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Phil Thomas
Senior Technical Support Consultant

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HMRC pension newsletters

Published  31 May 2024
   5 min read

HMRC issue a variety of pension related newsletters. These cover almost anything to do with pensions and contain valuable information. A brief summary and links to the newsletters issued so far are below:

Newsletter 162 — September 2024

This edition (opens in a new window) includes information on the following:

  • Lifetime allowance (LTA) abolition
  • Lump sum reporting workshop
  • Authenticated look up service to confirm protections and enhancements ― how you can help us
  • Relief at source — annual return of information for 2023 to 2024
  • Managing pension schemes service
    • 2 steps to migrating your scheme — enrol and migrate
    • System downtime

Newsletter 161 — August 2024

This edition (opens in a new window) includes information on the following:

  • Lifetime allowance (LTA) abolition
  • Relief at source — annual return of information for 2023 to 2024
  • Pension flexibility data
  • Qualifying recognised overseas pension schemes transfer data
  • Managing pension schemes service
    • Migrating your pension schemes
    • Migrating your retirement annuity contracts and deferred annuity contracts

Newsletter 160 — May 2024


This edition (opens in a new window) includes information on the following:

  • Lifetime allowance (LTA) abolition
    • Transitional tax-free amount certificates
    • Payroll reporting for tax year 2024 to 2025
      • Serious ill health lump sum
      • Stand alone lump sums
      • Lump sum death benefits paid to or in respect of members under 75
      • Lump sum reporting workshop
  • Relief at source
    • Annual return of information for 2023 to 2024
  • Managing pension schemes service
    • Pension scheme return
    • 2 steps to migrating your schemes ― enrol and migrate
    • Authenticated look up service to confirm protections and enhancements ― how you can help us
  • Contacting HMRC Pension Schemes Services
    • If you still have questions on pensions tax rules
    • What we cannot do
    • How you should contact us

Newsletter 159 — April 2024

This edition (opens in a new window) includes information on the following:

  • Lifetime allowance (LTA) abolition
    • Entitlement to benefits pre and post 6 April 2024
    • Pension commencement excess lump sum (PCELS)
    • Scheme-specific lump sum protection
    • Statutory override
    • Lump sum death benefits and transitional calculations
    • Frequently asked questions and further communications
    • Lifetime allowance abolition — lump sum reporting
  • Pension flexibility statistics
  • Registration statistics
  • Relief at source
    • Annual return of information for 2023 to 2024
    • National Insurance number checking service
  • Managing Pension Schemes service
    • Event report
    • Pension scheme return
    • Two steps to migrating your schemes ― enrol and migrate  
  • Public service pensions remedy
    • Calculate your public service pension adjustment service
    • Public service pensions remedy — tax treatment of interest

Newsletter 158 — April 2024

This edition (opens in a new window) includes information on the following:

  • Abolition of the lifetime allowance (LTA) — further regulations
    • Transitional Arrangements — cancellation of a transitional tax-free amount certificate
    • Transitional arrangements — PCLS and uncrystallised funds pension lump sum (UFPLS) after age 75
    • Transitional arrangements — transitional tax-free amount certificates (TTFACs) and annual relevant benefit crystallisation event (RBCE) statements
    • Transitional arrangements — applications for a TTFAC
    • Reporting requirements — provision of information between schemes
    • Enhanced protection (EP) — transferring to a new provider
    • Enhanced protection (EP) and primary protection (PP) — protected lump sum rights of more than £375,000
    • Lump sum death benefits (LSDBs) — payments from funds which crystallised prior to 6 April 2024
    • Overseas transfer allowance (OTA) — benefits crystallised into drawdown
    • Overseas transfer allowance — pre A-day benefits
    • Scheme-specific lump sum protection — calculating a member’s entitlement
    • Scheme-specific lump sum protection — reduction to an individual’s lump sum allowance
    • Scheme-specific lump sum protection — transferring providers
    • Financial Assistance Scheme (FAS) and Pension Protection Fund (PPF)
  • Public service pensions remedy — impact of lifetime allowance abolition
  • Pension remedies for MPs, MSs and members of the Northern Ireland Legislative Assembly — tax treatment of annual allowance and lifetime allowance

Newsletter 157 — March 2024

This edition (opens in a new window) includes information on the following:

  • Statutory Instruments
    • The Finance Act 2004 (Registered Pension Schemes and Annual Allowance Charge) Order 2024
    • The Authorised Surplus Payments Charge (Variation of Rate) Order 2024
    • The Pensions (Abolition of Lifetime Allowance Charge etc) Regulations 2024
  • Applications to register new pension schemes
  • Managing Pension Schemes service — additional security
  • Relief at source
    • Welsh Income Tax rates
    • Annual return of information for the tax year 2023 to 2024
    • APSS590 annual return of information declaration
  • Pension scheme return
  • Pension scheme migration
  • Transfers to Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Schemes (QROPS) – changes to forms
  • Event Report
  • Lifetime Allowance (LTA) abolition ― frequently asked questions

 

Lifetime allowance guidance newsletter — March 2024

This edition (opens in a new window) provides further information on the following:

  • lifetime allowance guidance newsletter — December 2023
  • pension schemes newsletter 155
  • lifetime allowance guidance newsletter — February 2024

Newsletter 156 — February 2024

This edition (opens in a new window) includes information on the following:

  • lifetime allowance (LTA) abolition
  • pension scheme return
  • public service pensions remedy — tax treatment of interest
    • interest on compensation
    • interest on authorised pensions
    • interest on authorised top-up lump sums - lump sum and interest paid separately
    • interest on authorised top-up lump sums - lump sum and interest payable within maximum limits
    • interest on authorised top-up lump sums - lump sum and interest exceed maximum limits — scheme administration member payment
    • interest on authorised top-up lump sums - lump sum and interest exceed maximum limits — unauthorised payment
    • interest on unauthorised payments

Lifetime allowance guidance newsletter — February 2024

This lifetime allowance guidance newsletter (opens in a new window) includes information on the following:

  • answers to further frequently asked questions covering:
    • lump sums and lump sum death benefits
    • reporting requirements
    • overseas transfer allowance
    • protections and enhancement factors
    • transitional arrangements
  • information on reporting required by paragraph 130 on the further legislative changes which will be introduced before 6 April 2024
  • further information on future communications

Newsletter 155 – January 2024

This edition (opens in a new window) includes information on the following:

  • lifetime allowance (LTA) abolition - legislative changes
  • lifetime allowance (LTA) abolition - scheme-specific lump sum protection (paragraph 87, Schedule 9, Finance Bill 2023-24)
  • lifetime allowance (LTA) abolition - event 24 (paragraph 106, Schedule 9, Finance Bill 2023-24)
  • lifetime allowance (LTA) abolition - calculating tax due on lump sum death benefits (paragraph 106, Schedule 9, Finance Bill 2023-24)
  • lifetime allowance (LTA) abolition - paragraphs 133 and 134 of the Finance Bill 2023-24
  • lifetime allowance (LTA) abolition - abolition of the LTA - frequently asked questions
  • lifetime allowance (LTA) abolition - abolition of the LTA - communications
  • relief at source - notification of residency status report for 2024 to 2025
  • relief at source - if you do not receive a notification of residency status report
  • relief at source - changes to Scottish Income Tax rates from 6 April 2024
  • relief at source - extension to some of the temporary changes to relief at source processes
  • pension flexibility statistics
  • retained firefighters
  • Government gateway - enrolment recovery
  • managing pension schemes service - system downtime
  • managing pension schemes service - pension scheme return
  • managing pension schemes service - two steps to migrating your schemes - enrol and migrate
  • managing pension schemes service - join our user research panel

Lifetime allowance guidance newsletter — December 2023

This edition (opens in a new window) includes information on the following:

  • pension commencement lump sums
  • taxable lump sums and PAYE for employers payroll reporting
  • dependants’ or nominees’ flexi-access drawdown pension or annuity (BCE 5C and BCE 5D)
  • enhancement factors
  • lifetime allowance protections and enhancements — application deadlines
  • scheme administrator reporting
  • lump sum death benefits
  • lump sum death benefits from before 6 April 2024 crystallised funds
  • international — overseas transfer allowance
  • international — member payment charges
  • transitional arrangements
  • protection look-up service
  • further Information

Newsletter 154 – November 2023

This edition (opens in a new window) includes information on the following:

  • Autumn Statement 2023 - abolition of the lifetime allowance from 6 April 2024
  • Autumn Statement 2023 - surplus extraction arrangements for defined benefit pension schemes
  • Autumn Statement 2023 - update on digitisation of relief at source
  • annual allowance
  • paying pension scheme charges
  • scheme administrator identifications that are no longer in use
  • relief at source residency status reports - notification of residency status report for 2024 to 2025
  • relief at source residency status reports - receiving your notification of residency status report
  • relief at source residency status reports - if you do not receive a notification of residency status report

