Latest articles
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Profit extraction
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
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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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
Explore why onshore bonds are back in favour, how they compare with collective investments and their role in investment planning.
Gordon AndrewsMay 15, 2026
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Pensions and Inheritance Tax are about to change dramatically
Bringing pensions into estates for IHT is one of the biggest pension tax changes in over a decade, creating major challenges for advisers.
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 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
Standard Life comments on the Spring Statement.
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 IHT 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
Watch our short video to hear the thoughts of Mike Ambery, Retirement Savings Director, on the key announcements 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.
Neil EvansFebruary 21, 2025
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Autumn Budget 2024
Watch our short video to hear the thoughts of Mike Ambery, Retirement Savings Director, on the key announcements from the Autumn Budget.
Mike AmberyOctober 30, 2024
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Removal of the LTA: Your top 3 questions answered
We answer the top three questions we've been asked by you on the removal of the lifetime allowance. Find out more.
Neil EvansSeptember 09, 2024
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Personal Injury Trusts
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
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
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 lifetime allowance
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.
Neil EvansMarch 06, 2024
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The Spring Budget
Watch our short video to hear the thoughts of Mike Ambery, Retirement Savings Director, on the key announcements from the Spring Budget.
Mike AmberyMarch 06, 2024
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Key points and Lifetime Allowance changes for pension planning at 75
Key points and Lifetime Allowance changes for pension planning at 75: what you need to know now and for the 2024/25 tax year.
Neil EvansJanuary 26, 2024
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Autumn Statement 2023
Summary of key points from the Autumn Statement, including the end of the LTA, new ISA flexibility and potentially radical reforms to pension saving.
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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