ARTICLE by Les Cameron

Les Cameron

Oracle Express - Pensions Regulator guidance on COVID-19

The pension regulator has been issuing guidance to trustees, administrators and sponsoring employers of DB pension schemes in response to the Covid-19 outbreak. This has been picked up in the trade press.

WEBINAR

Family Fortunes webinars

Planning for the succession of family assets can be a complex and sensitive process, with “Family Fortune” potentially becoming “Family Feud”. Nevertheless, it’s an area where you can demonstrate the true value of comprehensive advice to your clients.

WEBINAR

Monthly Investment update

On this webinar, Paul Fidell, Business Development Manager looked at the recent performance of the PruFund range of funds available on Prudential’s Retirement Account. Mark Riggall, Head of Client Portfolio Management at M&G Treasury and Investment Office provided a market update.

ARTICLE by The Technical Team

The Technical Team

Corporate-owned bonds

Understand the corporation tax implications of a company investing in an insurance bond.

ARTICLE by The Technical Team

The Technical Team

Gift aid donations by individuals: the facts

Gift aid is a tax-efficient way of gifting to charities.

ARTICLE by The Technical Team

The Technical Team

Offshore Bond Taxation planning ideas

Information on tax planning with offshore policies, including what they are, time apportionment relief and excluded property trust.

ARTICLE by The Technical Team

The Technical Team

Transferable nil rate band: the facts

Learn the practical steps surrounding the transfer of the inheritance tax nil rate band.

WEBINAR

PruFund and Treasury & Investment Office update

On this webinar hear from Paul Fidell (Senior Business Development Manager), Mark Riggall (Head of Client Portfolio Management) and Parit Jakhria (Director of Long Term Investment Strategy) for an update on the PruFund announcements and the impact on the asset allocation.

WEBINAR

Spring Budget 2020

Our technical team are here to digest those big announcements that affect financial planners and tell them what we think it means for their clients and advice.

ARTICLE by The Technical Team

The Technical Team

Miscellaneous pension tax and trusts

In this article we cover some of the miscellaneous budget announcements impacting pensions, tax and trusts.

ARTICLE by The Technical Team

The Technical Team

Top Slicing

In order to understand why there have been changes to top slicing relief announced in the budget, it’s useful to have a quick recap of how we got here.

The Technical Team

UK Tax & Allowances

Information on UK tax and allowance for the years 2017/18 and 2018/19

ARTICLE by The Technical Team

The Technical Team

Entrepreneurs Relief

ER provides for a lower rate of CGT (10%) to be paid when disposing of all or part of a business where certain criteria are met.

ARTICLE by The Technical Team

The Technical Team

Spring Budget 2020 Tapered Annual Allowance

As had been widely speculated given issues with the NHS Defined Benefits scheme the Chancellor announced changes to the Tapered Annual Allowance.

ARTICLE by The Technical Team

The Technical Team

Spring Budget 2020

ARTICLE by The Technical Team

The Technical Team

Inheritance Tax Potentially Exempt Transfers

Learn how outright gifts are dealt with for inheritance tax purposes and the implications of death within seven years.

ARTICLE by The Technical Team

The Technical Team

Residence Nil Rate Band (RNRB): Planning

This article provides an opportunity to learn about the planning options available for clients to maximise the RNRB.

WEBINAR

Webinars with Selectapension and O&M systems

On these webinars, we've focused on the pension switching advice and have been joined by two of the largest adviser software providers O&M systems and Selectapension.

WEBINAR

Prudential Risk Managed Passive and Active 2019 review and 2020 outlook

On this webinar Phillip Butler; Portfolio Manager and Cat McInally, Business Development Manager, discussed how the Risk Managed Passive and Risk Managed Active fund ranges performed in 2019 and highlighted both the main tactical and strategic asset allocation positions taken.

WEBINAR

Quarterly Market update with Prudential

On this webinar we looked at recent performance and Expected Growth rates on the PruFund range from Prudential.

WEBINAR

FinTech Webinar Week

Learn more about our FinTech Webinar Week.

VIDEO

ESG Investing

Ben Constable-Maxwell, Head of Sustainable and Impact Investing with M&G Investments discusses ESG, who it is for, strategies, drivers and ESG in practice.

WEBINAR

55%, 25% or 0%: How much should you pay, when it comes to LTA?

On this webinar Jacqueline Clezy worked through a typical case study demonstrating the highly nuanced area of Lifetime Allowance planning.

WEBINAR

Get your tax year end AA ready – Pension Annual Allowance that is

On this webinar, Barrie Dawson, Technical Specialist looked at the key features of tax year end pension Annual Allowance planning. He looked at the best way to identify pension input amounts, the impact of Money Purchase Annual Allowance and Tapered Annual Allowance and finally carry forward provisions can help now and in the future.

WEBINAR

It’s not all about the pension – CGT and IHT at tax year end

Neil Macleod, Technical Specialist looked at how the Inheritance Tax (IHT) gifting exemptions are applied to gifts during the tax year end and considerations when using them. He also covered calculating capital gains and planning around the Annual Exempt amount.

ARTICLE by The Technical Team

The Technical Team

Residence Nil Rate Band (RNRB): Facts

Learn about the availability of the RNRB for clients.

WEBINAR

Investment Insights

On this webinar, Sahil Shaikh, Multi – Asset Portfolio Manager at M&GPrudential Treasury and Investment office dicsussed the recent implementation of the 2019 Strategic Asset Allocation for the LF Prudential Risk Managed Active and LF Prudential Risk Managed Passive Funds ranges. He covered what the main changes were in the 2019 Strategic Asset Allocation, why the changes been made and a performance update and market overview.

WEBINAR

Tax sometimes is taxing, but there’s welcome ‘reliefs’ from that

On this webinar, Mark Devlin, Technical Manager covered what you need to know for pension tax year end planning for members, third parties and employees.

