Part 9

Pension income
CHAPTER 15A

Lump sums under registered pension schemes

Tax treatment of authorised lump sum death benefits

Defined benefits lump sum death benefits
637H
1
Subject to subsections
(2)
to
(6)
, no liability to income tax arises on a defined benefits lump sum death benefit paid under a registered pension scheme.
2
If—
a
a defined benefits lump sum death benefit under a registered pension scheme is paid in respect of a member who, on death, is under 75,
b
the lump sum is paid before the end of the relevant two year period, and
c
the lump sum exceeds the permitted maximum,
section 579A (pensions) applies to the excess as it applies to any pension under a registered pension scheme.
3
If—
a
a defined benefits lump sum death benefit under a registered pension scheme is paid in respect of a member who, on death, is under 75,
b
the lump sum is not paid before the end of the relevant two year period, and
c
the lump sum is paid to a qualifying person,
section 579A (pensions) applies to the lump sum as it applies to any pension under a registered pension scheme.
4
If—
a
a defined benefits lump sum death benefit under a registered pension scheme is paid in respect of a member who, on death, is under 75,
b
the lump sum is not paid before the end of the relevant two year period, and
c
the lump sum is paid to a non-qualifying person,
the lump sum is subject to income tax under section 206 of FA 2004 (special lump sum death benefits charge on scheme administrator) but not otherwise.
5
If a defined benefits lump sum death benefit under a registered pension scheme is paid—
a
in respect of a member who, on death, is 75 or over, and
b
to a qualifying person,
section 579A (pensions) applies to the lump sum as it applies to any pension under a registered pension scheme.
6
If a defined benefits lump sum death benefit under a registered pension scheme is paid—
a
in respect of a member who, on death, is 75 or over, and
b
to a non-qualifying person,
the lump sum is subject to income tax under section 206 of FA 2004 (special lump sum death benefits charge on scheme administrator) but not otherwise.
7
In this section—
- “
non-qualifying person
” has the same meaning as in section 206 of FA 2004;
- “
the permitted maximum
”, in relation to a defined benefits lump sum death benefit paid in respect of a member, means so much of the member’s lump sum and death benefit allowance as is available
on the lump sum being
paid (see section
637S
);
- “
qualifying person
” means a person who is not a non-qualifying person;
- “
the relevant two year period
” means the period of two years beginning with the day on which the scheme administrator of the scheme first knew of the member’s death or (if earlier) the day on which the scheme administrator could first reasonably have been expected to have known of it.
Pt. 9 Ch. 15A modified (for the tax year 2024-25 and subsequent tax years) by 2004 c. 12, Sch. 36 para. 12(3A)-(3H) (as substituted by Finance Act 2024 (c. 3), Sch. 9 paras. 71(2), 124 (with Sch. 9 paras. 125-132A) (as amended by S.I. 2024/356, regs. 1, 4; and (18.11.2024 for the tax year 2024-25 and subsequent tax years) by S.I. 2024/1012, regs. 1(2)(3), 17))