Newsletter 153 – October 2023

This edition (opens in a new window) includes information on the following:

  • pension flexibility statistics
  • registration statistics
  • managing pension scheme service - event report
  • managing pension scheme service - two steps to migrating your schemes - enrol and migrate
  • managing pension scheme service - pension scheme return
  • managing pension scheme service - types of pension scheme return

Managing pension schemes service newsletter – September 2023

This edition (opens in a new window) includes information on the following:

  • event reporting launch on the Managing pension schemes service
  • filing Accounting for Tax (AFT) returns
  • pension scheme return
  • two steps to migrating your pension schemes - enrol and migrate

Newsletter on the public service pensions remedy - August 2023

This edition (opens in a new window) includes information on the following:

  • The Public Service Pension Schemes (Rectification of Unlawful Discrimination) (Tax) (No.2) Regulations 2023
  • reporting of annual allowance (AA) tax charge for 2022 to 2023
  • scheme pays extended to fully retired members
  • scheme administrator applications for repayment of overpaid tax
  • lifetime allowance (LTA) excess lump sum that is no longer a lifetime allowance excess lump sum due to the remedy
    benefits from member voluntary contributions (MVCs) in payment before the remedy comes into force
  • changes consequential to Finance (No2) Act 2023

Newsletter 152 – July 2023

This edition (opens in a new window) includes information on the following:

  • legislation day (L-day) 2023
  • legislation day (L-day) 2023 - relief at source
  • legislation day (L-day) 2023 - abolition of the lifetime allowance (LTA)
  • relief at source - annual return of information for the tax year 2022 to 2023
  • pension flexibility statistics
  • qualifying recognised overseas pension schemes transfer statistics
  • purpose of a registered pension scheme

Newsletter 151 – June 2023

This edition (opens in a new window) includes information on the following:

  • annual allowance calculator
  • abolition of the lifetime allowance - payment of stand-alone lump sums - lump sum taxation
  • abolition of the lifetime allowance - payment of stand-alone lump sums - lump sum reporting
  • managing pension schemes service - pension scheme migration
  • managing pension schemes service - event report
  • managing pension schemes service - filing accounting for tax returns
  • managing pension schemes service - pension scheme return

Newsletter 150 – May 2023

This edition (opens in a new window) includes information on the following:

  • relief at source - annual return of information for the tax year 2022 to 2023
  • managing pension scheme service - pension scheme migration
  • managing pension scheme service - pension scheme return

Newsletter 149 – April 2023

This edition (opens in a new window) includes information on the following:

  • Spring Budget 2023 - lifetime allowance
  • annual allowance calculator
  • relief at source - annual return of information for the tax year 2022 to 2023
  • relief at source - APSS107 Registered pension schemes annual statistical return
  • registration statistics
  • pension flexibility statistics
  • managing pension scheme service - pension scheme return
  • managing pension scheme service - accounting for tax returns
  • managing pension scheme service - event reporting

Lifetime allowance guidance newsletter — March 2023

This edition (opens in a new window) includes information on the following:

  • Overview
  • Pension commencement lump sum and lifetime allowance protections
  • Taxable lump sums and PAYE for employer’s payroll reporting
  • Public Service Pensions Remedy (McCloud)
  • Further guidance
  • Lifetime allowance working group

Newsletter 148 - March 2023

This edition (opens in a new window) includes information on the following:

  • Spring Budget 2023 - lifetime allowance
  • Spring Budget 2023 - pension commencement lump sum
  • Spring Budget 2023 - annual allowance
  • Spring Budget 2023 - Public Service Pension Schemes
  • Spring Budget 2023 - Public Service Pension Remedy (McCloud)
  • Spring Budget 2023 - pensions relief relating to net pay arrangements
  • Spring Budget 2023 - pensions tax administration - digitalising relief at source
  • Spring Budget 2023 - write downs for annuity products and insurers liabilities
  • Spring Budget 2023 - collective money purchase pension schemes - winding up
  • relief at source - Scottish Income Tax rates
  • relief at source - Welsh Income Tax rates
  • relief at source - annual return of information for the tax year 2022 to 2023
  • relief at source - APSS590 annual return of information declaration
  • accounting for tax returns - system down time
  • event reporting - scheme wind up or scheme becomes or stops being a Master Trust
  • event reporting - submitting historic event reports
  • event reporting - create, compile and view event report
  • event reporting - bulk reporting for event report

Newsletter 147 - February 2023

This edition (opens in a new window) includes information on the following:

  • relief at source - look up service
  • public service pension remedy - regulations
  • accounting for tax returns - change to accounting for tax
  • accounting for tax returns - system down time

Newsletter 146 – January 2023

This edition (opens in a new window) includes information on the following:

  • relief at source - notification of residency status report for 2023 to 2024
  • relief at source - if you did not receive a notification of residency status report
  • pension flexibility statistics
  • managing pension schemes service - event reporting
  • managing pension schemes service - pension scheme return
  • managing pension schemes service - pension scheme migration
  • managing pension schemes service - how you can help us
  • accounting for tax returns - filing accounting for tax returns
  • accounting for tax returns - changes to accounting for tax
  • pension scheme transfers

Newsletter 145 – November 2022

This edition (opens in a new window) includes information on the following:

  • public service pensions remedy letter
  • managing pension schemes service - enrolling on the managing pension schemes service
  • managing pension schemes service - viewing your list of pension schemes
  • managing pension schemes service - managing user accesses
  • managing pension schemes service - viewing interest charges
  • accounting for tax returns
  • annual allowance - members declaring their annual allowance on their self-assessment tax return

Newsletter 144 – October 2022

This edition (opens in a new window) includes information on the following:

  • requesting a refund from Pension Schemes Services
  • pension flexibility statistics
  • registration statistics
  • pension scheme migration - enrolling on the Managing Pension Schemes service
  • pension scheme migration - viewing your list of pension schemes
  • accounting for tax returns
  • managing Pension Schemes service - how you can help us
  • digitisation of relief at source - digital interim claims - update
  • digitisation of relief at source - update on delivery

Newsletter 143 – September 2022

This edition (opens in a new window) includes information on the following:

  • Government’s Growth Plan 2022
  • relief at source – annual return of information and notification of residency status reports
  • relief at source – reporting excess relief
  • relief at source – emailing APSS105 interim claim forms
  • paying charges
  • event reporting

Newsletter 142 – August 2022

This edition (opens in a new window) includes information on the following:

  • relief at source - annual return of information - interim payments
  • relief at source - APPS106 annual claims for tax year 2021 to 2022
  • relief at source – emailing APSS105 interim claim forms
  • normal minimum pension age
  • accounting for tax returns
  • new scams strategy from The Pensions Regulator

Newsletter 141 – July 2022

This edition (opens in a new window) includes information on the following:

  • legislation day 2022
  • relief at source ― annual return of information for the tax year 2021 to 2022
  • managing pension schemes service
  • accounting for tax returns
  • pension flexibility statistics
  • qualifying recognised overseas pension schemes transfer statistics

Newsletter 140 – June 2022

This edition (opens in a new window) includes information on the following:

  • pension scheme arrears and interest (covering equalisation for GMP)
  • managing pension schemes service - client reference
  • managing pension schemes service - migrating your pension schemes
  • managing pension schemes service - migrating your retirement annuity contracts and deferred annuity contracts
  • managing pension schemes service - event reporting
  • accounting for tax returns
  • The Pension Regulator's blog on pension scams
  • scheme pays reporting clarification

Newsletter 139 – May 2022

This edition (opens in a new window) includes information on the following:

  • relief at source - Annual return of information for 2021 to 2022
  • digitisation of relief at source
  • managing pension schemes service - migrating your pension schemes
  • managing pension schemes service - migrating your retirement annuity contracts and deferred annuity contracts
  • managing pension schemes service - how you can help us
  • accounting for tax returns

Newsletter 138 – April 2022

This edition (opens in a new window) includes information on the following:

  • relief at source
  • annual allowance calculator
  • scheme pays reporting
  • non-taxable payments following a member’s death and real time information reporting — charity lump sum death
  • benefits
  • pension scheme migration
  • accounting for tax returns
  • registration statistics
  • pension flexibility statistics

Newsletter 137 – February 2022

This edition (opens in a new window) includes information on the following:

  • public service scheme members with fixed or enhanced protection
  • loss of lifetime allowance protection
  • relief at source - notification of residency status report for 2022 to 2023
  • relief at source - if you do not receive a notification of residency status report
  • digitisation of relief at source
  • scheme pays reporting
  • managing pension schemes service - pension scheme migration
  • managing pension schemes service - filing accounting for tax returns
  • managing pension schemes service - bulk reporting for accounting for tax returns
  • managing pension schemes service - filing accounting for tax returns using third party software
  • managing pension schemes service - pension scheme practitioners
  • managing pension schemes service - payments relating accounting for tax returns
  • managing pension schemes service - schemes without a pension scheme tax reference (PSTR)

Newsletter 136 – January 2022

This edition (opens in a new window) includes information on the following:

  • relief at source - notification of residency status report for 2022 to 2023
  • relief at source - if you do not receive a notification of residency status report
  • normal minimum pension age - unqualified right
  • normal minimum pension age - joining a 2028 protected scheme
  • normal minimum pension age - block and individual transfers
  • normal minimum pension age - transitional arrangements
  • normal minimum pension age - information regulations
  • extension to some of the temporary changes to relief at source processes
  • maintaining qualifying recognised overseas pension schemes (QROPS) status
  • pension flexibility statistics
  • managing pension schemes service - pension scheme migration
  • managing pension schemes service - bulk reporting for accounting for tax (AFT) returns
  • managing pension schemes service - financial information
  • managing pension schemes service - viewing your list of pension schemes to migrate
  • managing pension schemes service - preparing to migrate pension schemes
  • managing pension schemes service - filing accounting for tax (AFT) returns
  • managing pension schemes service - filing accounting for tax (AFT) returns using third party software
  • managing pension schemes service - pension scheme practitioners
  • managing pension schemes service - how can you help us
  • scheme pays reporting

Newsletter 135 – November 2021

This edition (opens in a new window) includes information on the following:

  • relief at source ― notification of residency status report for 2022 to 2023
  • relief at source ― receiving your notification of residency status report
  • relief at source ― if you do not receive a notification of residency status report
  • pension scheme migration ― viewing your list of pension schemes
  • pension scheme migration ― scheme administrator IDs that are no longer in use
  • accessing your business tax account
  • annual allowance charge ― members declaring their annual allowance charge on their Self Assessment tax return
  • accounting for tax return

Newsletter 134 – October 2021

This edition (opens in a new window) includes information on the following:

  • Autumn Budget 2021
  • extension to some of the temporary changes to pension processes as a result of coronavirus (COVID-19)
  • relief at source declaration
  • pension scheme migration
  • accessing your business tax account
  • pension flexibility statistics
  • registration statistics

Newsletter 133 – September 2021

This edition (opens in a new window) includes information on the following:

  • Relief at source - Annual return of information and notification of residency status reports
  • Pension scheme migration
  • Reporting multiple small pot payments using Real Time Information
  • Update to the HMRC Pensions Tax Manual

Newsletter 132 – August 2021

This edition (opens in a new window) includes information on the following:

  • Relief at source - Annual return of information - interim repayments
  • Relief at source - APSS106 annual claims for tax year 2020 to 2021
  • Relief at source - Reporting excess relief
  • Annual allowance - Pension savings statements for tax year 2020 to 2021
  • Pension scheme migration - Viewing pension schemes
  • Pension scheme migration - Schemes without Pension Scheme Tax References
  • Pension scheme migration - Wound up pension schemes
  • Pension scheme migration - Multiple IDs

Managing pension schemes service newsletter – August 2021

This edition (opens in a new window) includes information on the following:

  • Declaring as pension scheme administrator for a retirement annuity contract and deferred annuity contract
  • Submitting an Event Report
  • Migration
  • Accounting for Tax (AFT) return
  • How you can help us
  • Signing into online services
  • Updating your details

Newsletter 131 – July 2021

This edition (opens in a new window) includes information on the following:

  • Relief at source - annual return of information for the 2020/2021 tax year
  • Relief at source and National Insurance applications
  • Managing Pension Schemes Service
  • Retirement annuity contracts and deferred annuity contracts
  • Amending an Accounting for Tax return
  • User research - Managing Pension Scheme Service
  • Annual Allowance - pension savings statements for the 2020/2021 tax year
  • Annual Allowance - declaring the annual allowance charge on the Self-Assessment tax return
  • Non-taxable payments following a member's death and Real Time Information (RTI) reporting
  • Pension flexibility statistics
  • Qualifying recognised overseas pension schemes transfer statistics

Newsletter 130 – June 2021

This edition (opens in a new window) includes information on the following:

  • Extension to some of the temporary changes to pension processes
  • Managing the Pension Schemes service
  • Signing in to online services
  • Self-invested personal pensions (SIPP) and small self-administered scheme (SSAS) pensions – connected tenants

Newsletter 129 – April 2021

This edition (opens in a new window) includes information on the following:

  • Pension flexibility statistics
  • Registration statistics
  • Relief at source
  • Pension scheme returns
  • Winding up pension schemes
  • Enrolling on the Managing Pension Schemes service
  • Signing in to online services
  • Annual allowance calculator
  • Non-taxable payments following a member's death and Real Time information (RTI) reporting

Managing Pension Schemes service newsletter – March 2021

This edition (opens in a new window) includes information on the following:

  • Pension Scheme practitioners
  • Existing practitioner authorisations
  • Accessing a locked Accounting for Tax return
  • Migration
  • Updating your address
  • How you can help us
  • Signing in to online services
  • Pension scheme accounting

Newsletter 128 – March 2021

This edition (opens in a new window) includes information on the following:

  • Spring Budget 2021
  • Extension to the temporary changes to pension processes as a result of coronavirus
  • Managing Pension Schemes – practitioners
  • Relief at source
  • Increasing the normal minimum pension age – consultation on implementation
  • Public service pension schemes – changes to the transitional arrangements to the 2015 schemes

Newsletter 127 – February 2021

This edition (opens in a new window) includes information on the following:

  • Managing pension schemes – practitioners
  • Relief at source
  • Gibraltar qualifying recognised overseas pension schemes (QROPS)
  • Pension flexibility statistics

Newsletter 126 – December 2020

This edition (opens in a new window) includes information on the following:

  • managing pension schemes - multiple scheme administrator IDs and user research
  • relief at source - notification of residency status report for 2021 to 2022
  • relief as source - receiving your notification of residency status report
  • relief at source - if you do not receive a notification of residency status report
  • relief at source - update to APSS106 updates
  • pension scheme returns for 2019 to 2020
  • signing into online services
  • in-specie contributions
  • annual allowance charge - members declaring their annual allowance charge on their self-assessment tax return

Newsletter 125 – October 2020

This edition (opens in a new window) includes information on the following:

  • Temporary changes to pension processes as a result of coronavirus (COVID-19)
  • Managing Pension Schemes service
  • Relief at source declaration – APSS590
  • Pension flexibility statistics
  • Signing in to online services
  • Registration statistics

Newsletter 124 – September 2020

This edition (opens in a new window) includes information on the following:

  • Re-employment in response to the coronavirus outbreak
  • Relief at source and suspension of the process for applying for a National Insurance
  • Annual return of information – notification of residency status reports
  • Call for evidence: Pensions Tax Relief Administration
  • Managing Pension Schemes service

Newsletter 123 – August 2020

This edition (opens in a new window) includes information on the following:

  • Relief at source – annual returns of information for 2019 to 2020
  • Annual return of information – interim repayments
  • Annual return of information – residency status reports
  • Relief at source – APSS106 annual claims for 2019 to 2020
  • Migration of pension schemes to the Managing pension schemes service
  • Multiple scheme administrator IDs
  • Pension Scheme Accounting
  • Annual allowance – pensions savings statements for 2019 to 2020

Newsletter 122 – July 2020

This edition (opens in a new window) includes information on the following:

  • Relief at source
  • Collective money purchase benefits (CMPs)
  • Managing Pension Schemes service – accounting for tax return
  • Guaranteed Minimum Pension (GMP) Equalisation newsletter – July 2020
  • Pension flexibility statistics
  • Annual allowance
  • Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Schemes (QROPS) transfer statistics

Newsletter 121 – June 2020

This edition (opens in a new window) includes information on the following:

  • Temporary changes to pension processes as a result of coronavirus (COVID-19)
  • Managing pension schemes service
  • Real time information - cessation of earlier year updates and use of full payment submissions

Newsletter 120 – May 2020

This edition (opens in a new window) includes information on the following:

  • Temporary changes to pension processes as a result of coronavirus (COVID-19)
  • Relief at source
  • Submitting the APSS107 – Registered pension schemes annual statistical return without a signature
  • Contacting HMRC’s Pension Schemes Services

Newsletter 119 – April 2020

This edition (opens in a new window) includes information on the following:

  • Temporary changes to pension processes as a result of coronavirus (COVID-19)
  • Re-employment in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
  • Pension scheme returns for 2019 to 2020
  • Benefits crystallisation event 1 and valuing sums and assets held within a registered pension scheme
  • Other pension scheme valuations
  • Pension flexibility statistics
  • Registration statistics
  • Annual allowance calculator
  • Managing pension schemes service – timeline update
  • Unauthorised payments – operating the mandating procedure
  • Gibraltar and the overseas transfer charge

Newsletter 118 – March 2020

This edition (opens in a new window) includes information on the following:

  • Spring Budget 2020
  • Temporary changes to pension processes as a result of coronavirus (COVID-19)
  • Annual allowance calculator
  • Relief at source
  • The Managing Pension Schemes service
  • GOV.UK updates
  • Pension scheme administration - moving pension recipients from one payroll to another
  • The Pension Schemes Online service

Newsletter 117 – February 2020

This edition (opens in a new window) includes information on the following:

  • Relief at source
  • guidance from The Pensions Regulator on pension scams

Guaranteed minimum pension (GMP) equalisation newsletter - February 2020

This edition (opens in a new window) includes information on the following:

  • Annual allowance
  • Lifetime allowance protections
  • Lifetime allowance and benefit crystallisation event calculations
  • Paying the lifetime allowance charge

Newsletter 116 – January 2020

This edition (opens in a new window) includes information on the following:

  • Pension flexibility statistics
  • Pension schemes online service
  • Managing pension schemes service
  • Relief at source - notification of residency status report for 2020 to 2021
  • Trust registration service
  • Change to the scheduled publication of the recognised overseas pension scheme notification list

Newsletter 115 – November 2019

This edition (opens in a new window) includes information on the following:

  • Lifetime allowance and the 2019 to 2020 event report
  • Managing Pension Schemes service - giving access to Government Gateway administrators and assistants
  • Managing Pension Schemes service – pension practitioner IDs
  • Relief at Source - notification of residency status report for 2020 to 2021
  • Annual allowance – members declaring their annual allowance charge on their Self Assessment tax return

Newsletter 114 – October 2019

This edition (opens in a new window) includes information on the following:

  • Registration statistics
  • Pension flexibility statistics
  • Pension scheme administration
  • Relief at source
  • Guaranteed Minimum Pension Equalisation
  • Annual allowance - GOV.UK guidance on ‘scheme pays’

Newsletter 113 - August 2019

This edition (opens in a new window) includes information on the following:

  • Relief at source annual returns of information
  • Relief at source - APSS106 annual claims
  • Annual allowance – pension savings statements

Newsletter 112 – July 2019

This edition (opens in a new window) includes information on the following:

  • Relief at source
  • Pension flexibility statistics
  • Annual allowance
  • The Pensions Regulator’s consultation on the future of pension trusteeship and governance
  • Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Schemes transfer statistics

Newsletter 111 – June 2019

This edition (opens in a new window) includes information on the following:

  • Relief at source
  • Master Trusts supervision
  • Managing Pension Schemes service
  • Guaranteed Minimum Pension equalisation - HMRC working group
  • Telling HMRC about pension tax charges on the SA100 tax return
  • Appendix 1 - guidance on receiving your Notification of Residency Status Report

Newsletter 110 – May 2019

This edition (opens in a new window) includes information on the following:

  • Relief at source
  • Consultation on the transposition of the Fifth Money Laundering Directive
  • Managing Pension Schemes service – user research

Newsletter 109 – April 2019

This edition (opens in a new window) includes information on the following:

  • Pension flexibility statistics
  • Registration statistics
  • Managing Pension Schemes service
  • Relief at source for Scottish taxpayers
  • Pension scheme returns
  • Overseas transfer charge - regulations
  • Master Trusts authorisation of existing schemes
  • Updates to the ROPS notifications list

Newsletter 108 – March 2019

This edition (opens in a new window) includes information on the following:

  • Relief at source
  • Guaranteed Minimum Pension (GMP)
  • Master Trust update and an introduction to supervision
  • Managing Pension Schemes service
  • Reporting on Pension Schemes Online service
  • Annual allowance calculator

Newsletter 107 – February 2019

This edition (opens in a new window) includes information on the following:

  • Relief at source
  • Master Trusts - The closing date for applications for authorisation is 31 March 2019
  • Reporting non-taxable death benefits
  • Managing Pension Schemes – registering as a scheme administrator

Newsletter 106 – January 2019

This edition (opens in a new window) includes information on the following:

  • Pension flexibility statistics
  • Lifetime allowance for 2019 to 2020
  • Reporting non-taxable death benefits
  • Changes to HMRC email addresses
  • Guaranteed Minimum Pension (GMP)
  • Relief at source – January 2019 notification of residency status reports
  • Relief at source – annual return of information declaration
  • Change of name for the Manage and Register Pension Schemes service
  • Master Trusts

Relief at source pension schemes newsletter – January 2019

This edition (opens in a new window) includes information on the following:

  • Scottish Budget
  • Relief at source for Welsh taxpayers
  • Notification of residency status report for 2019 to 2020
  • Excess relief

Manage and Register Pension Schemes service newsletter – December 2018

This edition (opens in a new window) includes information on the following:

  • Additional feature from 11 December 2018
  • Features added on 13 November 2018
  • Features we’ll add in March 2019
  • Reporting for schemes registered on the Manage and Register Pension Schemes service
  • User research
  • Registering as a scheme administrator for pension schemes registered before 4 June 2018
  • Further help and information

Relief at source pension schemes newsletter - December 2018

This edition (opens in a new window) includes information on the following:

  • Notification of residency status report for 2019 to 2020
  • Annual return of information for 2018 to 2019
  • Scottish Budget

Newsletter 105 – November 2018

This edition (opens in a new window) includes information on the following:

  • Double Taxation – bulk requests for certificates of residence
  • Relief at Source Newsletter
  • Overseas transfer charge - draft regulations
  • Manage and Register Pension Schemes service - newsletter
  • Reporting of non-taxable death benefits
  • Joint article from HMRC and The Pensions Regulator

Newsletter 104 – October 2018

This edition (opens in a new window) includes information on the following:

  • Autumn Budget 2018
  • Pension flexibility statistics
  • Registration statistics
  • Manage and Register Pension Schemes service
  • Reporting of non-taxable death benefits
  • Relief at source
  • Non-statutory clearances
  • Applications to register a pension scheme
  • Transfers between registered pension schemes
  • Reporting overseas transfer charges
  • Master Trusts
  • Operating PAYE on pension payments

Newsletter 103 – September 2018

This edition (opens in a new window) includes information on the following:

  • Updating your scheme administrator details
  • Operating PAYE on pension payments
  • Master Trusts
  • Reporting of non-taxable death benefits
  • Relief at source
  • Annual allowance - pension savings statements for tax year 2017 to 2018
  • Trust Registration Service

Relief at source pension schemes newsletter - September 2018

This edition (opens in a new window) includes information on the following:

  • Annual return of information
  • Notification of residency status report for 2019 to 2020
  • Members without a valid National Insurance (NI) number
  • Amendments to the APSS105 and APSS106

Newsletter 102 – August 2018

This edition (opens in a new window) includes information on the following:

  • the Manage and Register Pension Schemes service
  • relief at source
  • Master Trusts
  • reporting of non-taxable death benefits
  • applications to register a pension scheme

Newsletter 101 – July 2018

This edition (opens in a new window) includes information on the following:

  • Master Trusts
  • Registering a pension scheme - time limits
  • Taxation of flexi access payments
  • Annual allowance
  • Relief at source
  • Pension flexibility
  • Qualifying recognised overseas pension schemes (QROPS) transfer statistics
  • Manage and Register Pension Schemes service - completing enrolment information

Newsletter 100 – June 2018

This edition (opens in a new window) includes information on the following:

  • Manage and Register Pension Schemes service
  • Registering as a scheme administrator and applying to register a pension scheme
  • Transfers between registered pension schemes
  • Annual allowance calculator
  • Relief at source
  • Recognised overseas pension schemes (ROPS) notifications list
  • Taxation of flexi access payments
  • Reporting multiple small pots payments

Manage and Register Pension Schemes service newsletter - June 2018

This edition (opens in a new window) includes information on the following:

  • Launch of the Manage and Register Pension Schemes service
  • Additional features from 11 June 2018
  • Existing scheme administrators
  • Using the service if you’re a non-trading company or a public sector organisation
  • Phase One - second release
  • Work on Phase Two
  • User research on the Manage and Register Pension Schemes service
  • Further help and information

Newsletter 99 – May 2018

This edition (opens in a new window) includes information on the following:

  • Pension Schemes Online service
  • APSS262 form
  • Event report – reportable events 22 and 23
  • Genuine errors
  • Relief at source for Scottish Income Tax
  • Look up residency status for relief at source

Newsletter 98 – May 2018

This edition (opens in a new window) includes information on the following:

  • Manage and Register Pension Schemes service
  • Pension flexibility statistics
  • Registration statistics
  • Annual allowance calculator
  • Lifetime allowance additional member functionality
  • Relief at source for Scottish Income Tax
  • Pension flexibility payments and Scottish Income Tax
  • Trust Registration Service
  • Reporting of non-taxable death benefits

Pension schemes Manage and Register Pension Schemes service newsletter - April 2018

This edition (opens in a new window) includes information on the following:

  • Introduction
  • Phase One first release
  • Retirement annuity contracts (RACs) and deferred annuity contracts (DACs)
  • Authorising a practitioner from 8 May 2018
  • Phase One further release(s)
  • Phase Two
  • Next steps
  • Further help and information

Newsletter 97 – March 2018

This edition (opens in a new window) includes information on the following:

  • Relief at source for Scottish Income Tax
  • Relief at source – excess relief
  • Form APSS262 – reporting overseas transfers
  • New pensions online service newsletter
  • Finance Act 2018
  • Annual allowance
  • Outstanding accounting for tax (AFT) charges

Newsletter 96 – February 2018

This edition (opens in a new window) includes information on the following:

  • Pension flexibility statistics
  • Relief at source for Scottish Income Tax
  • Updates to form APSS146E
  • New pensions online service
  • Information powers and Schedule 36 of the Finance Act 2008
  • Reporting of non-taxable death benefits
  • Changes to postal address
  • Feedback on pension schemes newsletters

Pension schemes relief at source for Scottish Income Tax newsletter - February 2018

This edition (opens in a new window) includes information on the following:

  • Scottish Budget 2017 - pension tax relief
  • Completing your annual return of individual information for 2017 to 2018
  • Notification of residency status report - January 2018
  • Look up residency status for relief at source
  • Updates to GOV.UK guides and the RPSCOM100(Z) spreadsheet
  • Relief at source regulations
  • Appendix 1 - messages for your members
  • Appendix 2 - messages for payroll providers
  • Appendix 3 - structured data for the annual return of individual information for 2017 to 2018

Newsletter 95 – January 2018

This edition (opens in a new window) includes information on the following:

  • Pension flexibility statistics
  • Relief at source for Scottish Income Tax
  • Updates to form APSS146E
  • New pensions online service
  • Information powers and Schedule 36 of the Finance Act 2008
  • Reporting of non-taxable death benefits
  • Changes to postal address
  • Feedback on pension schemes newsletters

Previous editions

Newsletter 94 – December 2017

This includes information on the following:

  • Relief at source for Scottish Income Tax
  • Annual allowance
  • Reporting multiple small pots payments through Real Time Information (RTI)
  • Simplifying pension language
  • New pensions online service - updating your scheme administrator details

Newsletter 93 – November 2017

This includes information on the following:

  • Autumn Budget 2017Reporting of non-taxable death benefits
  • Relief at source for Scottish Income Tax
  • New Pensions Online Service
  • Pension payments to trustees in bankruptcy or third parties
  • Lifetime allowance service
  • Annual allowance

Newsletter 92 – October 2017

This includes information on the following:

  • Pension flexibility statistics
  • Registration statistics
  • Relief at source for Scottish Income Tax
  • Drawdown pension tables
  • New pensions online service
  • Paying tax to HMRC
  • Lifetime allowance service

Newsletter 91 – September 2017

This includes information on the following:

  • Relief at source for Scottish Income Tax
  • New pensions online service
  • Lifetime allowance scheme administrator look-up service
  • Reporting the overseas transfers charge on the Accounting for Tax Return (AFT)
  • Annual allowance
  • Pensions tax registration

Newsletter 90 – August 2017

This includes information on the following:

  • Annual allowance
  • Relief at source for Scottish Income Tax
  • Qualifying recognised overseas pension schemes
  • Event report – save and submit
  • Lifetime allowance look up service for PSAs
  • New pensions online service
  • Appendix 1 - SDES enrolment information and contact details for the support team
  • Appendix 2 - SDES onboarding guidance for PSAs

Newsletter 89 – July 2017

This includes information on the following:

  • Pension flexibility statistics
  • Relief at source for Scottish Income Tax
  • Annual return of individual information
  • Qualifying recognised overseas pension schemes (QROPS) transfer statistics
  • Lifetime allowance look up service for pension scheme administrators
  • Reporting of non-taxable death benefits
  • New Pensions Online service
  • Appendix 1 - SDES enrolment information and contact details for the support team 

Newsletter 88 - June 2017

This includes information on the following:

  • Contacting Pension Schemes Services
  • Relief at source for Scottish Income Tax
  • Annual return of individual information
  • Pension scheme transfers
  • APSS262 reporting transfers to qualifying recognised overseas pension schemes
  • Lifetime allowance
  • Appendix 1 - SDES enrolment information and contact details for the support team
  • Appendix 2 - HMRC Secure Data Exchange Services technical specification

Newsletter 87 – May 2017

This includes information on the following:

  • Pension advice allowance
  • Relief at source
  • Scottish rate of Income Tax
  • The pension scheme return and the SA970 tax return for trustees of registered pension schemes
  • Changes to the scheduled publication of the Recognised Overseas Pension schemes (ROPS) notification list

Pension schemes Scottish rate of Income Tax newsletter – May 2017

This includes information on the following:

  • Introduction
  • Using the Secure Data Exchange Service
  • Advisory reports
  • Notification of individual scheme members’ residency tax status - January 2018
  • Residency tax status look up service
  • Further help and information
  • Appendix A - Guidance on Migrating from SET to SDES
  • Disclaimer and Further Questions

Newsletter 86 - April 2017

This includes information on the following:

  • In specie contributions to registered pension schemes
  • Registration statistics
  • Relief at source
  • Lump sum death benefits – information requirements
  • Pension flexibility statistics
  • Lifetime allowance
  • Contacting Pension Schemes Services
  • Qualifying recognised overseas pension schemes (QROPS)
  • Scottish rate of Income Tax
  • Annual allowance scheme pays

Newsletter 85 - March 2017

This includes information on the following:

  • Spring Budget 2017
  • Qualifying recognised overseas pension schemes (QROPS)
  • Pension flexibility - reporting of non-taxable death benefits through Real Time Information (RTI)
  • Relief at Source
  • Scottish rate of Income Tax
  • Lifetime Allowance
  • Pension scheme registrations
  • Appendix 1 - Overseas transfer charge, pension scheme members
  • Appendix 2 - Overseas transfer charge, overseas scheme managers

Newsletter 84 - February 2017

This includes information on the following:

  • Pension flexibility statistics
  • Lump sum death benefits - information requirements
  • Annual allowance calculator update
  • Qualifying recognised overseas pension schemes (QROPS) online
  • Drawdown pension tables
  • Relief at source
  • Lifetime allowance

Newsletter 83 - December 2016

This includes information on the following:

  • Autumn Statement 2016
  • Lifetime allowance
  • Unauthorised borrowing
  • Serious ill-health lump sums - reporting through Real Time Information (RTI)
  • Relief at source - annual returns of individual information for 2015 to 2016
  • Overseas pension schemes
  • Scottish rate of Income Tax (SRIT) and relief at source

Newsletter 82 - November 2016

This includes information on the following:

  • Bridging pensions
  • Registration statistics
  • Sale of lifetime annuities
  • Pension flexibility statistics
  • Relief at source
  • Overseas pension schemes - GOV.UK content
  • Lifetime allowance
  • Annual allowance

Newsletter 81 - September 2016

This includes information on the following:

  • Tax treatment of serious ill health lump sums
  • Event Report
  • Relief at source annual returns of individual information for 2015 to 2016
  • Secondary annuities
  • Lifetime allowance
  • Annual allowance calculator
  • Pension flexibility and pension scams

Newsletter 80 - July 2016

This includes information on the following:

  • Pension flexibility statistics
  • Lifetime allowance
  • Relief at source - annual returns of individual information for 2015 to 2016

Newsletter 79 - June 2016

This includes information on the following:

  • Pension flexibility
  • Annual allowance
  • Change of scheme details
  • Lifetime allowance
  • Pension Schemes Services contact phone number
  • Pension scheme transfers
  • Finance Bill 2016 – Royal Assent expected later than usual
  • Relief at source – information notices

Newsletter 78 - May 2016

This includes information on the following:

  • Pension flexibility statistics
  • Secondary annuities - tax framework
  • Double taxation – certificate of residence requests
  • Tapered annual allowance
  • Registration statistics
  • Lifetime allowance
  • Contacting Pension Schemes Services
  • Payment date of uncrystallised funds pension lump sums (UFPLS)
  • Pension flexibility - reporting of non-taxable death benefits through RTI
  • Serious ill-health lump sums
  • Appendix 1 - FP2016 interim application process
  • Appendix 2 – IP2016 interim application process