WEBINAR

2020 and beyond seminar

We live streamed the final seminar on the 29 October. Hot on the heels of the latest FCA pension transfer advice consultation paper 19/25, what better time is there to find out what this means for you and advice in the future.

WEBINAR

Les' big fat quiz of the year

Our technical team have been answering questions all year and on this webinar Les Cameron, Head of Technical, turned the tables with a quiz for you covering the most common queries of the year.

WEBINAR

Brexit Update

On this webinar, Branamira Radoslavova, Head of Government Relations, Europe and International discussed the outcome of the Brexit discussions following the deadline of 31 October. She also summarised what the outcome means for financial services and what to expect in the months to come.

WEBINAR

Prudential Investment insights

Phil Butler, Multi Asset Portfolio Manager at M&G Treasury and Investment Office gave a year end update for LF Prudential Risk Managed Active and LF Risk Managed Passive fund ranges. He covered what were the main fund highlights for 2019, performance update, market overview and possible opportunities and headwinds for 2020.

WEBINAR

SIFA Professional – Financial Planning for Pensions and Divorce

On this webinar, Dave Seager, Managing Director of SIFA Professional, along with Heil Hewitt and Gary Riches of Scrutton Bland Financial Services and Les Cameron, Head of Technical at Prudential. They discussed the pensions and divorce market, and the brand new guide.

The Technical Team

Trust Registration Service (TRS) 5MLD Consultation

Just two and a half years ago the Fourth Money Laundering Directive (4MLD) came into effect giving rise to the Trust Registration Service (TRS).

ARTICLE by The Technical Team

The Technical Team

Discretionary Trust 10 yearly charge – 10 pointers

The UK tax system is complicated, so no wonder the Office of Tax Simplification (OTS) was established to give independent advice to the government on making things easier for taxpayers.

VIDEO

Prudential Market Insights Update - February 2020

Phil Butler, M&G Treasury Office joined us down the line to discuss the latest developments in the geopolitical events at the forefront of the market such as Brexit, the coronavirus and tensions between the US and Iran.

ARTICLE

The Scottish Budget 2020 - no change to income tax rates

Following the sudden resignation of Scotland’s Finance Secretary, Derek Mackay, the Scottish Budget was delivered by the Minister for Public Finance and Digital Economy, Kate Forbes.

VIDEO

Prudential Market Insights Update - January 2020

Sahil Shaikh joins us to look back on 2019, ahead to 2020 and why fiscal policy will be a key driver going forward.

WEBINAR

Upcoming webinars

Learn more about our upcoming webinars over the next quarter.

ARTICLE by The Technical Team

The Technical Team

Trustee record keeping

Find out which records are required for a trust with this useful guide for trustees.

ARTICLE by The Technical Team

The Technical Team

Trustee investment considerations: the facts

Learn the overriding duties of trustees in relation to investments.

ARTICLE by The Technical Team

The Technical Team

Individual savings accounts (ISAs): planning ideas

Help your clients make the most of their individual savings accounts (ISAs).

ARTICLE by The Technical Team

The Technical Team

Charities and insurance bonds: implications

Find out why HMRC considers it prudent for a charity to take professional advice before purchasing an insurance bond or accepting a transfer from a donor.

ARTICLE by The Technical Team

The Technical Team

Trustee residence status rules for the UK

Learn how the residence status of trustees as a body under UK rules is determined.

ARTICLE by The Technical Team

The Technical Team

Normal expenditure out of income exemption

Learn how normal expenditure out of income can be a valuable inheritance tax exemption, and how to plan with it.

ARTICLE by The Technical Team

The Technical Team

Types of chargeable event gains on bonds and how to calculate them: Q&A

Questions from advisers answered on types of chargeable event gains for bonds and how to calculate them.

ARTICLE by The Technical Team

The Technical Team

Loan trusts: the facts

Loan trusts are designed for individuals who wish to undertake IHT planning but are unwilling to make outright gifts.

ARTICLE by The Technical Team

The Technical Team

Discounted gift trusts: payments to beneficiaries

Information on discounted gift trusts and payment to beneficiaries; what to consider for payment to a beneficiary of a discounted gift trust while the settlor is still alive.

ARTICLE by The Technical Team

The Technical Team

Investment bonds – segment surrender v surrender across the segments

What you need to know about choosing how to withdraw funds from a bond when the whole bond is not being encashed.

ARTICLE

5% Tax Deferred Allowance for bonds: Q&A

Questions from advisers answered about the 5% tax deferred allowance and how it relates to chargeable event gains on bonds.

ARTICLE by The Technical Team

The Technical Team

Family investment companies

Information on family investment companies, including how using a family investment company is an inheritance tax (IHT) strategy for individuals with large estates subject to IHT.

The Technical Team

Clubs, societies and charities – problems investing in insurance bonds

Understand why investing in insurance bonds is problematic for unincorporated associations and charities.

ARTICLE by The Technical Team

The Technical Team

Discounted gift trusts: the facts

Learn about the role discounted gift trusts play in inheritance tax planning.

ARTICLE by The Technical Team

The Technical Team

Domicile status for individuals: the facts

Understand why domicile status can be important in establishing an individual’s tax liability.

ARTICLE by The Technical Team

The Technical Team

What duties and responsibilities do trustees have?

Learn the duties and responsibilities of trustees

ARTICLE by The Technical Team

The Technical Team

Inheritance Tax relief for business property

Business property relief is a valuable inheritance tax relief for business owners whether making a lifetime transfer or on death.

ARTICLE by The Technical Team

The Technical Team

Discounted gift trusts: changing the underpinning investment

Learn about changing the underpinning investment on a discounted gift trust which has been used for lump sum inheritance tax planning.

ARTICLE by The Technical Team

The Technical Team

Excluded Property Trusts

Learn about the role Excluded Property Trusts play in inheritance tax planning.

ARTICLE by The Technical Team

The Technical Team

Purchased life annuities: the facts

See how purchased life annuities provide a guaranteed income normally until death or expiry of a fixed term.

