AF7 2022-23 Practice Test 3 (July 2020 EG) PDF
AF7 2022-23 Practice Test 3 (July 2020 EG) PDF
SPECIAL NOTICES
These revision questions have been put together by an experienced trainer to provide a prompt
for exam practice. However, please ensure that you bear in mind any changes to law, tax and
practice that may have taken place since publication or update.
Practice in answering the questions is highly desirable and should be considered a critical part
of a properly planned programme of examination preparation.
AF7 Practice Test 3 2022-2023 Revision Aid
Contents
Useful tips as you prepare for the AF7 exam 3
Question paper 4
Model answers 11
Tax tables 16
Supplementary Information Pension Paper 25
This PDF document is accessible through screen reader attachments to your web browser and has
been designed to be read via the speechify extension available on Chrome. Speechify is a free
extension that is available from https://speechify.com/. If for accessibility reasons you require
this document in an alternative format, please contact us a [email protected] to
discuss your needs.
2
AF7 Practice Test 3 2022-2023 Revision Aid
2. Familiarise yourself with the format and the navigation options navigation of an onscreen
written exam:
Familiarisation Test
Although the familiarisation test is modelled on AF1, the example is relevant for every
candidate preparing to sit on-screen written exams by remote invigilation. Whilst there might
be slight differences in layout, it will make you familiar with navigation and use of the
platform.
3. Demonstration Test
If you will be taking your exam by remote invigilation you will also have access to a
demonstration test, allowing you to explore the invigilation platform and process (which is
different to MCQ exams such as units R01-5).
We strongly recommend that you schedule and take a demonstration test before the day of
your exam. You will be given the option to take a demonstration test when you receive your
exam login details in an email a week before your exam.
Taking the demonstration test will introduce you to the check-in process including a system
check, a photo ID check, a room scan, taking a user photo, entering your login details and
answering test questions. It can also indicate current system issues with your equipment with
time to resolve these before your exam.
4. The Assessment Information - Before the exam area of the CII website has further practical
information and support.
5. Prepare exam technique using the support of the Exam Guides on the AF7 unit page
https://shop.ciigroup.org/pension-transfers-af7--af7.html which include examiner guidance
and time-saving tips such as abbreviations.
3
AF7 Practice Test 3 2022-2023 Revision Aid
AF7
Advanced Diploma in Financial Planning
Practice Test 3
SPECIAL NOTICES
All questions in this paper are based on English law and practice applicable in the tax year
2022/2023, unless stated otherwise and should be answered accordingly.
It should be assumed that all individuals are domiciled and resident in the UK unless
otherwise stated.
4
AF7 Practice Test 3 2022-2023 Revision Aid
Instructions to candidates
Section A: 33 marks
Section B: 67 marks
• You are strongly advised to attempt all questions to gain maximum possible marks.
The number of marks allocated to each question part is given next to the question and you
should spend your time in accordance with that allocation.
• Read carefully all questions and information provided before starting to answer. Your answer
will be marked strictly in accordance with the question set.
• You may find it helpful in some places to make rough notes in the answer booklet. If you do
this, you should cross through these notes before you hand in the booklet.
• It is important to show all steps in a calculation, even if you have used a calculator.
• If you bring a calculator into the examination room, it must be a silent, battery or
solar-powered, non-programmable calculator. The use of electronic equipment capable of
being programmed to hold alphabetic or numerical data and/or formulae is prohibited.
You may use a financial or scientific calculator, provided it meets these requirements.
• Additional information relevant to pension planning is also included at the back of this
question paper.
• Answer each question on a new page and leave six lines blank after each question part.
Subject to providing sufficient detail you are advised to be as brief and concise as possible,
using note format and short sentences on separate lines wherever possible.