Pt. 9 Ch. 15A modified (for the tax year 2024-25 and subsequent tax years) by S.I. 2006/207, reg. 18 (as substituted by Finance Act 2024 (c. 3), Sch. 9 paras. 62(8), 124 (with Sch. 9 paras. 125-132A) (as amended by S.I. 2024/356, regs. 1, 4); and (18.11.2024 for the tax year 2024-25 and subsequent tax years) by S.I. 2024/1012, regs. 1(2)(3), 17))
Pt. 9 excluded by 2004 c. 12, Sch. 36 para. 45A(1) (as inserted (26.3.2015) by Finance Act 2015 (c. 11), Sch. 4 para. 19)
Pt. 9: power to amend conferred (17.12.2014) by Taxation of Pensions Act 2014 (c. 30), s. 4(3)
Pt. 9 modified (31.10.2023) by The Registered Pension Schemes (Authorised Member Payments) Regulations 2023 (S.I. 2023/1012), regs. 1, 4
Pt. 9 Ch. 15A modified (for the tax year 2024-25 and subsequent tax years) by 2016 c. 24, Sch. 4 para. 1(2) (as substituted by Finance Act 2024 (c. 3), Sch. 9 paras. 93(3)(a), 124 (with Sch. 9 paras. 125-132A)) (as amended by S.I. 2024/356, regs. 1, 4; and (18.11.2024 for the tax year 2024-25 and subsequent tax years) by S.I. 2024/1012, regs. 1(2)(3), 16(2), 17))
Pt. 9 Ch. 15A modified (with effect in accordance with reg. 1(3) of the amending S.I.) by S.I. 2006/569, reg. 5(1) (as substituted by The Pensions (Abolition of Lifetime Allowance Charge etc) Regulations 2024 (S.I. 2024/356), reg. 10(2)(a))
Pt. 9 Ch. 15A modified (for the tax year 2024-25 and subsequent tax years) by 2013 c. 29, Sch. 22 para. 1(2) (as substituted by Finance Act 2024 (c. 3), Sch. 9 paras. 91(3), 124 (with Sch. 9 paras. 125-132A)) (as amended by S.I. 2024/356, regs. 1, 4; and (18.11.2024 for the tax year 2024-25 and subsequent tax years) by S.I. 2024/1012, regs. 1(2)(3), 14, 17))
Pt. 9 Ch. 15A modified (for the tax year 2024-25 and subsequent tax years) by 2016 c. 24, Sch. 4 para. 9(2) (as substituted by Finance Act 2024 (c. 3), Sch. 9 paras. 93(4)(b), 124 (with Sch. 9 paras. 125-132A)) (as amended by S.I. 2024/356, regs. 1, 4; and (18.11.2024 for the tax year 2024-25 and subsequent tax years) by S.I. 2024/1012, regs. 1(2)(3), 16(3), 17))
Pt. 9 Ch. 15A modified (for the tax year 2024-25 and subsequent tax years) by 2004 c. 12, Sch. 36 para. 18 (as substituted by Finance Act 2024 (c. 3), Sch. 9 paras. 75, 124 (with Sch. 9 paras. 125-132A)) (as amended by S.I. 2024/356, regs. 1, 4; and (18.11.2024 for the tax year 2024-25 and subsequent tax years) by S.I. 2024/1012, regs. 1(2)(3), 8(6), 17))
Pt. 9 Ch. 15A modified (for the tax year 2024-25 and subsequent tax years) by 2014 c. 26, Sch. 6 para. 1(2) (as substituted by Finance Act 2024 (c. 3), Sch. 9 paras. 92(3), 124 (with Sch. 9 paras. 125-132A)) (as amended by S.I. 2024/356, regs. 1, 4; and (18.11.2024 for the tax year 2024-25 and subsequent tax years) by S.I. 2024/1012, regs. 1(2)(3), 15, 17))
Pt. 9 Ch. 15A modified (for the tax year 2024-25 and subsequent tax years) by 2004 c. 12, Sch. 36 para. 7 (as substituted by Finance Act 2024 (c. 3), Sch. 9 paras. 68, 124 (with Sch. 9 paras. 125-132A)) (as amended by S.I. 2024/356, regs. 1, 4; and (18.11.2024 for the tax year 2024-25 and subsequent tax years) by S.I. 2024/1012, regs. 1(2)(3), 8(3), 17))
