DEAR TRICIA

Q I am due to receive my state pension in 2018. I think I will also be able to claim part of my late wife’s pension. Could you please advise of any tax implications this may bring and also, what percentage of my late wife’s pension I will be entitled to? A You may be able to inherit half of your wife’s protected payment if your marriage with her began before April 6, 2016, and her state pension age was on or after April 6, 2016, or she died on or after that date. You may also inherit part of or all of your wife’s additional state pension if she meets that criteria and you reach state pension age on or after April 6, 2016, as you say is the case. Any payments you receive will be added to all other income you get and will be taxed at your marginal rate. Q Every day I receive email requests to donate to various charities or campaigns but I’m not sure what is the safest way to do this. These emails always provide a link to click on and want my bank details. My bank has said that it isn’t safe to give these online. A Your bank is correct, never give your bank details online to an unknown source as it could well be a scam. If you want to donate to registered charities or worthy causes do your homework and research them beforehand. If they are legitimate they will usually have a secure online payment system. Type in their official website address yourself and donate on their website, rather than via a link in an email.