\n\t\t\t\t\tDragging pensions into the inheritance tax net will increase delays and could be costly for grieving families, experts warn\t\t\t\t\t <\/p>\n
Bereaved families already facing probate delays are set to face even greater hurdles, as new pension tax rules<\/a> come into force from April 2027, experts warn. <\/p>\n Applying for probate is a vital step in gaining control of a person\u2019s estate after death, allowing executors to access accounts, pay debts, and distribute inheritances. But the process is taking longer than ever.<\/p>\n The number of probate cases taking over a year to be granted has surged by 134 per cent in the last three years, new research has revealed.<\/p>\n Now, experts are warning that the upcoming changes to inheritance tax (IHT)<\/a>, which will make pensions taxable, could worsen delays.<\/p>\n Jon Greer, head of retirement policy at Quilter, said they are already witnessing \u201clarge delays\u201d, which is causing \u201csignificant stress\u201d for grieving families.<\/p>\n With pensions set to become part of the taxable estate from April 2027, the situation is \u201clikely to worsen\u201d.<\/p>\n He said: \u201cPension schemes are often unaware of a member\u2019s death immediately, delaying legal and tax processes<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cThis means legal personal representatives will face an even greater challenge in gathering information from multiple pension schemes.<\/p>\n \u201cThese delays, coupled with additional responsibilities, make an already difficult situation even more complex.\u201d<\/p>\n New research from Canada Life shows how fraught the process already is, with 28 per cent of people surveyed having trouble finding documents like pension or insurance policies<\/a>.<\/p>\n Another 27 per cent struggled to gather information from companies about debts, assets or bills. A quarter said the probate process took an emotional toll.<\/p>\n