5
AF7 Practice Test 3 2022-2023 Revision Aid
SECTION A
1. Outline the Financial Conduct Authority’s rules that must be followed when two
separate advisers work together to provide the defined benefit pension transfer
advice and, the advice on the proposed receiving scheme and its investments. (7)
2. Naseem, aged 42, has recently received a cash equivalent transfer value (CETV)
from a previous employer’s defined benefit pension scheme. The CETV has
changed in value since Naseem was last provided with a CETV two years ago. His
financial adviser has informed him that this may be due, in part, to the actuary
assuming a higher rate of future inflation.
Explain, in detail, how the higher assumed rate of future inflation would impact on
the calculation of Naseem’s CETV. (9)
3. George, aged 61, is married to Karen. You have prepared a lifetime cashflow
model for them in relation to the proposed transfer of the cash equivalent transfer
value of George’s defined benefit pension into a personal pension plan.
(a) Outline four benefits of using a lifetime cashflow model as part of the
advice process. (4)
(b) Explain why the lifetime cashflow model will need to be reviewed regularly. (5)
4. Outline the key factors that should be considered when assessing an individual’s
attitude to investment risk and outline why they are important. (8)
6
AF7 Practice Test 3 2022-2023 Revision Aid
SECTION B
All questions in this section are compulsory and carry an overall total of 67 marks
Case study 1
Read carefully all information provided in the case study before attempting the questions.
Your answers should take account of the client’s circumstances as set out in the case study.
William, aged 64, is married to Olivia, aged 61, and are both in good health. They have two sons,
aged 35 and 37, and four grandchildren aged between four and nine. Olivia’s parents are in their
mid-80s and in good health, however William’s parents both died in their mid-70s.
Olivia is a member of her company’s defined benefit pension scheme. She plans to retire and take
her benefits from the scheme when she reaches the age of 62, which is the scheme’s normal
pension age. The scheme will provide her with a pension commencement lump sum of £66,000
plus a scheme pension of £22,000 per annum gross.
William has been a member of his company’s defined benefit pension scheme, which was
contracted-out prior to 2016. He joined the scheme at the age of 21 and plans to retire when he
reaches the age of 65.
When they reach their State Pension ages, William will receive a State Pension of £5,800 per
annum and Olivia will receive £6,700 per annum.
The couple’s investment portfolio is valued at £350,000 and includes an adequate emergency fund
as well as stocks and shares ISAs and equity-based unit trusts. Their home is valued at £950,000
and is mortgage free.
They require a joint net income of £2,500 per month to cover their day-to-day living expenses.
Once they reach their State Pension ages this income requirement will be covered by Olivia’s
scheme pension and their State Pensions.
William would like advice about whether to transfer his defined benefit pension scheme into a
personal pension plan in order to access his benefits flexibly. They would also like to make gifts to
help with their grandchildren’s future university costs and would like to provide a legacy for their
children. In view of these requirements, William plans to nominate Olivia and their two sons as
beneficiaries of the personal pension plan if a transfer is recommended.
7
AF7 Practice Test 3 2022-2023 Revision Aid
Questions
5. Based on the information provided in the case study, list the factors you would
consider and outline their relevance when making a recommendation on the
potential transfer of the cash equivalent value of William’s defined benefit pension
scheme. (15)
6. State all the potential death benefit options and their tax treatment, if William
transfers his defined benefit pension scheme benefits to a personal pension plan in
order to access his benefits flexibly. (10)
7. You have recommended that William transfers the benefits from his defined
benefit pension scheme into a personal pension plan.
8
AF7 Practice Test 3 2022-2023 Revision Aid
Case study 2
Read carefully all information provided in the case study before attempting the questions.
Your answers should take account of the client’s circumstances as set out in the case study.
Nisha, aged 47, is married to Sanjay, aged 48. They have two children aged 10 and 12.
Sanjay is a radiographer and has worked for the National Health Service (NHS) since August 1999.
His current salary is £48,000.
Nisha was recently made redundant and has decided to use her redundancy payment to fulfil her
long-term desire to start her own business making cakes for weddings and other special occasions.
