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ARTICLE · 09 SEPTEMBER 2026

The Pensions Brief: September 2026

Mayer Brown
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HM Revenue & Customs has released a further technical note detailing how the new inheritance tax regime for pension scheme death benefits will operate from April 2027, covering information-sharing protocols, withholding notices, and the interaction between IHT and income tax. What practical steps must trustees and administrators take now to prepare for these significant changes, and how will the draft guidance on identity verification and template notices affect scheme operations?

United KingdomTax
Edward Jewitt
Edward Jewitt
Katherine Carter
Katherine Carter
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Issues Affecting All Schemes

Inheritance Tax: Further Technical Note

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has published a further technical note for schemes on how the new inheritance tax (IHT) regime for death benefits paid from registered pension schemes will work in practice. The note covers topics including:

  • Information-sharing;
  • Withholding and payment notices; and
  • The interaction of IHT and income tax on death benefits.

It also includes draft guidance on verifying the identity of personal representatives and draft template withholding and payment notices.

Action
Trustees and administrators should review the note, and factor its contents into their preparations for the April 2027 introduction of the new IHT regime.

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