Pension Schemes - news

7 July

Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Schemes (QROPS) (PDF 70K)
Pension Schemes Services (PSS) has today published an update to the QROPS list.

1 July

Draft SI - Adult Dependant Children's Pensions - transitional provisions
We have published today a draft pensions transitional order for comment

24 June

Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Schemes (QROPS) (PDF 70K)
Pension Schemes Services (PSS) has today published an update to the QROPS list.

11 June

Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Schemes (QROPS) (PDF 73K)
Pension Schemes Services (PSS) has today published an update to the QROPS list.

30 May

Draft Regulation published
The following draft regulations and an explanatory memorandum relating to pension schemes were published on 23 May.

22 May

Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Schemes (QROPS) (PDF 78K)
Pension Schemes Services (PSS) has today published an update to the QROPS list.

13 May

Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Schemes (QROPS)
Pension Schemes Services (PSS) has today published an update to the QROPS list.

8 May

Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Schemes (QROPS)
Pension Schemes Services (PSS) has today published an update to the QROPS list.

Pensions Tax Simplification Newsletter 33
The thirty third Pensions Tax Simplification newsletter has been published today

28 April

Pensions regulation making-powers in Finance Bill 2008
We have published today information relating to the new pensions regulation-making powers in Finance Bill 08.

17 April

Pension Schemes: Finance Bill 2008 - FB08
HMRC have provided a snapshot of the guidance drafted for FB08.

16 April

Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Schemes (QROPS)
Pension Schemes Services (PSS) has today published an update to the QROPS list..

17 March

Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Schemes (QROPS) (PDF 65K)
Pension Schemes Services (PSS) has today published an update to the QROPS list.

28 March

FB08
HMRC have provided a snapshot of the guidance drafted for FB08.

17 March

Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Schemes (QROPS) (PDF 65K)
Pension Schemes Services (PSS) has today published an update to the QROPS list.

26 February

The Pension Schemes Services Helpline number has changed to 0845 600 2622
This new local rate number will allow us to improve the service that we offer to our customers.

Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Schemes (QROPS) (PDF 65K)
Pension Schemes Services (PSS) has today published an update to the QROPS list.

13 February

Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Schemes (QROPS) (PDF 64K)
Pension Schemes Services (PSS) has today published an update to the QROPS list.

4 February

Taxation of Pension Schemes (Transitional Provisions) (Amendment) Order

We have today published a draft transitional provisions amending order and EM relating to bridging pensions

1 February

If you experienced problems filing your Pension Scheme Return or Event Report online

If you experienced problems with the Pension Schemes Online service in recent weeks, and were unable to file by midnight 1 February, please file your Pension Scheme Return or Event Report as soon as you possibly can. Our systems may issue an automatic penalty notice, and if you receive one, we will accept claims for reasonable excuse. This means we will remove the late filing penalty and treat your return as filed on time where the problems with the HMRC service were the cause of the delay.

31 January

HMRC's Pension Schemes Online filing service experienced technical difficulties on 31 January 2008, which has meant that some customers have encountered difficulties filing online. The system is now rapidly returning to normal levels of service.

HMRC takes any disruption of service very seriously and to reflect this no one who files their Pension Scheme Return or Event report electronically by midnight on Friday 1 February 2008 will face a penalty.

We very much regret any inconvenience this may have caused.

29 January

Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Schemes (QROPS) (PDF 252K)
Pension Schemes Services (PSS) has today published an update to the QROPS list.

Pension Schemes Online
We are aware that some customers have been experiencing issues with the stability of the Pension Schemes Online service.

15 January

Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Schemes (QROPS) (PDF 301K)
Pension Schemes Services (PSS) has today published an update to the QROPS list.

11 January

EFRBS Guidance (PDF 37K)
Guidance on the EFRBS Excluded Benefits regulations has been published today.

31 December

Pensions Tax Simplification Newsletter 32
The thirty second Pensions Tax Simplification newsletter has been published today.

24 December

Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Schemes (QROPS) (PDF 671K)
Pension Schemes Services (PSS) has today published an update to the QROPS list.