Shortly after leaving her former employer, Nisha received a statement of entitlement in respect of
her defined benefit pension scheme membership which included the opportunity to take a cash
equivalent transfer value (CETV). The details are as follows:
Nisha was pleasantly surprised by the amount of the CETV and is considering transferring these
benefits to a personal arrangement. She intends to buy a single life, fully inflation protected
annuity at age 60, on the basis that she believes Sanjay already has enough pension provision. She
is in excellent health with a family history of longevity.
Nisha has a cautious attitude to investment risk and would wish to utilise passive index tracking
funds to keep the annual management charges as low as possible, preferably 0.5% or lower.
In addition to their pension provision, Nisha and Sanjay’s only other assets are:
• their main residence, currently valued at £235,000 with an outstanding mortgage of £82,000;
• cash savings of £38,250 held in joint names which includes Nisha’s redundancy payment;
• a stocks and shares ISA in Nisha’s name, currently valued at £28,500.
9
AF7 Practice Test 3 2022-2023 Revision Aid
Questions
8. State the additional information that you would require from Nisha and Sanjay,
prior to advising Nisha on the suitability or otherwise of transferring the value of
her defined benefit pension scheme to a personal pension plan. (8)
10. List four potential benefits and four potential drawbacks of transferring the value
of her defined benefit pension scheme to a personal pension plan now rather than
when Nisha approaches age 60. (8)
11. Despite Nisha’s concerns about the scheme’s funding position, you have
recommended that Nisha leaves her benefits preserved in her former employer’s
defined benefit pension scheme.
Outline how Nisha’s benefits will be affected if the scheme enters the Pension
Protection Fund (PPF) before she reaches age 65. (5)
10
AF7 Practice Test 3 2022-2023 Revision Aid
• Both advisers should have available the same information to be able to provide both the
pension transfer advice and investment advice.
• They should establish the attitude to investment risk, attitude to transfer risk and capacity
to loss along with their knowledge and past experience.
• The role of each adviser should be made clear, along with the respective adviser charging
structures and how to make a complaint to each adviser.
• Higher assumed revaluation leads to a higher revalued pension at normal retirement age.
• The escalation of Naseem’s pension in payment is assumed to be higher leading to a lower
assumed scheme annuity rate.
• Both above factors will lead to a higher capitalised value of benefits at normal retirement
age leading to a higher cash equivalent transfer value (CETV).
• Higher assumed equity returns lead to an increased discount rate in turn leading to a
reduced CETV.
(a) • Compares the level of income from the existing and proposed schemes and can help
demonstrates whether the client’s objectives can be met.
• Identifies any potential shortfalls and can help to consider income sustainability.
• Can help to confirm the level of risk the client needs to take and whether it is
appropriate.
• Allows various scenarios and circumstances to be illustrated and tested.
(b) • To consider the changing values of assets and actual investment returns.
• To consider any changes in personal or financial circumstances.
• To consider any changes to needs and objectives.
• To consider changes in underlying assumptions or legislation.
• To reconsider relevant stress tests.
11
AF7 Practice Test 3 2022-2023 Revision Aid
SECTION B
Case Study 1
• William has a balanced attitude to risk and the couple have both investment experience
and capacity for loss.
• William and Olivia are both in good health however William’s parents both died in their
mid-70s whereas Olivia’s parents are both alive and in their 80s.
• If William were to die early, he will not benefit from the Define Benefit (DB) scheme over
the longer term although it does provide a 50% spouses pension for Olivia.
• The couple’s objectives include leaving a legacy for their children and helping with the
grandchildren’s university costs.
• The children and grandchildren cannot benefit from the DB scheme however they can
benefit from the investment portfolio and property assets.
• The couple’s day to day living expenses can be met from Olivia’s scheme pension and their
State pensions with the Olivia’s pension commencement lump sum (PCLS) and the
investment portfolio being able to provide income during the period to State Pension Age.
• There would be a potential lifetime allowance charge following a transfer however there is
not likely to be one if benefits are drawn from the DB scheme.
• The DB scheme will escalate in line with Statutory Requirements only therefore not all
elements of the pension scheme will increase.
