HMRC have published their latest Pension Scheme newsletter (172 August 2025) aimed at pension scheme administrators. Bookkeepers are responsible for collecting, reporting and remitting pension contributions, not scheme administration.
ICB recognises the information may not be relevant to members, although we are making you aware the publication exists and highlight the following topics:
- The first section details that HMRC are lowering the threshold for requiring evidence in support of new requests for Higher rate or Additional rate Income Tax relief claims to be given through an individual’s tax code. This is where tax relief is given in a Relief at Source pension scheme at the Basic rate (20%) but individuals paying at a rate higher than this must claim. As a result of lowering the income threshold, it may mean that some individuals may be asked to provide evidence where it would not previously have been required. The Gov.UK guidance on this subject will be updated when the change takes effect;
- The second section concerns the Public Service Pensions Remedy which, in short, is a public sector pensions remedy to address a discrimination that occurred in reforms from 2014. The newsletter states that the deadline for schemes to issue statements about monies that might be owed to members was 06 July 2025, however, this has now been extended to 06 July 2027;
- The third section is a request for pension scheme administrators and pension scheme practitioners to test HMRC’s new Lifetime Allowance protections and enhancements look up service; and
- The last section concerns Relief at Source pension schemes that submit returns of information to HMRC
For Bookkeepers
Perhaps, more than other months, this is a newsletter that is targeted and understood most by pension scheme administrators and not collectors and administrators of contributions via the payroll.
Regardless, ICB is making members aware of the publication which may contain information that is useful personally or professionally.
