Free UK tool · Two minutes

Will your pension be taxed when you die?

From 6 April 2027, unused pension pots count towards your estate for inheritance tax. Answer five quick questions to see what that could cost your family.

1Your situation

This is an estimate for one person's estate.

2What you own

Round numbers are fine.
£
£
£

3Your pensions

Count money that is still invested, not income you are already taking. Workplace and personal "defined contribution" pots, SIPPs and drawdown funds.
£

4Gifts

£

5Who inherits the pension?

Pension money passed to a husband, wife or civil partner is exempt from inheritance tax. For anyone else, income tax may also apply to what they take out if you die after 75.
Extra inheritance tax caused by your pension
£0

Inheritance tax under today's rules£0
Inheritance tax from April 2027£0
Your estate (2027)
£0
Tax-free allowances
£0
Taxed at 40%
£0
Pension passed on, after inheritance tax only£0
Left after inheritance tax and income tax£0

What people usually check next

  • Spouse or civil partner. Pensions left to a husband, wife or civil partner are exempt, so ask whether the order in which you both die changes the answer.
  • Nominations. Check who is named on each pension. Nominations guide the scheme but do not remove inheritance tax.
  • The allowances. The £325,000 nil-rate band and the £175,000 residence band are frozen until at least April 2031, so more estates cross the line each year.
  • Free guidance. MoneyHelper and GOV.UK explain the rules. For a decision about your own money, speak to a regulated adviser.

Estimate only, based on the announced rules for deaths from 6 April 2027: £325,000 nil-rate band, £175,000 residence nil-rate band (tapered by £1 for every £2 of estate above £2,000,000), 40% rate, spouse exemption, unused allowances transferable. Reliefs, trusts, business or agricultural property, charity gifts and the final detailed legislation can change the figure. Income tax on inherited pensions depends on your beneficiary's circumstances and any relief available for inheritance tax already paid. This is information, not financial or tax advice.

Every week, one clear UK money rule that changes what you keep — in plain English, no jargon.

Join The Compound Letter See all tools →