ARTICLE by The Technical Team

The Technical Team

Gifting guidance for attorneys and deputies

Here’s how an attorney or court appointed deputy can make gifts on behalf of another person.

ARTICLE by The Technical Team

The Technical Team

Loan trust: planning ideas

Loan trusts can be used to plan for inheritance tax, school fees, pensions and death benefits.

ARTICLE by The Technical Team

The Technical Team

Probate Trust

Learn about the role Probate Trusts play to ease the process on death of an insurance bond applicant.

ARTICLE by The Technical Team

The Technical Team

Gift Trust

Learn about the role insurance company gift trusts play in inheritance tax planning.

ARTICLE by The Technical Team

The Technical Team

Chargeable event gains on a bond and capital gains tax: Q&A

Answers to questions from advisers on the interaction of chargeable event gains on a bond and capital gains tax.

ARTICLE by The Technical Team

The Technical Team

Inheritance Tax taper relief

Find out how taper relief can reduce the tax payable on lifetime gifts.

ARTICLE by The Technical Team

The Technical Team

Life assurance policies and insurable interest requirements

Learn what insurable interest means and its different categories.

ARTICLE by The Technical Team

The Technical Team

Personal Injury Trust

A personal injury trust is the name given to trusts which are usually set up by solicitors from payments as a result of an accident, injury or malpractice.

ARTICLE by The Technical Team

The Technical Team

Trusts for disabled persons

Learn about the special tax treatment for trusts that are set up for vulnerable beneficiaries.

VIDEO

Prudential Multi-Asset Investment Update – November 2019

Charles Griffith discusses the risks he sees in the market, how the ongoing trade war is affecting the market & how equity markets have been performing.

VIDEO

Prudential Market Insights - October 2019

In this update, Sahil Shaikh gives us an insight into the state of the global economy as he reflects on a busy month for central banks & looks at whether they are doing enough.

WEBINAR

Quarterly market update from Prudential

This webinar looked at recent performance and Expected Growth rates on the PruFund range form Prudential. M&G Treasury & Investment Office provided a market update and gave an update on the current portfolio positioning for PruFund.

WEBINAR

PruFund - standing by you and your clients for 15 years

On this webinar, Paul Fidell, Senior Business Development Manager will cover key events of the last 5 years, how these have impacted upon investments, how PruFund has come through for investors and also look at some comparative performance numbers.

VIDEO

Sequencing of risk return

Vince Smith-Hughes discusses sequencing of risk return. Look at examples of income taken, the order of returns and the possible impact on the future value of the fund.

VIDEO

Protecting investor interests from the inside

Ciaran Mulligan, head of investment management oversight at the M&G Treasury and Investment Office, discusses his role and provides insight into our internal and external governance and due diligence processes.

VIDEO

Investing in alternatives for 15 years

Michael Howard, head of alternatives at M&G plc discusses his role and provides insight into some of the unique alternatives assets we invest in that underpin our portfolios.

VIDEO

Getting the best return in the smoothest possible way

Parit Jakhria, Director of long-term investment strategy at the M&G Treasury and Investment Office, discusses his role and how we align our long-term investment strategy with our clients aims and objectives.

ARTICLE by The Technical Team

The Technical Team

Pension death benefits: Q&A

Answers to some common questions we’re asked on the topic of pension death benefits,including options for how these may be paid, how payments are taxed, if a lifetime allowance test applies etc.

VIDEO

PruFund Explained

Client facing video that describes how PruFund works.

ARTICLE by The Technical Team

The Technical Team

The seven steps required to calculate an individual’s income tax liability

WEBINAR

FCA Paper CP19/25 panel debate

During this debate Vince Smith-Hughes and Les Cameron of Prudential were joined by Andy Kirby, CEO of Money Alive, Director of Mint Wealth Management and AdviserHome, Rory Percival, Regulatory Consultant and Damian McPhun, Partner at Beale & Co Solicitors. The panel not only looked at the details within the consultation but also the implications in the wider advice market and what this will mean for advisers in the future.

ARTICLE by The Technical Team

The Technical Team

Pension Section 32 & Buyout policies

Information on section 32 policies, what they are, when it would be used and the difference between it and a personal pension.

ARTICLE by The Technical Team

The Technical Team

Pension miscellaneous: Q&A

Here we answer a few common questions we are asked about pensions.

ARTICLE by The Technical Team

The Technical Team

Legal structures of pension schemes

An explanation of the different legal structures for pension schemes, including personal and group pensions and master trusts.

ARTICLE by Phil Butler

Phil Butler

Balancing irrational market outlooks with rational data for desired client outcomes

Phil Butler, a Portfolio Manager and CF30 at M&G T&IO, explains how the group’s internal Economic Scenario Generator assists the team in setting their long-term strategic asset allocation which is overlaid with shorter-term tactical decisions on the PruFolio Risk Managed fund range in order to produce returns that are in line with client risk appetites

ARTICLE by The Technical Team

The Technical Team

Pension Drawdown – everything you need to know

Drawdown allows pension holders to take a tax-free lump sum and reinvest the remainder as an income. Specific approaches include capped drawdown, flexi-access drawdown and optional, short-term annuities. The most appropriate method will depend on whether your client’s scheme was in place before 6 April 2015, and their particular aims and objectives.

ARTICLE by The Technical Team

The Technical Team

Additional protection for flexible pension consumers

The government has introduced new requirements to help protect pension consumers, as well as changes to guidance, advice and support.

ARTICLE by Paul Fidell

Paul Fidell

Risk and suitability: How can the industry get it right?

Suitability comes in many different forms, and there is a growing need for asset managers to better align fund processes with the requirements of the client.

ARTICLE by The Technical Team

The Technical Team

Protected early pension age

Information on protected early pension age and the three categories of members with the right to take benefits before the minimum pension age, along with the conditions affecting them.