13 December

Pensions Tax Simplification draft regulation (PDF 33K)
A draft Provision of Information (Amendment) regulation has been published today

11 December

Pension Schemes – Surplus Avoidance Device
HMRC has today published guidance on the tax implication for Scheme Administrators that enter into this type of transaction

10 December

Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Schemes (QROPS) (PDF 530K)
Pension Schemes Services (PSS) has today published an update to the QROPS list.

4 December

Manuals: Registered Pension Schemes Manual
Recent updates to Registered Pension Schemes Manual have today been published.

The Pension Regulator Scheme Return
The Pensions Regulator is the UK regulator of work-based pension schemes. From December 2007, the Regulator will be issuing their scheme return notices to all registered occupational schemes by post, asking scheme trustees to register to use their new online system called Exchange. This return is different to, and should not be confused with, the Pension Scheme Return which you may have received a notice to file from HMRC.

More information on The Pensions Regulator scheme return and their new online system can be found on The Pension Regulator's website along with some Frequently Asked Questions they have produced.

28 November

Pension schemes - interim arrangements for changes announced at PBR 07 We have today published guidance for pension scheme administrators on the practical effects of the pension scheme changes announced at last months Pre Budget Report.

15 November

Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Schemes (QROPS) (PDF 479K)
Pension Schemes Services (PSS) has today published an update to the QROPS list.

06 November

Pensions Tax Simplification Newsletter 31
The thirty first Pensions Tax Simplification newsletter has been published today.

31 October

Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Schemes (QROPS) (PDF 56K)
This is a list of Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Schemes (QROPS) that have consented to have their details published – not all QROPS will necessarily feature within it.

It is not to be taken as a recommendation for a particular scheme or product.

The list will be updated twice a month (if there are new QROPS to add to the previous list).

General guidance on QROPS is provided in chapter 14 of the Registered Pension Schemes Manual.

23 October

Due to a planned upgrade you will be unable to access the Pension Schemes Online service between 22.00 on Saturday 27 October and 08.00 on Wednesday 31 October. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.
Please note this may be subject to change.

2 October

Pensions Tax Simplification Newsletter No 30
The thirtieth Pensions Tax Simplification newsletter with important information on e-filing has been published today.

1 October

Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Schemes (QROPS) (PDF 230K)
Pension Schemes Services (PSS) has today published an update to the QROPS list.

20 September

Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Schemes (QROPS) (PDF 224K)
Pension Schemes Services (PSS) has today published an update to the QROPS list.

4 September

Transitional protection of lump sums and pension ages: amending order (PDF 30K)
Further to our announcement on 12 December 2006, we have today published a draft order extending the scope of transitional protection following certain transfers or reorganisations and the winding up of schemes. Any comments should be emailed to pensionsconsult@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk, to arrive by Friday 5 October.

3 September

Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Schemes (QROPS) (PDF 223K)
Pension Schemes Services (PSS) has today published an update to the QROPS list.

15 August

Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Schemes (QROPS) (PDF 257K)
Pension Schemes Services (PSS) has today published an update to the QROPS list.

25 July

Pension Schemes Online - A Guide to Using the Online Service (PDF 150K)
Pension Schemes Services have today published a user guide for Scheme Administrators and Practitioners using the Pension Schemes Online service.

18 July

Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Schemes (QROPS) (PDF 219K)
Pension Schemes Services (PSS) has today published an update to the QROPS list.

16 July

Reattribution of inherited estates and payments to pension policyholders
A statement and draft regulations on the proposed tax treatment of payments made to pension policyholders in the context of the reattribution of inherited estates has been published.

5 July

Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Schemes (QROPS) (PDF 190K)
Pension Schemes Services (PSS) has today published an update to the QROPS list.

2 July

Pensions Tax Simplification Newsletter 28
The twenty eighth Pensions Tax Simplification newsletter has been published today.

Non-cash benefits provided after retirement
We have today published guidance on reporting non-cash benefits provided after retirement during the tax year 2006-07. The deadline for reporting is 7 July 2007.

