What is a defined contribution pension?

A defined contribution pension (sometimes referred to as a money purchase pension scheme) is a type of pension scheme where the pension pot is based on how much money is paid into the scheme. This is markedly different to a defined benefit pension schemes which usually relates to workplace pensions where the pension provider promises to give you a certain amount each year when you retire.

A defined contribution pension can be a company or private pension. The pension pot is based on monies added by you and / or your employer. This money is invested by the pension provider. The final return with these pensions is not guaranteed and the value of the pension pot can go up or down depending on how investments perform.

There are three main options available at retirement, lifetime annuity, flexi-access drawdown and a lump sum payment. These options can be used on their own or in combination. The first 25% drawdown is tax-free and the remainder is taxed at the individual’s marginal rate.

There are no overall limits to employer or employee contributions and no upper limit to the total amount of pension saving that can be built up. However, there are limits that affect tax relief on pension contributions including an annual and lifetime allowance.

Source: Pensions Regulator Tue, 06 Dec 2022 00:00:00 +0100

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Breaking even – checking the numbers

In previous newsfeeds we have described how you can calculate the level of turnover you need to create in order to meet all your costs whether they be fixed costs (rent, rates etc.,) or variable costs (goods you need to buy to convert into goods you sell).

For example, if your fixed costs are £50,000 per annum and your variable costs are 25% of your turnover, the annual turnover you need to breakeven will be £200,000. The formula is:

Annual fixed costs divided by 25 (the gross profit)

Bereavement Support Payment

The amount of Bereavement Support Payment you can claim will depend on your relationship to the person who died and when you make your claim.

Your payments will be paid into your bank, building society or credit union account.

If you were married or in a registered civil partnership with the person who died

If you were receiving Child Benefit when your partner died (or did not get it but were entitled to it), you will get the higher rate.

This is made up of:

a first payment of £3,500;

Tax codes for employees

The P9X form is used to notify employers of the tax codes to use for employees. The latest version of the form has been published and shows the tax codes to use from 6 April 2023. The form states that the basic personal allowance for the tax year starting 6 April 2023 will, as expected, be £12,570 (£12,570 in 2022-23) and this means that the tax code for emergency use will remain at 1257L.

The basic rate limit will be £37,700 (£37,700 in 2022-23) except for those defined as Scottish taxpayers

Properties not let at commercial rates

There are special rules where a property is let at less than a commercial rate or isn’t let on commercial terms. These rules also apply if a property is occupied rent free or at less than a commercial rate, for example, a property is occupied by a family member at a reduced or nil rent.

In these circumstances, HMRC can take the view that unless the landlord charges a full market rent for a property and imposes normal market lease conditions, it is unlikely that the expenses of the property are

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