About SSAS Pensions
A SSAS is a pension specifically designed for small businesses and their owners
They have existed since the 1970’s but have only gained more widespread use within the last decade. SSASpro has been helping business owners to set up and administer SSAS pensions since 2010
SSAS pensions offer business owners many benefits over traditional pensions,. These benefits include greater flexibility, control, and tax efficiency.
They are a unique structure and are a combination of a trust and a pension. This combines the benefits of the security of a trust with the tax benefits of an approved pension scheme.
Who can have a SSAS?
A SSAS is an occupational pension scheme. As a result it can only be established by a trading limited company that has employees (and or) directors.
How does a SSAS pension work?
A SSAS pension is a collective pension scheme where each member/trustee has their own fund, but the scheme can invest the combined funds.
E.G. Say a SSAS has three members (for instance, the three directors of a company), and each member has £100k in their fund. The member trustees could decide to buy a commercial property valued at £300k using the combined funds of the SSAS.
What are the benefits of a SSAS pension?
There are many benefits to using a SSAS pension, including:
Flexibility
SSAS pensions offer a high degree of flexibility. The trustees decide how the investments are managed. This means SSAS pensions can be tailored to the specific needs of the individual or business.
Power of the collective
Members can “pool” their existing pensions to achieve a common aim (say purchasing a property). N.B. The scheme can have up to eleven members.
Control
Member trustees make the investment decisions for the SSAS. They are in control of their pension.
Unique Features
SSASs have several unique features not found with any other pension scheme.
A number of these features can be particularly useful to businesses e.g.
The ability to buy and hold commercial property.
The ability to lend funds back to the sponsoring business.
The ability to appoint new members.
The ability to accept contributions that are larger than the member’s personal allowance.
The ability to pass assets to new or existing members on the death of an existing member.
Each of the above features can bring great benefits to business owners, their families and their business.