For deaths on or after 6 April 2027, unused pension funds and most death benefits count in the estate for inheritance tax. It has been law since Royal Assent in March 2026, and property-heavy schemes have the least room to move. This free guide gives the five steps, verified against the Finance Act 2026 itself.
Valuing the scheme as an executor would; the payment clocks and the Act's new 50% withholding and 35-day direct-payment notices; the spouse exemption as a first-order planning lever; the trustee-grade property file; and why the review belongs in this year rather than next. No pension advice is given — regulated advisers are brought in where needed.
Every statement in the guide is cited to the enacted sections — Finance Act 2026 sections 66 to 71 — read at legislation.gov.uk, not summarised from commentary.