Top pensions and annuities FAQs
The Money Purchase Annual Allowance (MPAA) will not now be cut from £10,000 to £4,000 at this time. While this change no longer forms part of the condensed Finance Bill, it is intended that it will be reconsidered once a new Parliament commences and could form part of the new Government's first Finance Bill, meaning it may be delayed rather than dropped altogether. We would recommend those affected by the MPAA pay no more than £4,000 until further clarification is provided (which could be announced in an expected Summer Budget). Paying more than £4,000 could result in an annual allowance tax charge for the customer.
We are working with the FCA to review annuities purchased since July 2008 through Standard Life on a non-advised basis, where customers did not use a financial adviser. Visit our questions and answers page to find out more. We have also established a team to help customers who have specific questions. You can call this team on 0345 266 1208.
Call charges will vary.
The government wants people to save for their retirement. But it realises that people might not want to commit to saving in a pension that can't be touched for some years. So to encourage people to save, it gives tax relief on your pension contributions.
As an example, if you invest £80 a month, the taxman currently adds £20 - making £100 in total. This happens automatically.
If you're a higher or additional rate taxpayer, you may qualify for extra tax relief. If this is the case we'll claim the first 20% tax relief for you and add it to your plan. You'll need to claim the additional tax relief through your tax return.
Tax relief may change. Its value depends on your individual circumstances. The information provided here is based on our understanding of current law and HM Revenue & Customs practice.
Relying on your property to fund your retirement income could be risky.
For a start, to release any cash you would need to move home and downsize. This could involve a lot of cost, such as paying stamp duty. Another alternative is equity release, which could prove an expensive way to raise the funds you need.
And having all your investments in one asset, is risky. If your money is tied up in a house, you are at the mercy of the property market when you need to sell. Look in to setting up a Pension.
We normally send you a note at the end of the tax year about how much income you've received. If you can't find this or haven't received it then contact us and we can give you the information you need.
Top savings and investments FAQs
For the 2017/18 tax year, you can invest up to £20,000 in a Stocks & Shares ISA.
No, ISAs do not have to be included in your tax return to HMRC (HM Revenue & Customs). Tax rules may change in the future.
No. There is no fixed time limit for the stocks and shares ISA. You should view your ISA as a medium to long-term investment, which means it should usually be held for at least five years. You are able to withdraw money at any time.
Top online servicing FAQs
For instant registration, use our easy online registration form. We’ll send you a unique activation code (by phone, email or text) which you can use to set up your own user ID and password - and you’ll be able to log in to your plan straight away.
You can also choose to receive your activation code by post, which will take 7 - 10 days.
Or just call us on 0345 60 60 098 - Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm. Call charges will vary.
To log in click on the ‘Customer login’ button that you can find in the top right-hand corner of every page of standardlife.co.uk or go directly to the login page. Enter your user ID and click on the 'Log in' button.
If you have previously logged in to online services, once you have entered your user ID you will be asked to enter three characters from your chosen password.
Remember to keep your password information secure.
We'll never send out emails to existing customers that ask for security details or other confidential information from you.
When accessing our online facility, please ensure you login through this website - never go to any internet banking website from a link in an e-mail and then enter personal details.
If you receive an email that looks as if it has been sent from Standard Life requesting your Internet security or other confidential details, please do not respond to this or visit any site which the email may link to. Read our security information to find out what you should do.
Staying safe online can be easy and straightforward by applying some simple rules and knowing what the most common fraudster scams are.
For more detailed information, visit www.getsafeonline.org.
Top life plan FAQs
If it is a single life plan you can do this over the phone, please call us on 0800 634 7472. Call charges will vary. If it is a joint life plan we would need to speak to both plan holders on the same day or receive a letter signed by both parties. We may still need to request documentation from you and we'll let you know if this is required.
We'll write to you about 5-6 weeks before your plan matures to confirm what is going to happen. If the money is going back to the same account you paid us from and you are happy with that, no action is required. If you would prefer the money to go to a different account please call us on 0800 634 7478. Call charges will vary.
A lot depends on the type of plan that the deceased held. If you have any questions relating to a claim please call us on 0345 6060 031. Call charges will vary.
Top company information FAQs
Yes you can get financial advice from Standard Life. We have experts on hand who can help you on the phone. Simply contact us. Standard Life Direct only advise on, and sell products from subsidiaries of Standard Life plc and some external providers
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