Newsletter 77 - March 2016

This includes information on the following:

  • Budget 2016
  • Lifetime allowance reduction
  • Pension flexibility
  • Secondary annuities market
  • Annual allowance
  • Relief at source - APSS105 and APSS106 forms
  • Appendix 1 – Fixed Protection 2016 (FP2016) information for scheme members
  • Appendix 2 – Individual Protection 2016 (IP2016) information for scheme members
  • Appendix 3 - FP2016 interim application process
  • Appendix 4 – IP2016 interim application process
  • Appendix 5 - Tapered annual allowance and alignment of pension input periods: member messages

Newsletter 76 - February 2016

This includes information on the following:

  • Relief at Source - annual returns of individual information
  • Lifetime allowance reduction
  • Pension flexibility – reclaiming over paid tax on death benefits 
  • Appendix 1 – FP2016 interim process application
  • Appendix 2 – IP2016 interim process application

Newsletter 75 - January 2016

This includes information on the following:

  • Inheritance tax treatment of pension scheme drawdown funds on death
  • Pension flexibility
  • Scottish rate of Income Tax
  • Relief at source – annual returns of individual information
  • Lifetime allowance reduction
  • Annual allowance

Newsletter 74 - December 2015

This includes information on the following:

  • Autumn Statement 2015
  • Relief at source – annual returns of individual information for 2014 to
  • 2015
  • Lifetime allowance reduction
  • Double Taxation/Certificate of Residence requests
  • Pension flexibility
  • Form APSS146 and reclaiming tax deducted from investment income
  • Publication of the Pensions Tax Manual on GOV.UK
  • Annual allowance reporting regulations 

Newsletter 73 - October 2015

This includes information on the following:

  • Scottish rate of Income Tax (SRIT)
  • Annual allowance
  • Registration statistics
  • Pension Flexibility
  • Lifetime allowance reduction – protecting pension savings

Newsletter 72 - September 2015

This includes information on the following:

  • Relief at source - annual returns of individual information for 2014 to 2015
  • Relief at source - Scottish Rate of Income Tax
  • Reminders for pension scheme returns, penalty reminders and payment reminders
  • 2014 to 2015 annual allowance messages
  • Lifetime allowance reduction and transitional protection
  • Removal of form APSS161
  • Finalised regulations
  • Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Schemes
  • Pension flexibility

Newsletter 71 - August 2015

This includes information on the following:

  • Qualifying recognised overseas pension schemes (QROPS) stakeholder
  • forum
  • ROPS notification list
  • Annual allowance
  • Relief at source - annual returns of individual information for tax year 2014 to 2015
  • Pension flexibility statistics
  • Lifetime allowance
  • Pension scheme registration certificates
  • Pension liberation message

Newsletter 70 - July 2015

This includes information on the following:

  • Summer Budget 2015
  • Changes to contracting out records
  • Certificates of residence
  • Pension flexibility - forms for claiming repayment of tax
  • Contacting Pension Schemes Services (PSS)
  • Routine changes to Pension Schemes Online

Newsletter 69 - June 2015

This includes information on the following:

  • Relief at source - annual returns of individual information for 2014 to 2015
  • Registration figures 2014 to 2015
  • Pension flexibility
  • Certificate of residence
  • Recognised Overseas Pension Schemes
  • Pension Schemes Online - guidance

Newsletter 68 - April 2015

This includes information on the following:

  • Tax vouchers submitted with R63N claims
  • Guidance update
  • Pension liberation
  • Relief at source
  • Certificates of residence
  • Pension flexibility – tax on payments to scheme members
  • Pension flexibility – scheme administrators

Newsletter 67 - February 2015

This includes information on the following:

  • Pension flexibility
  • Payments
  • PAYE and reporting
  • Issuing a P45
  • Tax-free payments
  • Pension flexibility guidance
  • Draft Finance Bill legislation

Newsletter 66 - December 2014

This includes information on the following:

  • Taxation of Pensions Bill
  • Pension statements and the annual allowance
  • Pensions Flexibility
  • Relief at source: RPSCOM100(Z) and annual returns of individual information
  • The draft Annual Allowance Order
  • Delay to the QROPS re-notification process
     

Newsletter 65 - September 2014

This includes information on the following:

  • October submission of RPSCOM100(Z)
  • Transition of Pension Scheme Services (PSS) web content to GOV.UK
  • Fit and proper person rules for pension scheme administrators
  • Individual Protection 2014 (IP2014)
  • Pension Statements and the annual allowance
  • PSS helpline automated service

Newsletter 64 - August 2014

This includes information on the following:

  • Pensions Flexibility
  • Individual Protection 2014 (IP2014)
  • Certificates of residence for registered pension schemes
  • Pension Scams
  • HMRC Scheme Reconciliation Service
  • Annual tax summaries
  • Annual Allowance Charge (Amendment) Order

Newsletter 63 - July 2014

This includes information on the following:

  • Pension Schemes Services (PSS) forms converting to iForms
  • Individual Protection 2014 (IP2014)
  • An update on Fixed Protection 2014 (FP2014)
  • QROPS - form APSS262
  • Registration figures
  • Relief at source
  • Contact us

Newsletter 62 - May 2014

This includes information on the following:

  • Fixed Protection 2014 applications
  • Arrears of annuities
  • Pension Scheme Registration
  • Registered Pension Schemes Manual updates
  • Pension scheme transfers
  • New email address for queries

Newsletter 61 - March 2014

This includes information on the following:

Finance Bill 2014

  • Increased pension flexibility
  • Individual protection 2014
  • Pension liberation

Later Finance Bill

  • Further flexibility
  • Dependants' scheme pensions
  • Tax relief on contributions after age 75
  • Contact details

Newsletter 60 - February 2014

This includes information on the following:

  • New Business Head for Pension Schemes Services
  • changes to HMRC's 'contact us' internet page
  • Fixed Protection 2014 and Individual Protection 2014
  • pension liberation and registration and transfers processes
  • Scottish rate of Income Tax
  • QROPS scheme manager ID

Newsletter 59 - October 2013

This includes information on the following:

  • fixed protection 2014 - Do it online
  • annual allowance - self assessment returns and annual allowance checking tool
  • new QROPS forms

Newsletter 58 - August 2013

This includes information on the following:

  • fixed protection 2014 - Do it online
  • fixed protection 2012 - applications by relieved members of relieved
  • non-UK pension schemes
  • individual Protection 2014
  • legislation (relating to Finance Act 2013)

Newsletter 57 - May 2013

This includes information on the following:

  • changes to the Annual Allowance and Lifetime Allowance
  • pension Liberation
  • trivial Commutation and similar payments
  • improvements to Pensions Guidance
  • Pension Scheme Registration

Newsletter 56 - January 2013

This includes information on the following:

  • higher Rate Relief - personal pensions
  • Autumn Statement and Draft Finance Bill 2013
  • completing Event Reports (A reminder)

Newsletter 55 - October 2012

This includes information on the following:

  • changes to Pensions Schemes website:

a) forms
b) QROPS list
c) what hasn't changed

  • relief at Source (RAS) project update
  • pensions early access / liberation

Newsletter 54 - June 2012

This includes information on the following:

  • fixed protection
  • automatic enrolment into a workplace pension scheme
  • contracting-out forms - APSS155, APSS155A, APSS155B and APSS101
  • Scottish income tax update
  • Registered Pension Schemes Manual (RPSM)
  • QROPS Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
  • note to Independent Financial Advisers

Newsletter 53 - April 2012

This includes information on the following:

  • a number of Budget announcements
  • fixed protection elections - deadline 5 April 2012
  • annual allowance guidance
  • primary protection - statements of LTA used
  • maximum income from a flexible or variable annuity
  • short service refund lump sums and contracting out abolition

Newsletter 52 - March 2012

This includes information on the following:

  • early release pension offers,
  • protecting your pension savings - fixed protection election reminders
  • fixed protection - benefit accrual - the relevant percentage
  • lifetime Allowance Charge - BCE 3 and 'excepted circumstances' -
  • Pension Increase Exchange (PIE) exercises
  • appealing against a penalty for late/non submission - Registered
  • Pension Scheme Return
  • appealing against a penalty for late/non submission - SA970
  • RAS project update
  • introducing our new Customer Liaison Managers (CLMs)
  • automatic enrolment into pensions 2012

Newsletter 51 - December 2011

This includes information on the following:

  • filing notice for the Registered Pension Scheme Return, Event Report and Tax Returns for trustees of registered pension schemes
  • contracting out
  • non-registered schemes and Part 7A ITEPA 2003
  • employer asset-backed pension contributions
  • small pension pots
  • overseas Pension Schemes - Transfers to QROPS
  • drawdown pension tables
  • amendments to the Registered Pension Schemes Manual (RPSM)

Newsletter 50 - November 2011

This newsletter is a Fixed Protection Special Edition and includes information on:

  • application for fixed protection
  • when a member with fixed protection takes their benefits
  • benefit accrual and other money purchase arrangements
  • benefit accrual (for fixed protection) and relevant benefit accrual (for
  • enhanced protection) in relation to defined benefits arrangements
  • benefit accrual is an ongoing test
  • benefit accrual and an "earnings cap"
  • the benefit accrual test for defined benefits is a test on prospective rights
  • the "relevant percentage"
  • the "relevant percentage" and scheme rule changes
  • the "relevant percentage" and late retirement factors
  • the benefit accrual test for defined benefits in a tax year during which the member takes their benefits
  • when not all benefits are taken from an arrangement
  • enhancements on taking benefits
  • death benefits including death in service benefits
  • new arrangements
  • penalties for failure to notify loss of fixed protection
  • what happens once fixed protection has been lost?

