A Small Self Administered Pension Scheme (SSAS) allows company directors to maintain control of their pension arrangements within a flexible and tax efficient environment. These Schemes are ideally suited for shareholding directors of small to medium sized limited companies.

The Scheme is governed by a Trust Deed and Rules and is a separate legal entity from the sponsoring company.

To benefit from the full flexibility of Small Self Administered Pension Schemes, the membership should be restricted to less than 12 members and all members should be trustees.

Company contributions can be varied in line with profitability and there is no contractual commitment to pay any particular level of contribution. The Trustees can invest the scheme assets in a wide range of areas including cash deposits, quoted equities, fixed interest stocks, and unitised funds. The Trustees can purchase commercial land and property, assisted by external borrowing, if required, to lease to the company or a third party and can also lend money to the company on commercial terms for the purpose of its trade.

There are various tax benefits available. Contributions are normally allowable as an expense against corporation tax, investments accumulate free of income and capital gains tax and a proportion of the benefits can be paid out as a tax free lump sum on retirement or death.

Flexibility and control can be maintained even beyond retirement as pensions can be paid from the fund as an unsecured pension up to age 75. From age 75, the pension can continue to be paid out of the fund as alternatively secured pension or a lifetime annuity can be purchased.

PDF files
Just click on the links below to download the following forms

Reasons why A J Bell SSAS
SSAS Member's Guide
SSAS Application Pack
SSAS Transfer Form
SSAS Benefit Form
SSAS Property Notes
SSAS Property Questionnaire