ARTICLE by The Technical Team

The Technical Team

Pension commencement lump sum (tax-free cash)

Information on pension commencement lump sum (tax free cash), including key points, limits, entitlement and how to calculate the amount of tax-free cash.

ARTICLE by The Technical Team

The Technical Team

What is a pension annuity?

A guide to pension annuities: the essential facts and issues to consider.

ARTICLE by The Technical Team

The Technical Team

Transfers: Q&A

Here we answer a few common questions we are asked about pension transfers.

ARTICLE by The Technical Team

The Technical Team

Types of pension arrangements

A summary of the main types of pension arrangements, including money purchase (defined contribution), defined benefits and cash balance schemes.

ARTICLE by The Technical Team

The Technical Team

Pensions and divorce

Courts dividing assets during a divorce can take into account most pension rights. The settlement can be reached by offsetting, an attachment/earmarking order or a pension sharing order.

ARTICLE by The Technical Team

The Technical Team

Primary protection

Primary protection was introduced by Finance Act 2004 to protect people from unnecessary tax charges where their total benefits were valued at £1.5m (the newly introduced lifetime allowance) or more on 5 April 2006.

ARTICLE by The Technical Team

The Technical Team

Pensions and divorce: Q&A

We provide answers to typical questions from advisers on pension plans impacted by divorce proceedings.

ARTICLE by The Technical Team

The Technical Team

RAC, SIPP and SSAS pensions

Insight into three other types of money purchase pension schemes - retirement annuity contracts, self-invested personal pensions schemes and small self-administered schemes.

ARTICLE by The Technical Team

The Technical Team

Death benefits for defined benefit schemes

Find out about the types of death benefits that can be paid from a defined benefit scheme and how they’re taxed.

VIDEO

Prudential Market Insights - September 2019

Sahil Shaikh joins us to discuss the good news amongst the bad in a slowing global economy, whether he thinks the looming global recession will be different to last time & how much impact the US/China trade war is having on the market's volatility.

WEBINAR

Handling income and investments with care

On this webinar, Neil MacLeod and Vince Smith – Hughes, discussed with Tony Miles of My Care Consultant how different types of income and investments are treated in respect of local authority financial assessments, and how much individuals are required to contribute to their financial care in different circumstances. In addition they discussed the use of care consultants and the different ways advisers firms can use them.

ARTICLE

What is ESG investing?

Ben Constable-Maxwell, Head of Sustainable and Impact Investing at M&G Investments discusses ESG investing and the driving forces behind it.

Planning for +£50,000 tax-free annually

Nobody likes paying tax, but luckily our tax system offers legitimate opportunities to diminish tax payments. Clients can enjoy a substantial level of tax-free income by taking advantage of the various allowances within the tax system…and it’s not that technical.

WEBINAR

CP19/25 “Pensions Transfer Advice: Contingent charging and other proposed changes”

The FCA have issued a few papers and CP19/25 ‘Pension transfer advice: Contingent charging and other proposed changes’ has instantly generated much interest and headlines. On this webinar, Les Cameron, pulled out the key areas of detail from the paper.

VIDEO

Prudential Market Insights - July 2019

Sahil Shaikh, Portfolio Manager at Prudential discusses how the market is looking at the mid-point of the year, asset classes & more.

VIDEO

Prudential Market Insights - June 2019

As we approach the halfway point of 2019 and following a Q1 rebound, the S&P 500 reached double-digit territory and Asian markets are still in the green; can multi-asset funds breathe a sigh of relief? Phil Butler, Multi-Asset Portfolio Manager, T&IO, reflects on the last 6 months and potential worries surrounding economic data.

ARTICLE by The Technical Team

The Technical Team

Annual allowance: scheme pays

Using the scheme pays option to meet annual allowance excess charges

The Technical Team

Trust Registration Service (TRS)

Learn about the requirements of the TRS which became operational on 13 July 2017.

ARTICLE by The Technical Team

The Technical Team

Lifetime allowance (LTA) – uncrystallised funds pension lump sum (UFPLS) case study

We look at the process for the lifetime allowance test when paying an uncrystallised funds pension lump sum

Frequently Asked Questions about MiFID II & IDD disclosure

Frequently Asked Questions about MiFID II & IDD disclosure

ARTICLE

M&G Treasury & Investment Office Q1 2019 Investment Update

This update aims to provide an insight into the performance of markets and how this has affected underlying PruFund portfolios.

ARTICLE by Michael Howard

Michael Howard

Why invest in alternatives?

Michael Howard, Head of Alternative Investments analyses how alternative assets can benefit multi-asset portfolios.

ARTICLE by The Technical Team

The Technical Team

Pension recycling

Pension recycling is where a pension lump sum, or pension income, is recycled by reinvesting the income or lump sum into pension as a tax relievable contribution.

ARTICLE by The Technical Team

The Technical Team

Enhanced protection

Enhanced protection was introduced by Finance Act 2004. Individuals who were eligible and continue to hold enhanced protection will not suffer any lifetime allowance excess tax charge when they take pension benefits in excess of the lifetime allowance.

ARTICLE by The Technical Team

The Technical Team

Tax relief on employer contributions

Discover how an employer can receive tax relief on pension contributions for an employee.

ARTICLE by The Technical Team

The Technical Team

Flexi-access drawdown vs UFPLS

Discover useful guidance to help you consider whether flexi-access drawdown or UFPLS is the most appropriate route to achieve the client’s objectives for accessing benefits from their pension pot.

ARTICLE by The Technical Team

The Technical Team

Uncrystallised funds pension lump sum (UFPLS)

Information on uncrystallised funds pension lump sum (UFPLS); what it is, why it was introduced and how it is taxed.

ARTICLE by The Technical Team

The Technical Team

Taxation of pension income

We outline how pension income is taxed as earned income, using Pay As You Earn (PAYE) and cover some key considerations. Usually the income is initially set up with an ‘emergency tax code’.

