FAQs — SSAS Consultant

Question 1

What exactly is a SSAS — and why should I care about it?

Accepted Answer

A Small Self-Administered Scheme (SSAS) is an occupational pension scheme established by a limited company for its directors and key employees. Unlike a personal pension, a SSAS is owned and controlled by its members — which means you have direct influence over how the pension fund is invested and used. For a business owner who wants their pension to work alongside their business rather than sit separately from it, a SSAS can be genuinely transformative.

Question 2

Who can have a SSAS?

Accepted Answer

A SSAS is available to directors and key employees of a sponsoring limited company. There is no minimum or maximum number of members, though most schemes have between one and eleven. The sponsoring company must be a UK-registered limited company. If that describes you, it is well worth understanding what a SSAS could do for your future.

Question 3

How is a SSAS different from a SIPP?

Accepted Answer

A SIPP (Self-Invested Personal Pension) is a personal pension — it belongs to an individual. A SSAS is an occupational scheme — it belongs to the company and its members collectively. A SSAS can lend money back to the sponsoring company (up to 50% of the fund), purchase commercial property, and carry out a wider range of investments than most SIPPs. The governance and trustee structure is also fundamentally different — and in many ways, far more powerful for a business owner.

Question 4

Is a SSAS properly regulated?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. A SSAS must be registered with HMRC as a recognised pension scheme. It is subject to pension legislation, HMRC rules, and The Pensions Regulator oversight. All trustees have legal duties and responsibilities. At SSAS Consultant, every scheme we establish follows HMRC-approved processes from day one — so you can proceed with complete confidence.

Question 5

How long has SSAS been available?

Accepted Answer

SSAS has been available to UK business owners since the 1970s — a well-established, HMRC-recognised pension structure with a 50-year track record. At SSAS Consultant, we have been working in this space for decades, long before the wave of digital pension platforms entered the market. That depth of experience is something we bring to every client relationship.

Question 6

Can a SSAS buy commercial property?

Accepted Answer

Yes — and for many business owners, this is one of the most compelling features of a SSAS. The scheme can purchase commercial property outright or with a mortgage. The property is held within the pension, meaning rental income and capital growth accumulate free of income tax and capital gains tax. Your sponsoring company can even rent the property back from the SSAS — a genuinely powerful arrangement that many business owners wish they had known about sooner.

Question 7

Can a SSAS lend money back to my company?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A SSAS can lend up to 50% of its net asset value back to the sponsoring company — known as a "loanback." The loan must be secured by a first charge over assets of equivalent value, carry a commercial rate of interest, and be repaid within five years. It is a legitimate, HMRC-approved way to inject capital into your business, and one that many business owners find invaluable at exactly the right moment.

Question 8

What else can a SSAS invest in?

Accepted Answer

Beyond commercial property and loanbacks, a SSAS can invest in quoted stocks and shares, government and corporate bonds, unit trusts and OEICs, unquoted shares (subject to rules), and other permitted investments. Residential property and certain "taxable property" are not permitted. We will always help you understand clearly what is and is not allowed before any investment decision is made — so you can act with confidence.

Question 9

Can a SSAS invest in my own company's shares?

Accepted Answer

Yes, subject to strict rules. A SSAS can hold shares in the sponsoring employer, but this is capped at 5% of the scheme's assets. Careful structuring is required to avoid HMRC penalties. This is an area where specialist guidance is essential — we will advise you fully on the rules and limits before any such investment is considered.

Question 10

How long does it take to set up a SSAS?

Accepted Answer

The establishment process typically takes between eight and sixteen weeks from initial instruction to HMRC registration. The timeline depends on the complexity of the scheme, the number of members, and how quickly documentation is completed. SSAS Consultant manages the entire process — you are guided clearly at every step, so nothing falls through the cracks.

Question 11

What is involved in setting up a SSAS?

Accepted Answer

Establishing a SSAS involves drafting the scheme rules and trust deed, appointing trustees (members and a professional trustee where required), registering the scheme with HMRC, opening a dedicated SSAS bank account, and completing all regulatory documentation. SSAS Consultant coordinates every element of this process on your behalf — so you can focus on your business while we handle the detail.

Question 12

Can I transfer existing pensions into a SSAS?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Existing pension funds — including SIPPs, workplace pensions, and other occupational schemes — can generally be transferred into a SSAS. Transfer rules and timescales vary by provider. Some defined benefit (final salary) schemes require a regulated financial adviser to advise on the transfer. Your SSAS Administrators will be able to assist with the administration of the pension transfer process and coordinate with your existing providers. Pension transfers are entirely your own choice — and we would always encourage you to seek independent financial advice before proceeding.

Question 13

Do I need a professional trustee?

Accepted Answer

Since 2006, SSAS schemes are no longer required by law to appoint a pensioneer trustee. However, many schemes benefit greatly from having an experienced professional trustee involved — particularly for governance, HMRC compliance, and investment decisions. We will advise you honestly on whether a professional trustee is appropriate for your scheme and your circumstances.

Question 14

What are my responsibilities as a SSAS trustee?

Accepted Answer

As a trustee, you have legal duties — including acting in the best interests of all scheme members, ensuring the scheme is administered in accordance with its rules and pension legislation, filing annual returns with HMRC, and keeping accurate records. These responsibilities are real and important. SSAS Consultant supports you in meeting all of them, so you always know exactly where you stand.

Question 15

What annual administration is required?

Accepted Answer

A SSAS requires an annual scheme return to HMRC, annual accounts, and ongoing record-keeping of all transactions, investments, and member benefits. Trustees must also ensure that all investments remain within HMRC rules. SSAS Consultant provides ongoing support to ensure your scheme remains fully compliant year after year — so you can enjoy the benefits of your SSAS without the worry.

Question 16

What happens to my SSAS when I retire?

Accepted Answer

When you reach retirement age (currently 55, rising to 57 in 2028), you can begin drawing benefits from your SSAS. Options include taking a tax-free cash lump sum (up to 25% of your fund), drawing a pension income through flexi-access drawdown, or purchasing an annuity. The SSAS can continue to operate and invest even while members are drawing benefits. We will help you plan your retirement strategy well in advance — so when the time comes, you are ready.

Question 17

Can I pass my SSAS on to family members?

Accepted Answer

Rules on inheritance tax and pensions will change in April 2027. At the time of writing, on death the pension fund can be passed to nominated beneficiaries — including family members — free of inheritance tax. If you die before age 75, the fund can be passed on free of income tax too. A SSAS can effectively become a multi-generational wealth vehicle for a family business — and that is a possibility well worth understanding.

Your questions about SSAS,
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SSAS Basics

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Your questions about SSAS,answered honestly

SSAS Basics

Still have a question we haven't answered?

Your questions about SSAS,
answered honestly