Newsletter 49 - September 2011

This includes information on the following:

  • changes to the Pension Schemes website
  • the Registered Pension Schemes Manual (RPSM) update
  • trivial commutation
  • drawdown pension tables - under 23's
  • flexible drawdown - scheme administrator responsibilities
  • an update on the Pension Schemes Anti Fraud Unit

Newsletter 48 - August 2011

This includes information on the following:

  • Finance Act 2011 and supporting regulations
  • guidance and enquires
  • application for protection of your lifetime allowance - fixed protection
  • reporting requirements for flexible drawdown payments
  • the pension benefit reforms and changes to accounting for tax

Newsletter 47 - June 2011

This includes information on the following:

  • relief at source (RAS)
  • draft regulations
  • fixed protection
  • the meaning of expected pension
  • pension input periods (PIPs)
  • employer asset-backed pension contributions
  • the Equitable Life Payments Scheme (ELPS)

Newsletter 46 - April 2011

This includes information on the following:

  • nomination of pension input periods (PIPs)
  • payment of the annual allowance (AA) charge from pension benefits
  • disguised remuneration
  • employer asset-backed pension contributions

Newsletter 45 - February 2011

This includes information on the following:

  • The Registered Pension Schemes Regulations
  • The Scotland Bill
  • normal minimum pension age
  • changes to pension schemes online

Newsletter 44 - December 2010

This includes information on the following:

  • Pension Scheme Inspections
  • draft Finance Bill 2011
  • pension transfers for people aged 50 to 55
  • early access to pension savings

Newsletter 43 - December 2010

This includes details on changes to Pension Schemes Online.

Newsletter 42 - November 2010

This includes information on the following:

  • the new Pension Industry Stakeholder forum
  • Code of Practice 10 - reversion to normal time limits for enquires
  • restriction of pensions tax relief
  • secondary legislation including The Registered Pension Schemes (Modification of the Rules of Existing Schemes) Regulations and The Taxation of Pension Schemes (Transitional Provisions) (Amendment) Order

Newsletter 41 - July 2010

This provides information on the following:

  • the relief at source regulations are being reviewed and as part of the review, HMRC HQ are looking for volunteers to help with the process
  • some frequently asked questions

Newsletter 40 - March 2010

This provides information on the following:

  • a new process from 6 April 2010 to make it easier for you to obtain a deduction against the scheme sanction charge
  • the process for raising the scheme sanction charge for the tax years 2006-07 to 2009-10 inclusive
  • a selection of frequently asked questions.

Newsletter 39 - January 2010

This includes information on the following:

  • security & first charges (for loans made by member directed pension schemes)
  • compliance issues
  • default scheme administrator (where no scheme administrator can be identified/traced
  • registered pension scheme repayments - changes to the processes
  • details of the consultation re implementing pensions tax relief restrictions from 6 April 2011
  • confirmation of the changes to the anti-forestalling rules
  • changes to tax rates.

Newsletter 38 - December 2009

This provides detail on how the change in normal minimum pension age from 50 to 55 on 6 April 2010 will affect pension schemes. In particular, it covers:

  • pensions
  • pension commencement lump sum
  • what is the pension payment date?
  • those who are aged 50 on 2 April 2010 to 5 April 2010 inclusive.

Newsletter 37 - May 2009

This includes information on the following:

  • links to Budget 09 publications
  • changes to the rules on new borrowing by pension schemes
  • clarification of the rules surrounding charging orders on property used as security for loans by a pension scheme
  • clarification of the rules surrounding re-negotiating leases
  • an update of HMRC's position on employer contributions that include asset transfer
  • explanation of the protection of low pension ages where crystallised benefits are transferred.

Newsletter 36 - January 2009

This is a special edition of the newsletter focusing on the transfers of UK tax-relieved funds to Australian qualifying recognised overseas pension schemes (QROPS). This includes information on the following:

  • unauthorised payments charges
  • self assessment by individuals
  • reporting by QROPS
  • further guidance.

Newsletter 35 - November 2008

This includes information on the following:

  • pension schemes online
  • filing deadlines
  • registered Pension Scheme Return reminders
  • tax return for the trustees of registered pension schemes
  • the Pensions Regulator Scheme Return
  • annual and lifetime allowances.

Newsletter 34 - July 2008

The includes information on the following:

  • code of practice 10
  • scheme sanction change/unauthorised payment
  • registering a new death in service/group life assurance scheme.

Newsletter 33 - May 2008

The includes information on the following:

  • registered Pension Schemes and the Disclosure Regime
  • regulation making powers in Finance Bill 2008
  • pension Scheme Return Notices
  • online system error messages
  • new Helpline number.

Newsletter 32 - December 2007

The includes information on the following:

  • interim arrangements for changes announced in the pre-budget report 2007
  • Regulations update
  • correction to Newsletter 31
  • e-filing for registered pension schemes - a reminder
  • registered pension scheme return reminders
  • ensuring that Event Reports are submitted
  • SA970 Pension Scheme SA report
  • the Pensions Regulator Scheme Return
  • surplus avoidance device
  • registered pension scheme manual updates.

Newsletter 31 - November 2007

The includes information on the following:

  • pre-Budget Report
  • review of the operation of the open market option
  • correction to Newsletter 29 - alternatively secured pensions and
  • untraceable members
  • registering schemes
  • reportable events
  • tax return for the Trustees of registered pension schemes
  • event report - question 15 (lump sums over 25%).

Newsletter 30 - October 2007

This includes information on the following:

  • e-Mandation
  • prescribed format for e-filing
  • filing information online
  • forms that will become obsolete and must be filed online from 16 October
  • service availability and IT issues with Pension Schemes Online
  • forthcoming filing deadlines
  • customers who have difficulty accessing or using a computer
  • notifying HMRC of scheme wind-up before 6 April 2006
  • notifying HMRC of a scheme wind-up where there is no longer a Scheme Administrator
  • prevention of duplicate scheme records.

Newsletter 29 - August 2007

This includes information on the following:

  • a summary of the Finance Act 2007 which received Royal Assent on the 19 July 2007
  • assignment of Annuities
  • overpayments made in error
  • codes of Practice 10: the application of the last four Finance Acts rule
  • to enquiries about pension legislation in Finance Act 2004
  • mandatory electronic filing of information with HMRC.

Newsletter 28 - July 2007

This includes information on the following:

  • Australian pension schemes and tax changes from 1 July 2007 - transfers from registered pension schemes
  • qualifying recognised overseas pension schemes list
  • annual allowance test when a transfer is made from a registered pension scheme to a qualifying recognised overseas pension scheme
  • guidance on reporting cash and non-cash benefits provided after retirement
  • bridging pensions - transitional provisions
  • responsibility for making a registered pension scheme return
  • changes to contracting-out guidance and procedures
  • Government Actuary's Department (GAD) tables
  • e-mandation and e-filing
  • how to find out if a notice to file a registered pension scheme return or audited accounts has been issued
  • retention period for online forms partially completed and saved
  • pension scheme self assessment tax return.

Newsletter 27 - April 2007

This special edition newsletter explains the new processes that came into force on 6 April 2007 for pension schemes on mandatory electronic filing. This includes information on the following:

  • mandatory electronic filing of pension scheme information with HMRC
  • how do Scheme Administrators and Practitioners provide information electronically?
  • new forms and processes available
  • frequently asked questions relating to new requirements introduced on 6 April 2007
  • guidance for Scheme Administrators.

Newsletter 26 - March 2007

This includes information on the following:

  • Budget 2007
  • regulations update
  • FSA regulation of SIPPS
  • new establishment rules for personal pensions
  • employers' contributions to registered pension schemes
  • scheme administrator helpsheet
  • forms update
  • pension schemes online upgrade and the final date for submission of old style scheme registrations
  • filing dates for SA970 (Pension Scheme SA Return)
  • pensions industry working group minutes.