ARTICLE by The Technical Team

The Technical Team

Pension fixed protection explained

With the Lifetime Allowance being reduced over time to £1.0m, more and more people are facing the potential of being liable to LTA excess charges. Consideration of the availability of LTA protection is therefore a vital part of pensions planning.

ARTICLE by The Technical Team

The Technical Team

Lifetime Allowance (LTA): Q&A

Questions from advisers answered on the lifetime allowance, including queries about protection, LTA excesses, pre A-day benefits, LTA on death and other general questions.

ARTICLE by The Technical Team

The Technical Team

Transferable nil rate band: planning ideas

Learn about the interaction of discretionary will trusts and the inheritance tax transferable nil rate band.

ARTICLE by The Technical Team

The Technical Team

Income tax personal allowance: planning ideas

Personal allowance planning involves reducing adjusted net income given the £100,000 income limit for personal allowance purposes.

ARTICLE by The Technical Team

The Technical Team

How best to extract profits from your business

Discover the three main ways to extract profits from a limited company and how these can be used to improve your client’s financial situation.

ARTICLE by The Technical Team

The Technical Team

Scottish Rate of Income Tax - Facts

How Income Tax differs for Scottish taxpayers

ARTICLE by The Technical Team

The Technical Team

What is Pension Lifetime Allowance?

For pensions, the Lifetime Allowance (LTA) is the overall limit of tax privileged pension funds a member can accrue during their lifetime, before a Lifetime Allowance tax charge applies. The standard Lifetime Allowance is currently £1,055,000 (2019-2020).

ARTICLE by The Technical Team

The Technical Team

Annual allowance for pension savings

A review of the main changes to annual allowance since its introduction on 6 April 2006, as well as common issues to consider.

ARTICLE by The Technical Team

The Technical Team

Taxation of offshore bonds: the facts

Information on taxation of offshore bonds. Find out how offshore life assurance bonds are taxed in the hands of individuals and trustees.

ARTICLE by The Technical Team

The Technical Team

Salary sacrifice: pension planning ideas

There are a number of planning opportunities around Salary Sacrifice (or Exchange) which can produce the same pension contribution at a lower net cost, or a higher pension contribution at the same net cost.

ARTICLE by The Technical Team

The Technical Team

Pensions can be a valuable tool in an individual's tax planning

Information on how pensions can be used to mitigate child benefit and personal allowance tax traps as well as mitigate tax on bond and CGT gains.

ARTICLE by The Technical Team

The Technical Team

Money purchase annual allowance (MPAA) - Case studies

Case studies demonstrating how the MPAA works for a selection of tax years.

ARTICLE by The Technical Team

The Technical Team

Top slicing relief for bonds taxation: planning ideas

What you need to know about the interaction of a personal pension contribution and top slicing relief .

ARTICLE by The Technical Team

The Technical Team

What is EIS, VCT or SEIS?

What is EIS, VCT or SEIS and what tax reliefs do they offer to investors? Find everything you need to know in our Knowledge Library.

ARTICLE by The Technical Team

The Technical Team

Income tax rates and order of tax

Learn how different types of income are taxed and how they fit into an individual’s income tax calculation.

ARTICLE by The Technical Team

The Technical Team

Gifting (using trusts) and Inheritance Tax

Learn about Potentially Exempt Transfers (PETs) and Chargeable Lifetime Transfers (CLTs), how they differ, their interaction with each other and their impact on Inheritance Tax.

ARTICLE by The Technical Team

The Technical Team

Spousal bypass trust: the facts

Discover what spousal bypass trusts are, why they might be used and the tax implications of using them.

ARTICLE by The Technical Team

The Technical Team

Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs): the facts

The Individual Savings Account (ISA) is a tax exempt savings vehicle for UK resident investors.

ARTICLE by The Technical Team

The Technical Team

Pensions and inheritance tax: planning ideas

Pension planning and making contributions for others can be an effective way for the donor to reduce their taxable estate while saving into a pension for someone else.

ARTICLE by The Technical Team

The Technical Team

Phased retirement

Pension flexibility has increased the options available for those who wish to phase retirement. Discover the main types of withdrawal method and how it works in practice.

ARTICLE by The Technical Team

The Technical Team

Chargeable event gains for bonds and starting rate for saving: Q&A

Questions from advisers answered about setting chargeable events gains for bonds against the starting rate for savings.

ARTICLE by The Technical Team

The Technical Team

Tax relief on member contributions

Learn how tax relief for a member operates including eligibility, methods of claiming tax relief and case studies.

ARTICLE by The Technical Team

The Technical Team

Reduce the impact of the high income child benefit charge

The high income child benefit tax charge (HICBC) impacts those who have adjusted net income over £50,000 and are (or their partner is) receiving child benefit. Reducing adjusted net income can reduce the impact.

ARTICLE by The Technical Team

The Technical Team

Transfer to or from qualifying recognised overseas pension schemes

Discover the main considerations when transferring a pension to or from a Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Scheme and new rule changes.

ARTICLE by The Technical Team

The Technical Team

Income tax personal allowance: the facts

What you need to know about the income tax personal allowance.

ARTICLE by The Technical Team

The Technical Team

Comparing pension and buy-to-let as retirement planning vehicles

Buy to let property, as well as pensions, continue to be popular investment vehicles for retirement planning. We look at the advantages and disadvantages of each.

ARTICLE by The Technical Team

The Technical Team

Top slicing relief for bonds taxation: the facts

What you need to know about top slicing relief, how it works and more.

ARTICLE by The Technical Team

The Technical Team

Small pots and defined benefit trivial commutations

Information on small pots and defined benefit trivial commutations, including payment, effect on entitlements to benefits and crystallised and uncrystallised benefit rights.

ARTICLE by The Technical Team

The Technical Team

The new State Pension

The new State Pension replaces the previous rules, which offered the basic and any additional state pension entitlements, for anyone reaching State Pension age on or after 6 April 2016.

