Difficulties understanding the tapered annual allowance for pensions have caused advisers to call the Prudential Adviser Helpline on the topic.
According to the pension provider, which took more than 14,000 enquiries from financial advisers in 2016, understanding the tapered annual allowance is one of the biggest regulatory-driven challenges facing financial advisers.
Brought in by former chancellor George Osborne, from 6 April 2016, for every £2 of adjusted income over £150,000 the amount of tax-relieved pension saving made by an individual or their employer that year is reduced by £1, down to a minimum of £10,000.
Tom McPhail, head of retirement policy at Hargreaves Lansdown, branded tapering a "nasty pernicious policy", adding "we absolutely think the tapered annual allowance has to go."
The other common topics advisers raise on the Prudential Adviser helpline include trusts, chargeable events, pension transfers, lifetime allowance, tax relief and death benefits.
According to Prudential, the large number of enquiries it has received highlights how advisers are struggling to keep abreast of regulatory change.
Les Cameron, head of technical at Prudential, said: "That is not surprising because the rules are fiendishly complex and take into account all income including workplace benefits.
"In the world of financial planning, regulatory change is the only constant and that means more advisers need support to successfully navigate the rules."
Daren O'Brien, director at London-based Aurora Financial Solutions, said: "I think that with all the changes that are made during the Budget, the help desks provided by the insurers are invaluable.
"It is always hard to remember which tweaks that have been made, start immediately and also those which only start next year.
"The helplines are a great way to reinforce your understanding of the changes."
ruth.gillbe@ft.com