• Lump sum.
• Dependant’s or Nominees Annuity.
• Dependant’s or Nominees Drawdown.
• Any benefit taken from the uncrystallised funds before age 75 and within the two-year
window will be paid tax-free. There is no two-year window for crystalised funds.
• Any benefit taken after age 75 or outside of the two-year window will be paid tax-free.
There is no two-year window for crystalised funds.
• There will be a lifetime allowance test on death before age 75 in respect of any remaining
uncrystallised funds.
• The pension fund is not included in the estate for Inheritance Tax purposes.
12
AF7 Practice Test 3 2022-2023 Revision Aid
• Any income more than the personal allowance taken from the personal pension plan will be
taxed as earned income under PAYE.
• PCLS taken will be paid tax-free.
• If the withdrawals are not taken until after William’s death, they will be tax-free if William
dies before age 75.
• Tax-free funds can be taken from their ISAs.
• They can take capital withdrawals from their unit trusts which will be tax-free within the
Capital Gains Tax annual exemption.
• They can make use of their savings and dividend allowances.
• Taking funds from the investment portfolio will reduce their estate for Inheritance Tax
purposes.
• Taking pension withdrawals can reduce future lifetime allowance charges.
Case Study 2
• It assumes an annuity purchase based on the scheme benefit structure and includes a
spouse’s pension whereas Nisha intends to buy a single life pension.
• She requires full inflation protection which is not provided by the scheme.
• It is based on the normal scheme retirement age of 65 whereas she wants to retire at age
60.
• It has fixed assumption of 0.75% for product charges however she is likely to use a fund
with a lower charge.
• It includes a 4% annuity advice cost assumption however she intends to source her own
annuity therefore there will be no advice cost.
• The assumed ‘risk-free’ rate of return is not likely to be in line with the investments chosen.
• TVC assumes no PCLS is taken and she is likely to want to take some PCLS.
• It is based on standard ONS mortality however she is in excellent health and has a family
history of longevity.
13
AF7 Practice Test 3 2022-2023 Revision Aid
Benefits:
• Provides immediately higher lump sum death benefits.
• Potential for capital growth due to long term to drawing benefits.
• Could be used to support the business now e.g. property purchase with the fund.
• Transfer value could reduce in the future due to the underfunding.
Drawbacks:
• Ongoing charges and advice costs.
• Loss of high guaranteed revaluation.
• Not compatible with her attitude to risk.
• Irreversible decision and circumstances may change.
14
AF7 Practice Test 3 2022-2023 Revision Aid
The Tax Tables which follow are applicable to the examinations during
September 2022 to August 2023.
15
AF7 Practice Test 3 2022-2023 Revision Aid
INCOME TAX
RATES OF TAX 2021/2022 2022/2023
Starting rate for savings* 0% 0%
Basic rate 20% 20%
Higher rate 40% 40%
Additional rate 45% 45%
Starting-rate limit £5,000* £5,000*
Threshold of taxable income above which higher rate applies £37,700 £37,700
Threshold of taxable income above which additional rate applies £150,000 £150,000
16
AF7 Practice Test 3 2022-2023 Revision Aid
Up to 242.00** Nil
242.00* – 967.00 13.25%
Above 967.00 3.25%
Class 2 (self-employed) Flat rate per week £3.15 where profits exceed £6,725 per annum.
Class 3 (voluntary) Flat rate per week £15.85.
Class 4 (self-employed) 10.25% on profits between £11,908 – £50,270.
3.25% on profits above £50,270.
17
AF7 Practice Test 3 2022-2023 Revision Aid
PENSIONS
TAX YEAR LIFETIME ALLOWANCE
2006/2007 £1,500,000
2007/2008 £1,600,000
2008/2009 £1,650,000
2009/2010 £1,750,000
2010/2011 £1,800,000
2011/2012 £1,800,000
2012/2013 & 2013/2014 £1,500,000
2014/2015 & 2015/2016 £1,250,000
2016/2017 & 2017/2018 £1,000,000
2018/2019 £1,030,000
2019/2020 £1,055,000
2020/2021 – 2022/2023 £1,073,100
LIFETIME ALLOWANCE CHARGE
55% of excess over lifetime allowance if taken as a lump sum.
