Pension scams

HMRC have published revised guidance to warn pension savers of significant tax consequences of pension liberation scams and where to go for further information say Harris & Co accountants Northampton #accountantsnorthampton

HMRC say pension savers continue to be targeted by unscrupulous companies encouraging them to access their pension savings early. These promoters offer personal loans, cash incentives and one-off pension investments, enticing savers by claiming to help them access their pension before age 55, or that they can already take more than 25% of their pension as cash.

The law, as it currently stands, only allows pension scheme members to draw from their pension before age 55 in rare cases such as terminal illness. It also only allows pension scheme members to take up to 25% of their pension savings as a cash lump sum. Although this law may change in the future, HMRC say it is ‘important that members aren"t fooled into thinking that is the law today’.

Specific ‘action packs’ are available for pensions professionals, trustees and individuals. They provide guidance on what to do to reduce the risk of becoming involved in these scams, and the tax impact of releasing pension funds early using these types of arrangements.