Welcome to our guide for pensioners

In this guide we will take a step-by-step approach to explain the tax world for pensioners. We expect that some people would like to understand how the whole thing works, whilst others may just want to try and solve a current problem.

We have tried to cover the main areas of concern to those pensioners who have visited our advice clinics of our sister charity for older people TaxHelp for Older People and we hope that the index to the left of these words (and at the bottom of this page) will guide you to what you want to know.

TaxHelp for Older People (TOP) is a charitable service to provide free advice on personal tax to older people on low incomes who could not otherwise afford professional help. If this applies to you and you need some help with your tax, you can phone their helpline on 0845 601 3321. When the helpline is not manned, leave your name and number and TOP will call you back.

Alternatively have a look at the TOP website where you can find more information on TOP activities and some useful phone numbers.

In Tax essentials and Your coding notice we will tell you about those things that apply to most pensioners. We also have a section specifically aimed at offering guidance for disabled people which you can have a look at here. In the rest of the guide we cover events and circumstances that might never happen to you, but when they do you might need help.

It is not possible to cover every topic. But where your particular question is not answered, we will try and point you to where you can get further help. Also if you have experienced a particular problem that does not appear to be covered , then please contact us.

If you do not understand a particular word or expression you may get help from our glossary of tax terms What do we mean by...?

You can see our published reports on the tax plight of pensioners on low incomes if you go here

Throughout this site we can only offer general guidance on tax topics and you should always obtain specific advice before taking any action.

The topics we cover include:

Tax essentials

Your coding notice

More about tax:

Capital Gains Tax

Understanding Inheritance Tax

Marriage separation

Retiring shortly

Wills and intestacy

Death of your husband or wife

Looking after your estate when you die

Retiring abroad

On a very low income?

State Benefits

FAQs & Case studies

Appeals and complaints

What do we mean by...? (tax words)

Tax facts & figures

How to fill in forms

Useful links

If you are working, whether employed or self employed you may also be interested in some of the topics in the low income workers part of the website