27 June

Pensions Tax Simplification draft regulation (PDF 56K)
The draft Provision of Information (Amendment) regulation has been published.

25 June

Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Schemes (QROPS) (PDF 189K)
Pension Schemes Services (PSS) has today published an update to the QROPS list.

6 June

Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Schemes (QROPS) (PDF 195K)
Pension Schemes Services (PSS) has today published an update to the QROPS list.

25 May

Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Schemes (QROPS) (PDF 189K)
Pension Schemes Services (PSS) has published an update to the QROPS list.

15 May

Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Schemes (QROPS) (PDF 162K)
Pension Schemes Services (PSS) has published an update to the QROPS list.

12 April

Relief for life assurance premium contributions
HMT/HMRC statement on tax relief for life assurance premium contributions is now available. The statement covers transitional provisions for pipeline cases and for policies sold as part of a personal pension scheme also providing pension benefits.

10 April

Pensions Tax Simplification newsletter No 27
The twenty seven Pensions Tax Simplification newsletter has been published today.

5 April

Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Schemes (QROPS) (PDF 143K)
Pension Schemes Services (PSS) has today published an update to the QROPS list.

2 April

Pensions Tax Simplification newsletter No 26
The twenty sixth Pensions Tax Simplification newsletter has been published today.

30 March

Pensions simplification draft regulation (PDF 26K)
The draft Modification of the Rules of Existing Schemes (Amendment) regulation has been published.

26 March

PIWG Minutes
The minutes of the PIWG meeting on 7 February 2007 are now available.

23 March

Pension Scheme Administrator Helpsheet (PDF 63K)
A helpsheet for Scheme Administrators of registered pension schemes is now available

21 March

New maintenance forms
Pension Schemes Services have today published revised versions of forms APSS151, APSS152, APSS153, APSS154 and APSS160. These versions of the forms should be used from today’s date.

19 March

Pensions simplification draft regulation
The draft Modification of the Rules of Existing Schemes (Amendment) regulation has been published.

16 March

Research Survey by BMRB
Surveys of employers and the Financial Services Industry

Personal Pension Relief at Source claims
New forms are to be used for Personal Pension Relief at Source claims

5 March

Changes to the rules on who can establish a registered pension scheme that is not an occupational pension scheme
PSS has today (Monday 5 March 2007) issued a reminder about the forthcoming changes to the registration rules for pension schemes that are not occupational pension schemes and how these changes will apply to registration applications. This information will give guidance and specifications on making annual information returns for Registered Pension Schemes operating relief at source.

Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Schemes (QROPS) (PDF 134K)
Pension Schemes Services (PSS) has today published an update to the QROPS list.

1 March

Pensions simplification draft regulation (PDF 39K)
The draft Bridging Pensions Regulation is now published.

28 February

Pensions Tax Simplification newsletter No 25
The twenty fifth Pensions Tax Simplification newsletter has been published today.

23 February

Errors and mistakes guidance (PDF 78K)

We have published guidance on how payments made in genuine error are treated under the tax rules for registered pension schemes. Currently the guidance is in a standalone format but it will be incorporated into the Registered Pension Schemes Manual in due course.

12 February

Pensions simplification draft regulation
Standard lifetime and annual allowance regulation is now published.

09 February

Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Schemes (QROPS)
APSS has today published an update to the QROPS list

02 February

Pensions Tax Simplification Newsletter No 24
The twenty fourth Pensions Tax Simplification newsletter has been published today

24 January

Tax and National Insurance Treatment of Employer Cash Inducement Payments to Pension Scheme Members
HMRC today publishes its view on the tax and National Insurance treatment of lump sums paid to pension scheme members in return for giving up their benefit rights.

16 January

Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Schemes (QROPS) (PDF 122K)
APSS has today published an update to the QROPS list

10 January

Pensions Tax Simplification Newsletter No 23
The twenty third Pensions Tax Simplification Newsletter has been published today.

