Inheritance Tax (IHT) on pensions is the most unpopular of the tax raising
measures introduced by the Labour government during its first year, according to
a survey.
The survey conducted by investment platform AJ Bell found that 44% of respondents
were opposed to the pension IHT proposals while only 21% supported them.
Other measures were also strongly opposed, including the decision to raise
employer National Insurance contributions (NICs), with 41% against the tax rise
and just 24% in support. Raising rates of Capital Gains Tax (CGT) and
restricting IHT relief available to farmers were also unpopular.
However, some tax raising policies attracted net support with 48% in favour of
raising the rates of stamp duty on second homes.
Tom Selby, AJ Bell's Director of Public Policy, said:
'This data shows tax rises of every shade are divisive. While some tax
increases attract a balance of support, they still divide the room.
'Nothing that emerged from Rachel Reeves' red box over the last year enjoys
support from a majority of voters, illustrating that even less controversial
tax changes are still politically fraught.
'IHT is often described as the most hated tax and this data backs that up.
Proposals to subject unused pensions funds to IHT on death are the most
widely opposed of all the tax raising measures announced so far.
'We're urging the chancellor to instead consider alternative proposals which
would be fairer and simpler, without undermining her plan to tax unused
pensions on death.'
Internet link: AJ Bell