Petition · past parliament

Make the uk armed forces pensions for 22 years service tax free.

Closed 63,725 signatures

What the petition asks

The current U.K. Armed forces pensions, after 22 years service is taxable, other services are non taxable, this should be addressed and made fair across the public sector. Why should the armed forces serve 22 years plus to receive a taxable pension?
The police force recieve a 100% non taxable pension after 20 years service with a maximum of 30 years service.
The fire service receive a 100% non taxable pension after the same service but can serve up to 40 years for a increased pension of roughly £19,000 a year.
the armed forces, however serve to their immediate pension point and have their pensions taxed, and classed a second earning, this needs to be changed and made fair across the board of the public sector industry.

Government response · 10 February 2017

Income from all occupational pensions, including those for the armed forces, police and firefighters, is already taxable under UK law.

Pension income from occupational pension schemes is treated as taxable income under UK tax law. This is to reflect the fact that pensions are forms of deferred income and as such are taxable. This same tax treatment applies to payments from all occupational pension schemes.

The government recognises and highly values the tremendous commitment and sacrifice that Armed Forces Personnel make in the defence of our country. This is reflected by the fact that members of the Armed Forces’ Pension Schemes do not have to pay contributions to their pension schemes. These are the only public service pension schemes that are non-contributory.

HM Treasury

Timeline

27 Jan 2017 Petition opened for signatures
28 Jan 2017 Passed 10,000 signatures, requiring a government response
10 Feb 2017 Government responded
2 May 2017 Closed to new signatures

Key facts

Signatures 63,725
Status Closed
Opened 27 Jan 2017
Closed 2 May 2017
Response 10 Feb 2017

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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.