SSAS

A Small Self Administered Scheme (SSAS) is a Registered Pension Scheme but which is not regulated by the Financial Services Authority. The members are usually directors or key employees of the sponsoring employer. A SSAS, whilst subject to the same rules relating to contributions and benefits as an insured company arrangement, has considerably greater flexibility and control over the scheme's investment policies and its underlying assets. Each scheme requires an Administrator whose role is:-

• registering the pension scheme with HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC)
• reporting events relating to the scheme and the scheme administrator to HMRC
• making returns of information to HMRC
• providing information to scheme members, and others, regarding the lifetime allowance, benefits and transfers

Dentons can fulfil this official role.

View our notes on corporate property purchase and loan backs for further details.

A further advantage of a SSAS, over an insured company arrangement, is that it will permit pensions to be paid from the scheme without the need to purchase an annuity. This permits continued control and flexibility of investments throughout retirement right up to death. If you would like further details of the ability to avoid an annuity please view our notes on unsecured pensions and alternatively secured pensions.