations.
Neil EvansMay 21, 2026
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Onshore investment bonds in a changing tax landscape
This article explores why onshore bonds are back in favour, how they compare with collective investments (such as OEICS and Unit Trusts), and where they can now fit within a client’s overall investment strategy.
Gordon AndrewsMay 15, 2026
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Pensions and Inheritance Tax are about to change dramatically: preparing for April 2027
The decision to bring pensions into estates for inheritance tax (IHT) purposes is one of the most consequential changes to pension taxation advisers have had to navigate in over ten years.
Neil EvansApril 23, 2026
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Why more clients are choosing to move their overseas pensions back to the UK
With the advantages of the Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Scheme (QROPS) fading for UK residents, this article explores why now may be the time to repatriate overseas pensions back into the UK
Matt HarmanMarch 20, 2026
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Spring Statement 2026
It's business as usual for pensions, find out more what this means for you.
Mike AmberyMarch 03, 2026
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Tax year end planning 2026
We look at some of the valuable exemptions, allowances and planning opportunities that may be available before 6 April.
Neil EvansFebruary 13, 2026
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Practical planning for the Normal Expenditure Out of Income (NEI) exemption
The Normal Expenditure Out of Income (NEI) exemption can deliver immediate inheritance tax savings—yet it remains widely underused. With proactive planning, advisers can help clients unlock a powerful but often missed opportunity.
Gordon AndrewsJanuary 08, 2026
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2025 Autumn Budget
Rachel Reeves presented the Autumn Budget on 26 November 2025. We’ve sifted through all the changes and picked out these key messages for your clients:
Mike AmberyNovember 26, 2025
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From exempt to exposed: April 2027 pension and IHT changes – Your questions answered
We answer your most frequently asked questions on the proposals to bring pensions in scope of inheritance tax.
Neil EvansNovember 18, 2025
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Pensions: a solid choice for your clients’ retirement savings
From 6 April 2027, most unused pension funds & death benefits will be subject to Inheritance Tax. Discover how advisers can help clients adapt to these changes.
Neil EvansSeptember 25, 2025
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Pensions and IHT
For years, pensions have offered a valuable shield from inheritance tax for some, featuring heavily in some estate strategies. But from April 2027, that landscape is set to shift dramatically.
Neil EvansJuly 25, 2025
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What the upcoming inheritance tax changes mean for your clients’ retirement and legacy planning
Major reforms are coming to how pensions are treated for IHT. We break down who’s most at risk & what actions you can take now to protect your clients’ wealth.
Neil EvansJune 26, 2025
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Maximising lifetime tax-free lump sums
Clearing up scheme specific tax-free cash and transitional tax-free amount certificates confusion.
Neil EvansApril 29, 2025
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Spring Budget 2025
Our summary of the key points from The Spring Budget.
Mike AmberyMarch 26, 2025
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Tax year end planning
We look at some of the valuable exemptions, allowances and planning opportunities that may be available before 6 April and some that may be lost if your client doesn’t act before then.
Neil EvansFebruary 21, 2025
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Autumn Budget 2024
Our summary of the key points from The Autumn Budget.
Mike AmberyOctober 30, 2024
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Removal of the Lifetime Allowance: your top three questions answered
We answer the top three questions we've been asked by you on the removal of the lifetime allowance.
Neil EvansSeptember 09, 2024
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Personal Injury Trusts: Support for you and your clients with life changing injuries
The second of a two-part series, we cover Personal Injury Trusts and dispel some of the myths to help your conversations with trustees.
Gordon AndrewsJuly 30, 2024
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Deputies and Guardians: Support for you and your clients with life changing injuries
In the first of a two-part series, we cover Deputies and busting myths so you feel more confident with the issues around this business.
Gordon AndrewsJune 20, 2024
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Removal of the LTA: what this means for your clients on death
The removal of the lifetime allowance sees a change to how pension death benefits are considered against the new lump sum and death benefit allowance.
Neil EvansMay 24, 2024
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Removal of the LTA
In a significant change to the pension landscape, the lifetime allowance (LTA) has been removed from 6 April 2024.
Neil EvansApril 23, 2024
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Tax year end planning
We look at some of the valuable exemptions, allowances and planning opportunities that may be available before 6 April and some that may be lost if your client doesn’t act before then.
Neil EvansMarch 06, 2024
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The Spring Budget
Our summary of the key points from The Spring Budget.
Mike AmberyMarch 06, 2024
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Key points and Lifetime Allowance changes for pension planning at 75
We look at the need and benefit of pension planning for your clients in the run up to and reaching age 75.
Neil EvansJanuary 26, 2024
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Autumn Statement 2023
Our summary of our key points from the Autumn Statement.
Tim FassamNovember 23, 2023
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Money invested is at risk. References to legislation and tax are based upon Standard Life’s understanding of UK law and HMRC practice in the UK as at the date this publication was last updated. Tax and legislation may change in the future.
No guarantees are given regarding the effectiveness of any arrangements entered into on the basis of these articles and Standard Life accepts no responsibility for advice which may be formulated on the basis of them.
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