19 December

Pensions Term Assurance
HMT/HMRC Statement on Pensions Term Assurance pipeline cases is now available.

12 December

Pension Simplification Draft Regulations
An announcement of proposed regulations is now available.

08 December

Pension Simplification
The regulations amending the Enhanced Lifetime Allowance have now been laid.

07 December

Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Schemes (QROPS) (PDF 83K)
APSS has today published an update to the QROPS list.

30 November

Pensions Tax Simplification Newsletter No 22
The Pensions Tax Simplification Newsletter No 22 is now available.

08 November

Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Schemes (QROPS)
APSS has today published an update to the QROPS list.

06 November

Pension Simplification: Social Security (Contributions) (Amendment No.5) Regulations
The regulations further amending the Social Security (Contributions) Regulations (SI 2001/1004) have now been published.

31 October

Pension Simplification: Social Security (Contributions) (Amendment No.5) Regulations
The regulations further amending the Social Security (Contributions) Regulations (SI 2001/1004) have now been published.

Pensions Tax Simplification Newsletter No 21
The twenty first Pensions Tax Simplification newsletter has been published today

09 October

Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Schemes (QROPS)
APSS has today published an update to the QROPS list

06 October

Pensions Tax Simplification Newsletter No 20
The twentieth Pensions Tax Simplification newsletter has been published today which incorporates a guide to the Accounting for Tax (AFT) return and online filing.

29 September

Pensions Tax Simplification Newsletter No 19
The nineteenth Pensions Tax Simplification newsletter has been published today.

07 September

Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Schemes (QROPS)
You can now view a list of QROPS online.

06 September

Pension Simplification Draft Regulation (PDF 73K)
Enhanced Lifetime Allowance Amendment Regulations are now published.

04 September

Registered Pension Schemes Manual (PDF 260K)
We have today published an updated log of amendments to the Registered Pension Schemes Manual.

31 August

Pensions Tax Simplification Newsletter No 18
The eighteenth Pensions Tax Simplification newsletter has been published today

30 August

Registered Pension Scheme Manual
An updated version of the RPSM has been published today in HTML and PDF.

07 August

Disclosure regime and registered pension schemes
From 1 August 2006 those promoting schemes and arrangements designed to produce a tax advantage relating to registered pension schemes will be obliged to report these to HMRC.

28 July

Pensions Tax Simplification newsletter No 17
The seventeenth Pensions Tax Simplification newsletter has been published today.

25 July

Pension Simplification: Transitional Provisions Order Laid Today
The order providing revised rules for the calculation of stand-alone lump sums, along with guidance note, are published today.

21 July

Pension Simplification: Regulations laid July 2006
Following Royal Assent of the Finance Act 2006 on the 19th July 2006, HMRC today laid 7 pension simplification regulations.

12 July

Proposed changes to the eligibility rules for establishing a pension scheme
The Government announced today that the rules on who may establish a registered pension scheme will be amended in the Finance Bill 2007.

Pensions Tax Simplification Regulations (PDF 27K)
A revised draft of the Taxable Property Provision regulations has now been published.

10 July

Pension Schemes Online
New forms and returns are now available on our Pension Schemes Online service.

03 July

Accounting for Tax by Scheme Administrator
The final version of the Accounting for Tax by Scheme Administrator and the completion notes is now available.

Final Overseas Forms
The final versions of the APSS252 Report of benefit crystallisation events and the APSS 253 Payments in respect of relevant members together with the completion notes are available now.

30 June

Pensions Tax Simplification Newsletter No 16
The sixteenth Pensions Tax Simplification newsletter has been published today.

22 June

Pensions Simplification: Pipeline Lump Sum Death Benefits(Link now removed 26/7/2006)
An announcement of the proposed amendment to the transitional regulations is now available.

16 June

Pensions Simplification Newsletter No 15
The fifteenth Pensions Tax Simplification newsletter has been published today.

9 June

An addendum to Newsletter 14
is published today regarding Lump sums paid in connection with scheme pensions from money purchase arrangements

Pensions Tax Simplification Regulations (Link removed as legislation now final)
Further drafts of regulations are now published.

