Beauchamp Charles Chartered Accountants - Pension freedom or liberation?

Newsletter issue - April 2015.

Pension freedom is a GOOD thing. The change in law from 6 April 2015 means that members of defined contribution pension schemes who are aged 55 or more should be able to draw what they want from their pension schemes. But "pension liberation" is a BAD thing. This is when scammers use confidence tricks to separate taxpayers from their pension savings, and the taxpayer has to pay high charges and tax penalties. Can you tell the difference?

If you are thinking about taking funds from your pension plan, you need to think carefully about all the implications. The Government has set up a website: www.pensionwise.gov.uk, which provides basic guidance on the six steps to take before accessing your pension savings. There will also be free face to face meetings, and telephone support, where you can learn about your options.

If you want to invest your money outside your pension fund, you should take advice from a qualified financial adviser who is registered with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). The Money Advice Service website (also Government backed) has some good tips about how to choose a financial adviser.

Beware of taking large sums out of your pension fund in one go, as this may push you into the 40% or 45% tax bands. We can help you calculate how much tax you will have to pay when you access your pension savings.

Taking flexible income payments from your pension scheme is an irreversible process, you can't put all the money back into the pension scheme if you change your mind. You may also be restricted to making pension contributions of no more than £10,000 per year, rather than the current cap of £40,000 per year. A withdrawal of tax-free cash from the pension scheme, or a transfer of funds into a pension annuity does not count as a "flexible income payment" for this purpose.

The decision to start drawing your pension benefits should not be taken lightly, or without qualified advice.

What our clients say

Dakins Property Services

Great Results, Personable, High Integrity

Choice Events Limited

All at Beauchamp Charles are very helpful, approachable and easy to talk to. They keep me informed with key dates; I can feel totally confident that I won't ever miss any deadlines! Whoever I deal with, always deal with matters professionally and efficiently and if they are unavailable they get back to me promptly.

FT leisure Ltd

I have worked with Beauchamp Charles as our management accountants for over 20 years and have never received anything less than exceptional service. Their approach is both professional and personal. Finances and particularly tax strategies are a minefield for small businesses; Beauchamp Charles have in-depth knowledge of these area, which is comforting. They pay very close attention to our business activities and have provided financial strategies that have helped our company develop.

Fredrick Thomas Electrical and Maintenance

We have used Beauchamp Charles since company formation back in 1998. Beauchamp Charles offers us a one to one service as they are small enough to offer this dedicated service and large enough to do the work and offer best advice. They get to know us as individuals and a business, always giving sound advice. Frederick Thomas Electrical are in a stronger place thanks to the service we get from them.

Barnes Walker Landscapes Limited

We are a small business and had employed the same accountancy firm for many years. Two years ago we took the decision to switch to Beauchamp Charles after several othe local businesses recommended them very highly to us. We have not been disappointed with the service they have provided to us over these last two years.

Pension freedom or liberation?

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