Home > Pensioners

Will I pay tax on my pension?

Pensions and annual compensation are taxed as earned income and tax is deducted at source under Pay As You Earn (PAYE).

You will not receive a P45 form when you retire. Instead, it will be sent to the Lothian Pension Fund by your employer. Your pension will be taxed initially using the tax code on your P45, on what is known as a 'Month 1 / Week 1 basis'. This basis is used to avoid making any tax adjustment until the Inspector of Taxes issues a Notice of Coding, usually shortly after your retirement.

Changes to your Tax Code will be shown on your monthly pension payslip.

Bureau Services (that is, the Pension Payroll Department) will notify the Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs of your retirement and you should receive an Income Tax Return from the Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs for completion.

You must tell a new employer that you are receiving a pension and let them have the address of the City of Edinburgh Council's tax district, which is:

HM Inspector of Taxes
Centre 1
East Kilbride
Glasgow G79 1AA

Telephone: 0845 070 3703

If your new employer is also a member of the Local Government Pension Scheme, you must notify us as your pension may be affected.