ARTICLE by The Technical Team

The Technical Team

Transferring a pension scheme

Learn about what’s allowed and what’s not allowed by HMRC when a member of a pension scheme transfers their accrued pension rights from one scheme to another.

ARTICLE by The Technical Team

The Technical Team

When can retirement benefits be taken?

Information on when can retirement benefits be taken, exceptions and key points.

ARTICLE by The Technical Team

The Technical Team

Tax-free cash and protection

Information on tax-free cash (TFC) and how it can be protected; the type of Lifetime Allowance protection held can also impact the calculation of the maximum TFC.

ARTICLE by The Technical Team

The Technical Team

Transfer to or from qualifying recognised overseas pension schemes

Discover the main considerations when transferring a pension to or from a Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Scheme and new rule changes.

ARTICLE by The Technical Team

The Technical Team

Important Information about Trusts

Everything you always wanted to know about trusts but were afraid to ask! This document shares the answers to common questions about existing trusts.

ARTICLE by The Technical Team

The Technical Team

Tapered annual allowance: planning ideas and potential pitfalls

Discover how the tapered annual allowance works, and the related planning issues.

ARTICLE by The Technical Team

The Technical Team

Salary sacrifice: the facts

Learn about salary sacrifice: what it is, why do it and what the drawbacks are.

ARTICLE by The Technical Team

The Technical Team

Tapered annual allowance for high income client pensions

Information on tapered annual allowance for high income client pensions.

ARTICLE by The Technical Team

The Technical Team

UK investment bonds: taxation planning ideas

Discover tax planning opportunities with UK investment bonds.

ARTICLE by The Technical Team

The Technical Team

Individual protection 2014 and 2016

With the Lifetime Allowance being reduced to £1m, more and more people could potentially be liable for Lifetime Allowance excess charges. This makes considering Lifetime Allowance protections a vital part of pensions planning.

ARTICLE by The Technical Team

The Technical Team

Money Purchase Annual Allowance (MPAA)

The money purchase annual allowance, or MPAA, was introduced with pension freedoms and this limits the amount of money which can be contributed to a money purchase scheme once pensions have been flexibly accessed before a tax charge is payable.

ARTICLE by The Technical Team

The Technical Team

Discretionary trust taxation

What is a Discretionary Trust and what are the tax implications, charges and bands? Find everything you need in our knowledge library.

ARTICLE by The Technical Team

The Technical Team

AIFs for individual investors: the facts

An overview of what authorised investment funds are and how they are taxed.

ARTICLE by The Technical Team

The Technical Team

Pension contributions: Q&A

Questions from advisers answered on tax relief and annual allowance (including carry forward) considerations when contributing to pensions.

ARTICLE by The Technical Team

The Technical Team

Income or assets overseas – client notification obligations

If you give advice about tax, or are a financial institution, you may need to send a letter to clients who have income or assets overseas.

ARTICLE by The Technical Team

The Technical Team

UK investment bonds: taxation facts

Information on UK investment bonds, including what they are, identifying chargeable events, part arrangement (5% rule) and part assignments.

ARTICLE by The Technical Team

The Technical Team

Offshore Bonds Taxation explained

Information on taxation of offshore bonds. Find out how offshore life assurance bonds are taxed in the hands of individuals and trustees.

ARTICLE by The Technical Team

The Technical Team

Chargeable event gain and personal allowance: Q&A

Answers to questions from advisers on the effect of the chargeable event gain on personal allowance.

ARTICLE by The Technical Team

The Technical Team

Welsh Rate of Income Tax - Facts

How Income Tax differs for Welsh taxpayers

ARTICLE by The Technical Team

The Technical Team

Carry forward of unused annual allowance for pension savings

Carry forward of unused annual allowance may allow a member to absorb or reduce any annual allowance excess paid in the current tax year which, in turn, would reduce any potential annual allowance charge amount.

ARTICLE by The Technical Team

The Technical Team

When can retirement benefits be taken?

Information on when can retirement benefits be taken, exceptions and key points.

ARTICLE by The Technical Team

The Technical Team

Inheritance Tax meets Child Benefit Tax

How inheritance tax planning can also help lower tax on a family basis and help with retirement planning.

ARTICLE by The Technical Team

The Technical Team

AIFs for individual investors: planning ideas

Authorised investment funds are collective investment schemes authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority (FSA).

ARTICLE by The Technical Team

The Technical Team

Death benefits from defined contribution schemes

Learn about the different types of death benefit, including those from defined contribution schemes, and the way they’re taxed.

ARTICLE by The Technical Team

The Technical Team

Lifetime Allowance and Annual Allowance planning for the high net worth client

Here’s what you need to consider in relation to the Lifetime Allowance and Annual Allowance to see if pension saving is still right for high net worth clients.

ARTICLE by The Technical Team

The Technical Team

Inheritance Tax annual exemption

What you need to know about the annual £3,000 exemption for Inheritance Tax purposes.

ARTICLE by The Technical Team

The Technical Team

Early retirement planning

For the young and those with good levels of disposable income the dream of an early retirement at 55 could be achieved by bridging the income gap before State Pension is payable.

ARTICLE by The Technical Team

The Technical Team

How to use our annual allowance calculator tool

To help you know what information is needed to carry out AA calculations, and how to correctly populate the fields in our calculator.

ARTICLE by The Technical Team

The Technical Team

Annual allowance, including carry forward, money purchase AA and tapered AA: Q&A

Pensions simplification brought us the ‘annual allowance’ for pension savings, on 6 April 2006. At its highest level this reached £255,000 but, since then, we’ve seen a massive drop in the AA limit followed by the ability to ‘carry forward’ unused annual allowance to offset AA excesses.

ARTICLE by The Technical Team

The Technical Team

Pension transfers and conversions, including DB to DC transfers

We explore the advantages and disadvantages of transferring a DB scheme to a DC type scheme and the assessment process, including Transfer Value Analysis Systems (TVAs).

