The news on pension contributions just seems to get worse. We already have a 20% tax charge on ‘irregular’ contributions above a £20,000 annual allowance for individuals earning over £150,000 (to prevent them topping up their pensions before the new rules come totally into force in 2011).

However, it now transpires that individuals who change pension providers (almost certainly those who change employers) will have their contribution history wiped out. As a result they will face the full 20% tax on all their contributions over £20,000, even if they have a history of paying regular contributions of well above that amount.

I know it is legal – but is it fair? 

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Cathy Corns is a Tax partner at Mercer & Hole.  
 

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