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Labour's Tax Reforms to Hit Unmarried Couples and Wealthy Estates

New inheritance tax rules will significantly impact pension savings and capital gains for unmarried partners and affluent families.

Abby Ghafoor feels that she is not being rewarded for the work she has put in growing her marketing business
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Caption: Rachel Reeves plans to make pensions liable for inheritance tax (IHT) from April 2027
Photographer: Peter Dazeley
Provider: Getty Images
Source: The Image Bank RF

Overview

  • Unmarried couples will face a 40% inheritance tax on inherited pension savings starting in 2027, potentially reducing retirement income.
  • The new tax rules will also impose capital gains tax on asset transfers between unmarried partners, unlike married couples who are exempt.
  • Wealthy families could see up to a 70.5% tax on inherited pensions due to combined inheritance and income tax liabilities.
  • The changes aim to prevent pensions from being used as inheritance tax planning tools, affecting about 8% of estates annually.
  • Experts advise individuals to seek financial advice and consider adjusting retirement and estate planning strategies.