ARTICLE by The Technical Team

The Technical Team

Annual allowance: scheme pays Q&A

Answers to common questions on using the Scheme Pays option to meet annual allowance excess charges

ARTICLE by The Technical Team

The Technical Team

Small pots and defined benefit trivial commutation: Q&A

Answers to common questions on the topics of small pots and triviality

ARTICLE by Mark Devlin

Mark Devlin

3 things to think about Annual Allowance at tax year end

As I’ve been given a limited word count to make this article “small & punchy” expect a few links to other articles to follow, possibly a few more links than I intended given my opening!!

ARTICLE by Les Cameron

Les Cameron

Language of pension tax relief

Contributions, adjusted net incomes, taxable income, relief at source, net pay and extension of tax bands.

ARTICLE by Les Cameron

Les Cameron

Start to look at what’s next

We’re into tax year end and many people are busy getting all those things done as 5 April looms, whether that be finalising pension contributions, using up allowances or bed and breakfasting those capital gains.

ARTICLE by Graeme Robb

Graeme Robb

Finding the perfect B&B

The internal fund tax of wrappers such as bonds and Open Ended Investment Companies (OEICs) can be confusing.

Get your Investment Matters CPD certificate

Thanks for coming to our recent ‘Investment Matters – Review, Plan, Action’ seminar. We hope you got a lot out of it.

ARTICLE by The Technical Team

The Technical Team

Inheritance tax and pensions

See the situations where inheritance tax may apply in relation to pensions.

ARTICLE by The Technical Team

The Technical Team

Death benefits and annuities

Learn about the death benefits that can be provided if a member purchases an annuity contract, and the resulting taxes payable.

ARTICLE by The Technical Team

The Technical Team

Pension switches without safeguarded benefits

Information on pension switches without safeguarded benefits. We answer 'What is a pension switch?' and how it is different from a pension transfer.

ARTICLE

Glossary of Multi-Asset Investing

Changing demographics, globalisation and technology are just some of the factors pushing capital from Western economies to Eastern economies over the past thirty years. Are multi-asset portfolios at risk of being left behind amid such historic regime shifts? Parit Jakhria, Director of Long-term Investment Strategy at Prudential Portfolio Management Group (PPMG) explores these regime shifts.

ARTICLE

Multi-asset allocation amid ‘shifting’ economic centres of gravities

Changing demographics, globalisation and technology are just some of the factors pushing capital from Western economies to Eastern economies over the past thirty years. Are multi-asset portfolios at risk of being left behind amid such historic regime shifts? Parit Jakhria, Director of Long-term Investment Strategy at Prudential Portfolio Management Group (PPMG) explores these regime shifts.

ARTICLE

Why the rules are less clearly defined for multi-asset funds today

Multi-asset is evolving from straight forward cautious and balanced outlooks to outcome-orientated and targeted-return strategies. But as investors enter a new era of quantitative tightening, a focus on traditional, long-term metrics will be key to achieving success according to Prudential Portfolio Management Group’s (PPMG) Andy Brown.

ARTICLE

Capital markets research and modelling: The engine of a multi-asset portfolio

As the universe of multi-asset solutions continues to grow, the key to delivering long-term, stable returns often relies on how well the underlying drivers of risk and return are understood and managed in a portfolio. But how easy is it to model the possibilities? Dipanjan Roy of PPMG explains.

ARTICLE

The rise of the ‘new’ alternatives

As yields have compressed and forward-looking return expectations fall, multi-asset managers have sought alternatives to traditional asset classes to find new sources of income and boost returns. Michael Howard, Head of Alternative Investments at Prudential Portfolio Management Group (PPMG) explores.

ARTICLE

Asset allocation: Why the strategic versus tactical debate matters

Seen as the building blocks of a portfolio, strategic and tactical asset allocation processes should work in tandem to deliver on-target and risk-adjusted returns. Here, the two processes are analysed to see how they complement each other to deliver long-term results. Barry Widdows, Head of Multi-Asset Portfolio Management & Phil Butler, Multi-Asset Portfolio Manager at Prudential Portfolio Management Group (PPMG) share their analysis.

ARTICLE by The Technical Team

The Technical Team

Interaction of tax relief and annual allowance

Tax relief rules and annual allowance rules work separately. Both sets of rules must be correctly considered to ensure pension savings are tax efficient.

ARTICLE by Nick Hunt

Nick Hunt

FCA Retirement Outcomes Review and CP18/17

The FCA’s aim, through its two year review, was to assess the outcomes of the pension freedoms introduced in 2015 and propose fixes for emerging issues – all of which advisers and providers need to consider carefully.

ARTICLE by Helen O' Hagan

Helen O' Hagan

Loan Trusts for Inheritance Tax Planning

A loan trust is a way of setting up a trust for inheritance tax (IHT) planning whilst allowing the settlor (the individual who sets up the trust) access to the original capital.

ARTICLE by Graeme Robb

Graeme Robb

Here we go, here we go, here we go again

In May, Liz Hardie explored the consultation issued by the Office of Tax Simplification (OTS) regarding potential simplification of the inheritance tax (IHT) regime. That consultation has now closed and we will need to wait until Autumn when the OTS publishes its Report.

ARTICLE by Mark Devlin

Mark Devlin

What do Michael J, Arnold and Cher have in common?

As a sci-fi geek and former Physics student, the concept of time travel often intrigues me. This also explains the title of the article, as all three have had links to time travel, or in Cher’s case she wished she could.

ARTICLE by Jacqueline Clezy

Jacqueline Clezy

Can’t pay? We’ll take your pension away!

Your client has an annual allowance excess which means they’ve a tax charge to pay. You’ve heard a pension scheme will pay this charge from a member’s benefits using ‘Scheme Pays’.

ARTICLE by The Technical Team

The Technical Team

Oracle Guide to calculating Public Service Pension Input amounts

The question we get asked most frequently about public service pension schemes is how to calculate pension input.