Newsletter 25 - February 2007

This includes information on the following:

  • lifetime allowance test under BCE3 on scheme pensions which started before 6 April 2006
  • notional earnings cap 2007-08 (£112,800)
  • pension Scheme Self Assessment Tax Return 2006/2007
  • withdrawal of Statement of Practice 13/91
  • payment errors and mistakes guidance.

Newsletter 24 - January 2007

This includes information on the following:

  • employers: the tax and National Insurance treatment of employer cash inducement payments to pension scheme members
  • relief on contributions to a US pension scheme under the UK/USA
  • double taxation treaty - procedural guidance note
  • new processes for April 2007
    • register a new pension scheme
    • event report
    • notices for pension scheme returns
    • notices for audited accounts
  • recent changes to the Registered Pension Schemes Manual.

Newsletter 23 - January 2007

This includes information on the following:

  • the announcements made in the Pre-Budget Report 2006 including:
    • alternatively secured pension
    • pension term assurance
    • change in the rules on residential property
  • qualifying recognised overseas pension schemes
  • deferred annuity contracts
  • tracing a scheme pension scheme tax reference
  • Registered Pension Schemes Manual.

Newsletter 22 - November 2006

This includes information on the following:

  • use of P60 (substitute) for lifetime allowance
  • age Discrimination - the Employment Equality (Age) Regulations 2006
  • APSS 200 Forms
  • pre A-Day forms
  • small occupational schemes.

Newsletter 21 - October 2006

This includes information on the following:

  • pre A-Day surpluses in annuity policies purchased from an occupational
  • pension scheme - lump sum payments
  • pre A-Day pension - classification under new tax rules
  • what is meant by the term 'single transaction' for a block transfer
  • employer-Financed Retirement Benefit Schemes - provision of non-cash benefits after 6 April 2006
  • qualifying recognised overseas pension schemes
  • employer contributions
  • notifications for enhanced protection and enhanced lifetime allowance
  • scheme wind-ups
  • contracting-out booklets.

Newsletter 20 - October 2006

This includes information on the following:

  • Introduction
  • The Accounting for Tax (AFT) return and Online Filing
  • winding-up lump sums and employer undertakings

Newsletter 19 - September 2006

This includes information on the following:

  • interest paid with lump sums
  • overpayments made in error
  • winding-up lump sums and employer undertakings
  • e-mandation
  • pre A-Day PS forms
  • accounting for tax reminder.

Newsletter No. 18 - August 2006

This includes information on the following:

  • transfer of unvested funds
  • definition of halls of residence
  • trivial commutation
  • change to the Scheme Registration Form for April 2007
  • accounting for Tax Returns
  • Registered Pension Schemes Manual.

Newsletter 17 - July 2006

This includes information on the following:

  • registered Pension Scheme Practitioners
  • payments to members aged under 55 when the normal minimum pension age changes in 2010
  • permitted transfers and enhanced protection
  • assignments and Section 172
  • legislation and regulations
  • pension schemes online
  • accounting for tax - a reminder
  • accounting for Tax Returns: accounting for lifetime allowance charge
  • transfers to recognised overseas pension schemes.

Newsletter 16 - June 2006

This includes information on the following:

  • things that the HMRC no longer need to be told about
  • who HMRC can talk to about Registered Pension Schemes
  • trivial commutation lump sums - taxation through PAYE system
  • how to tell if a scheme has been registered
  • new forms for overseas schemes
  • draft forms - event report and Pension Scheme Return
  • amend scheme details form APSS 152 - advice on completion
  • legislation
  • ASS and Joint Working Group Minutes
  • pensions simplification - pipeline lump sum death benefits
  • reporting Form 1SF - reminder
  • newsletter 15
  • Pensions Industry Working Group Minutes for 4 May meeting.

Newsletter 15 - June 2006

This includes information on the following:

  • pension schemes online
  • accounting for tax return.

Newsletter 14 - May 2006

This includes information on the following:

  • pre A-Day 'surpluses' in annuity policies purchased from an
  • occupational pension scheme
  • guaranteeing a scheme pension post A-Day
  • annual allowance - transfers in defined benefits arrangements
  • enhanced protection - transfers from defined benefits or cash balance
  • arrangements to other money purchase arrangements
  • the valuation of London quoted shares for pension purposes
  • authorised and unauthorised Practitioners
  • submission of Pre-Registration and PS 252 forms
  • adding a cessation of a Scheme Administrator
  • amending scheme details (APSS 152)
  • accounting for tax (AFT) Return
  • Registered Pension Schemes Manual.

And in an addendum

  • lump sums paid in connection with scheme pensions from money purchase arrangements.

Newsletter 13 - April 2006

This includes information on the following:

  • impact of A-Day
  • pension schemes online
  • completion of Protection of Existing Rights form APSS200
  • Non-standard relevant valuation factors
  • Government Actuary's Department (GAD) - unsecured pension enquiries
  • regulations revoked by Finance Act 2004
  • Pensions Industry Working Group results from 3rd Survey
  • changes to application process - Newsletter No.3.

Newsletter 12 - April 2006

This includes information on the following:

  • pension schemes online goes live!
  • acknowledgement of online scheme registration
  • mandatory online filing.

Newsletter 11 - March 2006

This includes information on the following:

  • earnings cap
  • protection certificate reference numbers
  • decimal points and protection
  • update 157 - a reminder
  • changes to the internet
  • 1 (SF), 2 (SF) and 3 (SF)
  • serious ill-health and DWP requirements
  • overseas transfers and QROPS.

Newsletter 10 - February 2006

This includes information on the following:

  • ten things to be aware of
  • how to claim relief at source after A-Day
  • interest on short service refunds
  • block transfers
  • overseas transfers.

Newsletter 9 - January 2006

This includes information on the following:

  • countdown to A-Day
  • pre A-Day application for approval
  • cessation of scheme administrator
  • trivial commutation
    • schemes and other payers affected by the changes
    • types of trivial commutation payments
    • how PAYE will apply from 6 April 2006
    • end of current reporting requirements for personal pension schemes
    • in year tax repayment claim procedure
    • extract from 'Employers further guide to PAYE and NICs'
    • tax advice for recipients of trivial commutation payments.

Newsletter 8 - December 2005

This includes information on the following:

  • technical points
    • life assurance and enhanced protection
    • lifetime allowance enhancement and protection
  • pensions schemes online update
    • what will be available online from April 2006
    • pension scheme tax reference number
  • latest news
    • policy
    • Pensions Industry Working Group
    • relief at source
    • update 158 - pre A-Day avoidance
    • EFURBS
    • frequently asked questions
    • factsheets.

Newsletter 7 - November 2005

This includes information on the following:

  • extra statutory concession A10
  • Pensions Industry Working Group survey and results
  • how HMRC will communicate via pension schemes online
  • latest news
    • Registered Pension Schemes Manual
    • policy
    • pension schemes online
    • data cleansing
    • preparing for A-Day workshop material.

Newsletter 6 - November 2005

This includes information on the following:

  • pension schemes online - timing and content of releases
  • postponement of mandatory online filing
  • questions and answers.

Newsletter 5 - October 2005

This includes information on the following:

  • where to find simplification information
  • latest news
    • Registered Pension Schemes Manual
    • policy
    • GAD Consultation Tables
    • Pensions Industry Working Group minutes
    • pensions Update 156
    • draft forms
    • preparing for A-Day workshop material
  • technical.

Newsletter 4 - September 2005

This includes information on the following:

  • retirement annuity contracts
  • latest news
    • Registered Pension Schemes Manual
    • policy
    • preparing for A-Day workshops
    • pensions Industry Working Group Minutes
    • draft forms
    • data cleanse update
  • technical points
    • enhanced protection and contributions for life cover
    • relief for employer contributions.

Newsletter 3 - August 2005

This includes information on the following:

  • changes in application process
  • simplification and international issues
  • latest news Registered Pension Schemes Manual
  • online service
  • policy.

Newsletter 2 - July 2005

This includes information on the following:

  • role of the Pensions Industry Working Group (PIWG)
  • industry workshops
  • single point of access for registration of pension schemes
  • hot topics
    • registrations
    • update of data cleanse
  • latest news
    • Registered Pension Schemes Manual
    • policy.

Newsletter 1 - June 2005

This includes information on the following:

  • about pensions simplification what is Pensions Tax Simplification?
    • when does it start?
    • key features of the new system
    • key benefits
    • who will benefit?
  • hot topics
    • IT and data cleanse
    • role of the administrator
  • timeline to A-Day.

Any research and analysis has been provided by us for our own purposes and the results of it are being made available only incidentally.