31 May

Pensions Tax Simplification Newsletter No 14
The fourteenth Pensions Tax Simplification newsletter has been published today.

11 May

Registered Pension Schemes Manual Chapter 4 (PDF 79K)
A supplement to Chapter 4 of the RPSM on Taxation has been published. The new section covers authorised surplus payments. This is currently only available as a pdf file but will be available in the HTML manual in August this year.

28 April

Pensions Tax Simplification Newsletter No 13
The thirteenth Pensions Tax Simplification newsletter has been published today.

07 April

Pension Schemes: Residential Property and other assets HMRC have today published revised draft guidance and legislation, along with additional draft regulations relating to property held by registered pension schemes

06 April

Pensions Tax Simplification Newsletter No 12
The twelfth Pensions Tax Simplification newsletter has been published today.

03 April

Registered Pension Schemes Manual-changes to Chapters 3 and 20
Chapter 3 has been revised to clarify procedures and reflect regulatory changes. The new version will only be available as a PDF download until we have the opportunity to publish the HTML version. Minor changes have also been made to the Glossary.

Revised IR12, IR12 Supplement and IR76 have been published
Revised IR12, IR12 Supplement and IR76 have been published to incorporate the changes in Updates 159,160 and 161.

Three Pensions Updates have been published
Pensions Updates 159, 160 and 161 have been published today.

01 April

Pensions Tax Simplification Frequently Asked Questions for QROPS and overseas transfers
Pensions Tax Simplification for QROPS and overseas transfers have been added to the Frequently Asked Questions page.

31 March 2006

Pensions Simplification newsletter No 11
The eleventh Pensions Tax Simplification newsletter has been published today.

Pension Simplification: Bridging Pensions
HMRC have today published revised draft legislation on bridging pensions.

Pension Simplification: Migrant Member Relief
HMRC have today published revised draft regulations extending migrant member relief.

Inheritance Tax (IHT) & Pensions Simplification
The Economic Secretary announced in his statement yesterday publication of the draft Finance Bill provisions to clarify how IHT applies to members of registered pension schemes on and after 6 April 2006. Earlier details including contact information were published in BN 26.

24 March 2006

Pension Simplification: Residential Property and Other Assets
HMRC have today published draft legislation and guidance relating to taxable property held by registered pension schemes.

Proposed changes to the eligibility rules for establishing a pension scheme
Announcement of the proposed changes to the eligibility rules for establishing a scheme pension.

17 March 2006

Registered Pension Scheme Manual
The manual has been revised to reflect the provisions of regulations and orders made under Finance Acts 2004 and 2005 and laid up to 17 February 2006. A printable version (PDF) of the Technical pages of the revised manual is available now. The revised HTML version should appear on this website at the end of March 2006.

16 March 2006

Finance Bill 2006
Details of further Finance Bill 2006 measures on pensions tax simplification are announced along with draft legislation and Explanatory Note.

14 March 2006

Pensions Update no. 157 - a reminder (PDF 27K)
This Update offered Scheme Administrators the chance to bring all 1SF matters up to date for years 2004/05 and earlier before Pensions Simplification beginning in April 2006.

13 March 2006

Pensions Tax Simplification Protection form
The final version of the main protection form is now available. This form should not be submitted to Audit and Pension Schemes Services before 6 April 2006.

7 March 2006

Finance Bill 2006
Details of further Finance Bill 2006 measures on pensions tax simplification are announced.

3 March 2006

Tables relating to unsecured and alternatively secured pensions
HMRC has today published updated tables for use in calculating the maximum income from unsecured and alternatively secured pensions in the new simplified tax regime for pensions which comes into effect on 6 April 2006

Pension tax simplification regulations (PDF 25K)
A draft of the Registered Pension Schemes (Authorised Surplus Payments) Regulations is now available.

Pension tax simplification regulations
A draft of the transitional Order protecting rights on transfer, re-organisation and winding-up is now available.

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