Members of a small self-administered scheme (SSAS) may also have retirement benefits in other pension arrangements, including those already paying benefits. These could include employer sponsored pension schemes or personal pensions. The assets within these arrangements could be used to fund the SSAS and the following possible courses of action should be discussed with a financial adviser.

• Transfer the value of the investments in the other arrangement(s) into the small self-administered (SSAS) scheme in cash form or in specie. This will increase the funds under the control of the member trustees and available for investment. In specie transfer of assets can be a complex process involving several different parties and will usually take longer than cash transfers.
• Assign the other arrangement(s) to become an asset of the scheme. This will increase the overall value of the SSAS and contributions to the other arrangement may usually continue. This option is often taken when there are reasons why a transfer of investments is not preferable. This could include the application of a transfer penalty if the funds are moved or the loss of certain rights such as guaranteed annuity rates.
• Make the other arrangement(s) paid up and leave the funds with the existing provider. This option may be preferred if there are severe penalties on the fund if a transfer proceeds, or if there are guaranteed annuity rates attached to the arrangement and the member does not wish it to be assigned.
• Continue to run the other arrangement(s) alongside the new scheme. Care must be taken to ensure that the contributions to all pension arrangements do not exceed the annual allowance.

Please note that a member’s total pension funds will be tested against the lifetime allowance when they take benefits and at age 75. If the lifetime allowance is exceeded, there will be an additional lifetime allowance tax charge unless the member has the necessary pension protection.

For more details on the transfer process and the benefits of transferring to a Rowanmoor Pensions SSAS please read Why move to a Rowanmoor Pensions SSAS in our SSAS literature library. You can also read our SSAS and Family Pension Trust Commercial Property Guide for information about transferring property to a SSAS.

This information relates to the Rowanmoor Pensions SSAS. If you would like to know more details regarding the information provided on this page please send your questions via the enquiry box on the right hand side or email us. Alternatively please visit our SSAS literature library.