Pt. 9 Ch. 15A applied (with modifications) (6.4.2024 for the tax year 2024-25 and subsequent tax years) by 2004 c. 12, Sch. 36 para. 19(1A)(1B) (as inserted by Finance Act 2024 (c. 3), Sch. 9 paras. 76(3), 124 (with Sch. 9 paras. 125-132A)) (as amended by S.I. 2024/356, regs. 1, 4; and (18.11.2024 for the tax year 2024-25 and subsequent tax years) by S.I. 2024/1012, regs. 1(2)(3), 8(7), 17)
Pt. 9 Ch. 15A substituted (6.4.2024 for the tax year 2024-25 and subsequent tax years) by Finance Act 2024 (c. 3), Sch. 9 paras. 41, 124 (with Sch. 9 paras. 125-132A) (as amended by S.I. 2024/356, regs. 1, 4; and (18.11.2024 for the tax year 2024-25 and subsequent tax years) by S.I. 2024/1012, regs. 1(2)(3), 17)
Pt. 9 Ch. 15A excluded (for the tax year 2024-25 and subsequent tax years) by 2004 c. 12, Sch. 34 para. 5ZA (as inserted by Finance Act 2024 (c. 3), Sch. 9 paras. 60(3), 124 (with Sch. 9 paras. 125-132A) (as amended by S.I. 2024/356, regs. 1, 4; and (18.11.2024 for the tax year 2024-25 and subsequent tax years) by S.I. 2024/1012, regs. 1(2)(3), 17)
Pt. 9 Ch. 15A modified (for the tax year 2024-25 and subsequent tax years) by 2004 c. 12, Sch. 36 para. 29A (as inserted by Finance Act 2024 (c. 3), Sch. 9 paras. 85, 124 (with Sch. 9 paras. 125-132A) (as amended by S.I. 2024/356, regs. 1, 4; and (18.11.2024 for the tax year 2024-25 and subsequent tax years) by S.I. 2024/1012, regs. 1(2)(3), 17)
Pt. 9 Ch. 15A modified (for the tax year 2024-25 and subsequent tax years) by S.I. 2006/572, arts. 25CA-25CC (as inserted by Finance Act 2024 (c. 3), Sch. 9 paras. 95(5), 124 (with Sch. 9 paras. 125-132A)) (as amended by S.I. 2024/356, regs. 1, 4; and (18.11.2024 for the tax year 2024-25 and subsequent tax years) by S.I. 2024/1012, regs. 1(2)(3), 17, 25(16)(17)) and S.I. 2024/1167, regs. 1(2)(3), 4(9)(10))
Pt. 9 Ch. 15A modified (for the tax year 2024-25 and subsequent tax years) by 2004 c. 12, Sch. 36 para. 6A (as inserted by Finance Act 2024 (c. 3), Sch. 9 paras. 67, 124 (with Sch. 9 paras. 125-132A) (as amended by S.I. 2024/356, regs. 1, 4; and (18.11.2024 for the tax year 2024-25 and subsequent tax years) by S.I. 2024/1012, regs. 1(2)(3), 17)
Pt. 9 Ch. 15A modified (for the tax year 2024-25 and subsequent tax years) by 2011 c. 11, Sch. 18 para. 14(3) (as substituted by Finance Act 2024 (c. 3), Sch. 9 paras. 90(4), 124 (with Sch. 9 paras. 125-132A)) (as amended by S.I. 2024/356, regs. 1, 4; and (18.11.2024 for the tax year 2024-25 and subsequent tax years) by S.I. 2024/1012, regs. 1(2)(3), 13, 17))
Pt. 9 modified (6.4.2023) by The Public Service Pension Schemes (Rectification of Unlawful Discrimination) (Tax) Regulations 2023 (S.I. 2023/113), regs. 1(2), 23(2), 24(2), 26(2), 28(2) (with reg. 1(3))
Pt. 9 modified (14.9.2023) by The Public Service Pension Schemes (Rectification of Unlawful Discrimination) (Tax) (No. 2) Regulations 2023 (S.I. 2023/912), regs. 1(2), 9(2), 11(2), 16(2) (with reg. 1(3))
Pt. 9 modified (18.11.2024 for the tax year 2024-25 and subsequent tax years) by S.I. 2009/1171, reg. 5ZA (as inserted by The Pensions (Abolition of Lifetime Allowance Charge etc) (No. 3) Regulations 2024 (S.I. 2024/1167), regs. 1(2)(3), 5(3) (with reg. 6))