25% of excess over lifetime allowance if taken in the form of income.
ANNUAL ALLOWANCE
TAX YEAR ANNUAL ALLOWANCE
2014/2015 – 2022/2023 £40,000*
*Reducing by £1 for every £2 of ‘adjusted income’ over £240,000 to a minimum of £4,000 if ‘threshold
income’is also over £200,000.
18
AF7 Practice Test 3 2022-2023 Revision Aid
19
AF7 Practice Test 3 2022-2023 Revision Aid
INHERITANCE TAX
RATES OF TAX ON TRANSFERS 2021/2022 2022/2023
Transfers made on death
- Up to £325,000 Nil Nil
- Excess over £325,000 40% 40%
Transfers
- Lifetime transfers to and from certain trusts 20% 20%
A lower rate of 36% applies where at least 10% of deceased’s net estate is left to a registered charity.
MAIN EXEMPTION
Transfers to
- UK-domiciled spouse/civil partner No limit No limit
- non-UK-domiciled spouse/civil partner (from UK-domiciled spouse) £325,000 £325,000
- main residence nil rate band* £175,000 £175,000
- UK-registered charities No limit No limit
*Available for estates up to £2,000,000 and then tapered at the rate of £1 for every £2 in excess until
fully extinguished.
Lifetime transfers
- Annual exemption per donor £3,000 £3,000
- Small gifts exemption £250 £250
Wedding/civil partnership gifts by
- parent £5,000 £5,000
- grandparent/bride and/or groom £2,500 £2,500
- other person £1,000 £1,000
20
AF7 Practice Test 3 2022-2023 Revision Aid
Cars
On the first 10,000 business miles in tax year 45p per mile 45p per mile
Each business mile above 10,000 business miles 25p per mile 25p per mile
Motorcycles 24p per mile 24p per mile
Bicycles 20p per mile 20p per mile
Plant & machinery* first year allowance for companies to 31/3/2023: Super-deduction 130%
Special rate 50%
Motor cars: Expenditure on or after 1 April 2016 (Corporation Tax) or 6 April 2016 (Income Tax)
CO2 emissions of g/km: 0* 1-50 Over 50
Capital allowance: 100% 18% 6%
first year reducing balance reducing balance
*If new and unused
21
AF7 Practice Test 3 2022-2023 Revision Aid
Main Phase
Work Related Activity Group Up to 104.40 Up to 107.60
Support Group Up to 114.10 Up to 117.60
22
AF7 Practice Test 3 2022-2023 Revision Aid
CORPORATION TAX
2021/2022 2022/2023
Additional SDLT of 3% may apply to the purchase of additional residential properties purchased for
£40,000 or greater.
SDLT may be charged at 15% on interests in residential dwellings costing more than £500,000
purchased by certain corporate bodies or non-natural persons.
First-time buyers benefit from SDLT relief on purchases up to £500,000 when purchasing their main
residence. On purchases up to £300,000, no SDLT is payable. On purchases between £300,000 and
£500,000, a flat rate of 5% is charged on the balance above £300,000.
Non residential
Value up to £150,000 0%
£150,001 and £250,000 2%
£250,001 and over 5%
23
AF7 Practice Test 3 2022-2023 Revision Aid
The additional information for the pension paper can be found on pages 25 – 26
24
AF7 Practice Test 3 2022-2023 Revision Aid
ESCALATION
Statutory rates of escalation: Member reached State Pension age before 6 April 2016
25
AF7 Practice Test 3 2022-2023 Revision Aid
Statutory rates of escalation: Member reaches State Pension age on or after 6 April 2016
Compensation cap no longer applies following a Court of Appeal ruling in July 2021 that it was
unlawful on the grounds of age discrimination.
26