Britons Increasing Pension Withdrawals Ahead of Budget Announcement

As the budget announcement on October 30 approaches, Britons are withdrawing more money from their pensions, according to insights from an investment platform. Michael Summersgill, CEO of AJ Bell, highlights that many savers are opting to increase their tax-free cash withdrawals. Currently, individuals can withdraw 25% of their pension, with a maximum limit of £268,275. While there’s no definitive evidence suggesting a reduction in this percentage, left-leaning think tanks have advised the government that the 25% rule mainly benefits wealthier individuals.

Understanding Pension Withdrawals

Summersgill stated, "Pensions serve as the main savings tool for retirement in the UK, and it’s natural for customers to be concerned about any potential tax changes. With the heightened media focus leading up to the budget, we’ve observed a significant shift in both pension contributions and tax-free withdrawals."

Conversely, Ross Lacey, a director and chartered financial planner at Fairview Financial Management, advises clients against making hasty decisions. "Given the increasing emphasis on self-funding retirement and the existing challenges pensions face in terms of public perception, it would be unwise to implement changes that could make pensions less appealing," he noted. It’s worth mentioning that immediate tax changes are not uncommon but are still unexpected.

Should You Increase Your Pension Contributions Before the Autumn Budget?

With the Autumn Budget approaching, many are pondering whether to increase their pension contributions. There are speculations that higher- and additional-rate taxpayers might receive a reduced rate of tax relief on their pension contributions. However, specific details and implementation dates will only be revealed during the Budget.

While it’s generally wise to avoid hasty decisions, if you’re already considering boosting your pension and fall into a higher or additional-rate tax bracket, now might be the time to strategize for maximizing your contributions.

Potential Changes to Tax Relief

Currently, contributions to personal pensions receive tax relief based on the highest income tax rate. For instance, a contribution of £80 to a personal pension automatically includes an extra £20 in basic-rate (20%) tax relief. Higher-rate (40%) and additional-rate (45%) taxpayers can reclaim additional amounts through their self-assessment tax return.

However, rumors suggest the Chancellor may consider a flat rate of tax relief between 20% and 30% for all individuals. This change would aim for more equitable benefits across income levels but would result in lower advantages for those currently receiving higher rates of tax relief.

Related: More young home owners gamble their retirement with mortgages lasting past state pension age

Maximizing Your Pension Benefits

If the proposed changes are implemented, higher- and additional-rate taxpayers may miss out on certain tax perks. Nevertheless, most UK taxpayers will still benefit significantly. If you’re in a higher tax bracket, it may be wise to consider advancing your pension contributions before any potential changes take effect. This strategy allows you to maximize the higher relief rates currently available.

For those in workplace pension schemes, consulting with your employer about increasing contributions can also be beneficial. Many employers match contributions, significantly enhancing pension savings over time.

As of now, tax relief on pension contributions is available up to 100% of your gross relevant earnings, with a cap of £60,000 for the 2024-25 tax year. This cap, known as the ‘annual allowance,’ includes both your contributions and those from your employer before tax. Note that the annual allowance may be reduced if you have a high income or have accessed your pension pot flexibly.

Considerations Before Boosting Your Pension

While increasing your pension may seem like a prudent choice, it’s not suitable for everyone. First, assess whether you can comfortably afford to increase your contributions. Remember that you won’t be able to access these funds until at least age 55, rising to age 57 in April 2028. If you anticipate needing access to your funds before retirement, consider an Individual Savings Account (ISA) instead. Although ISAs don’t offer tax relief on contributions, you can withdraw your money whenever without incurring tax penalties.

For the 2024-25 tax year, you can contribute up to £20,000 to ISAs. Increasing your ISA contributions might also be timely, as there are rumors of a potential lifetime cap on ISA savings that could be introduced in the Autumn Budget or by a future government.

Diversifying investments across various accounts, including ISAs and pensions, can help mitigate risks associated with changes in tax laws or personal circumstances. Regularly managing contributions and withdrawals from different accounts can enhance tax efficiency, ultimately reducing your overall investment costs.

Conclusion

Regularly reviewing your monthly savings and ensuring you’re investing tax-efficiently is crucial as you work toward your retirement goals. By maintaining a long-term perspective and considering your financial objectives, you can set yourself up for a brighter financial future.

Please note that the tax rates and allowances mentioned in this article are based on information as of September 2024.

Related: The average savings based on your age