ARTICLE by Helen O' Hagan

Helen O' Hagan

Thoughts about OEICs and Unit Trusts

Open ended investment companies (OEICs) and unit trusts are collective investment schemes – a form of investment fund that enables a number of investors to 'pool' their assets and invest in a professionally managed portfolio of investments, typically gilts, bonds, equities and perhaps property.

ARTICLE by Jacqueline Clezy

Jacqueline Clezy

Are your clients eligible for their free TV licence, but still saving into pension?

We are frequently asked about the rules for paying pension contributions after age 75. If you haven’t a Scooby, I’m happy to help solve the mystery machine of pensions law about this.

ARTICLE by Graeme Robb

Graeme Robb

A matter of life and death

The Office of Tax Simplifications is very busy these days. Learn about its recent Business Lifecycle Report and why it has concerns about Entrepreneurs’ Relief

VIDEO

Introduction to divorce

Watch our short video on having conversations with your clients if they are going through divorce.

Nick Hunt

Consider your data security

You’ll need to take a risk based approach when considering the appropriate level of security for the personal data you process, including its use, storage and transfer.

Nick Hunt

Data Policy and Notices

You’ll need to review your policy around managing customer’s personal data and communicate how you handle privacy information by way of a Notice. Find out what to include.

Nick Hunt

GDPR Glossary

Do you know the difference between data controllers and data processors? Do you know why a Data Protection Officer has a unique role within a firm?

Nick Hunt

Reduce your risk of cybercrime

Basic human error may open the door to cybercrime, what simple mistakes could be avoided.

Nick Hunt

GDPR Checklist

Use our checklist top ensure your business is GDPR compliant.

Nick Hunt

What legal grounds do you have?

What are the lawful reasons for holding personal data?

Nick Hunt

What are your client’s rights?

Understanding the rights of data subjects is fundamental to GDPR compliance.

Nick Hunt

What have you got to lose?

GDPR gives the ICO and other regulators, greater powers to take action quickly and forcefully on non-compliance. Depending on what’s gone wrong, you and your business could face a number of challenges.

Nick Hunt

What to do if you have a breach?

If a breach happens, what do you need to report?

Upcoming: Bonds benefits and Assignment

On this webinar George Pullar, Business Development Manager will start by looking at the key benefits of investing in investment bonds, with a focus on education funding and IHT planning. Following on from George, Liz Hardie, Technical Specialist will take an in-depth look at Assignment through use of a case study.

Upcoming: Cascading wealth – opportunities to explore

On this webinar, Stan Russell, Senior Business Development Manager will begin by looking at the IHT implications if a client makes a transfer and dies within two years. George Pullar, Business Development Manager will then go on to look at some of the key challenges faced when moving in to decumulation and looking to support a sustainable income and the use of ISAs as part of the key strategy

ARTICLE by Mark Devlin

Mark Devlin

A couple of pension titbits

Now that Scottish Rate of income tax (SRIT) has been passed, Mark will look at a particular quirk between the devolved and non-devolved powers to highlight the highest UK rate of tax.

ARTICLE by Neil MacLeod

Neil MacLeod

Consultation Paper 18/7 (CP18/7)

The FCA have issued a consultation paper with proposals to improve the quality of pension transfer advice. This is a summary of the proposals included within CP 18/7.

ARTICLE by Liz Hardie

Liz Hardie

Are gifts really deliberate deprivation of assets for care home fees?

Assessing for deliberate deprivation of assets can be a grey area for many local authorities. North Yorkshire County Council was recently criticised by the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman, who say that they got the decision wrong.

ARTICLE by Barrie Dawson

Barrie Dawson

Discounted Gift Trust: Q&A

Questions from advisers answered on Discounted Gift Trust

ARTICLE by Helen O' Hagan

Helen O' Hagan

Trusts for disabled persons - to elect or not to elect

There are available tax advantages on electing for a trust to be treated as a vulnerable persons trust but is it always the best thing to do for a disabled beneficiary?

ARTICLE by Graeme Robb

Graeme Robb

Common sense has broken out

The Chancellor presented his first Spring Statement on Tuesday 13 March

Mark Devlin

Policy Statement 18/6 (PS18/6)

A summary of PS18/6

VIDEO

Bonds: Introduction (1 of 4)

Watch our video of an introduction to bonds.

VIDEO

Bonds: Withdrawing money (2 of 4)

Watch our video on withdrawing money from bonds.

VIDEO

Bonds: Chargeable events and gains (3 of 4)

Watch our video on bonds and chargeable events and gains.

VIDEO

Bonds: Life assured vs owner (4 of 4)

Watch our video on bonds and life assured vs owner bonds.

ARTICLE by Michael Howard

Michael Howard

The opportunities and challenges in infrastructure investment

Michael Howard, Head of Alternative Investments, discusses the opportunities presented by investments in infrastructure.

ARTICLE by Parit Jakhria

Parit Jakhria

Investment research and our tactical asset allocation process

David Shairp, Head of Research investigates the range of factors that multi-asset investors use to derive market insights and views that inform portfolio decisions.

ARTICLE by Adrian Gaspar

Adrian Gaspar

Monitoring your managers and the importance of mandates

The PPMG Manager Oversight team has created a rigorous set of procedures to underpin the ongoing monitoring and management of the various underlying investments within the PruFund proposition.

ARTICLE by Parit Jakhria

Parit Jakhria

The anatomy of long-term asset allocation

Parit Jakhria, Head of Long-Term Investment Strategy (LTIS), explains how his team operates to determine our long-term investment strategy to ultimately deliver outcomes for your clients.

ARTICLE by Barry Widdows

Barry Widdows

A day in the life of a multi-asset portfolio manager

Barry Widdows, Head of Multi-Asset Portfolio Management invites us into the analytical environment and close working relationships involved in managing multi-asset portfolios.