IHTM17035 | Pensions: IHT exclusions: contributions to a pension scheme

From HM Revenue & Customs · Inheritance Tax Manual

Generally, when a person makes a contribution to a pension scheme, they do not make a transfer of value as the pension rights they acquire by making the contribution are within their estate. But, there are exceptions - and describe specific situations where contributions can be transfers of value.

There is also a specific exclusion in where a disposition is made by an employer. The disposition is not a transfer of value if it is:

  • a contribution under a registered pension scheme (),

  • a qualifying non-UK pension scheme () or

  • a section 615(3) scheme () in respect of an employee of the person making the disposition.