Pt. 9 Ch. 15A applied (with modifications) (18.11.2024 for the tax year 2024-25 and subsequent tax years) by 2004 c. 12, Sch. 36 paras. 12, 12A (as amended by The Pensions (Abolition of Lifetime Allowance Charge etc) (No. 2) Regulations 2024 (S.I. 2024/1012), regs. 1(2)(3), 8(4)(5))
Pt. 9 Ch. 15A modified (18.11.2024 for the tax year 2024-25 and subsequent tax years) by 2004 c. 12, Sch. 36 para. 20A (as amended by The Pensions (Abolition of Lifetime Allowance Charge etc) (No. 2) Regulations 2024 (S.I. 2024/1012), regs. 1(2)(3), 8(9))
Pt. 9 Ch. 15A modified (18.11.2024 for the tax year 2024-25 and subsequent tax years) by 2004 c. 12, Sch. 36 para. 20B (as amended by The Pensions (Abolition of Lifetime Allowance Charge etc) (No. 2) Regulations 2024 (S.I. 2024/1012), regs. 1(2)(3), 8(10))
Pt. 9 Ch. 15A modified (18.11.2024 for the tax year 2024-25 and subsequent tax years) by 2004 c. 12, Sch. 36 para. 20E (as amended by The Pensions (Abolition of Lifetime Allowance Charge etc) (No. 2) Regulations 2024 (S.I. 2024/1012), regs. 1(2)(3), 8(13))
Pt. 9 Ch. 15A modified (18.11.2024 for the tax year 2024-25 and subsequent tax years) by S.I. 2006/572, art. 7 (as substituted by The Pensions (Abolition of Lifetime Allowance Charge etc) (No. 2) Regulations 2024 (S.I. 2024/1012), regs. 1(2)(3), 25(3))
Pt. 9 Ch. 15A modified (18.11.2024 for the tax year 2024-25 and subsequent tax years) by S.I. 2006/575, reg. 42B (as substituted by The Pensions (Abolition of Lifetime Allowance Charge etc) (No. 2) Regulations 2024 (S.I. 2024/1012), regs. 1(2)(3), 26(6))
Pt. 9 Ch. 15A modified (18.11.2024 for the tax year 2024-25 and subsequent tax years) by S.I. 2010/1187, reg. 4 (as substituted by The Pensions (Abolition of Lifetime Allowance Charge etc) (No. 2) Regulations 2024 (S.I. 2024/1012), regs. 1(2)(3), 27(3))
Pt. 9 Ch. 15A applied (with modifications) (18.11.2024 for the tax year 2024-25 and subsequent tax years) by S.I. 2010/1187, regs. 5-11( as amended) by The Pensions (Abolition of Lifetime Allowance Charge etc) (No. 2) Regulations 2024 (S.I. 2024/1012), regs. 1(2)(3), 27(9)(b))
Pt. 9 Ch. 15A applied (with modifications) (18.11.2024 for the tax year 2024-25 and subsequent tax years) by 2004 c. 12, Sch. 36 para. 34A (as inserted by The Pensions (Abolition of Lifetime Allowance Charge etc) (No. 3) Regulations 2024 (S.I. 2024/1167), regs. 1(2)(3), 3(9) (with reg. 6))
Words in s. 637H(7) substituted (18.11.2024 for the tax year 2024-25 and subsequent tax years) by The Pensions (Abolition of Lifetime Allowance Charge etc) (No. 2) Regulations 2024 (S.I. 2024/1012), regs. 1(2)(3), 3(3)
S. 637H(2)-(4) modified (13.2.2025 with effect in relation to the tax year 2024-25 and subsequent tax years) by The MPs’, Senedd and Assembly Pension Schemes (Tax) Regulations 2025 (S.I. 2025/52), regs. 1(2)(3), 5
Pt. 9 modified (13.2.2025 with effect in relation to the tax year 2024-25 and subsequent tax years) by The MPs’, Senedd and Assembly Pension Schemes (Tax) Regulations 2025 (S.I. 2025/52), regs. 1(2)(3), 4, 6, 7