SIPPs - Frequently Asked Questions

Hartley Technical team are here to help you. You will find a comprehensive list of questions that we frequently get asked by Financial Advisers and clients. If you can not find an answer to your question or if you want further information please contact the technical team by the message option below.

Who can have a SIPP?

To be eligible to join the Hartley Pensions SIPP a person must be one of the following

  • A Resident in the UK; or
  • A crown Servant, or the spouse of a Crown servant, serving overseas.
What is the process for Setting up a SIPP?

To set a SIPP up you will need to complete an online application or download and complete a paper application form. You will need an IFA to assist you in ensuring that the product is right for you prior to an application being made.

How long does it take to set up a SIPP?

Hartley Pensions will set up the SIPP within 24 hours of receiving the client’s application online. Hartley Pensions office hours are Monday to Friday 09:00 to 17:00. If applications are made for a Hartley Pensions SIPP on non working days it will be processed on the first working day.

Why have I received a Welcome Pack?

Hartley Pensions will send out a welcome pack to new clients. The welcome pack is a regulatory requirement to be sent to all clients. This will include details of the policy number, SIPP Bank account, Cancelation Notice, key features Document and a selection of forms to start contributing or Transfer In their existing pensions from other providers.

What is a KFI?

A Key Features Illustration is part of the application process that the client will proceed through. The client will enter details into illustration software based on their contribution levels and pension transfer amounts. The KFI will display fund values at their selected retirement age. These figures will be based on assumptions dictated by the Financial Conduct Authority. This will included all fees.

Why is there a RBS bank account and when is it used?

All Hartley Pensions SIPP clients will have an individual RBS SIPP bank account. Under pension regulation all SIPPs must have a bank account. This is used to receive Transfer In cash funds and contributions. Once funds have cleared and have passed Money Laundering procedures funds are ready for investments within 24 hours.

What is the interest rate on the RBS bank account?

As of February 2019 the interest rate for cash held in the RBS bank account is 0.25%

How will a client transfer in their existing pensions?

A Hartley Pensions Transfer In form must accompany every pension transfer request. The form must be fully completed. A transfer can not be requested without all information. This includes the existing provider details, the type of pension, if it is a cash transfer or in specie and if benefits have been previously taken. The form must be signed and dated. If the form is not fully completed a transfer can not be requested.

When will cash transfers be sent onto the investment com pany?

Once Hartley Pensions have received the cash fund from the ceding provider it is required under money laundering rules to wait until the ceding provider has confirmed that the funds we have received was sent by them. They will also send confirmation of any crystallised funds within the pension. This must be done via written confirmation from the ceding scheme. On receipt of the confirmation the funds will be ready for investment.

What is an in specie transfer?

Most transfers will contain just cash assets. An in-specie transfer will allow the client to transfer their existing pension assets into the Hartley Pensions SIPP without having to disinvest back into cash. This will save the client the potential loss of dealing costs and time disinvested.

Do we accept Occupational Transfers?

All Defined Benefit schemes will require the client obtaining Financial Advice from a qualified Independent Financial Adviser with appropriate qualifications (Pension Transfer Specialist). Defined Benefit schemes will have extremely good pension benefits attached to them which the FCA state would not be better off by transferring to a new scheme. For a Final Salary Pension to be accepted the client and adviser must sign the Adviser Declaration and Client declaration. The transfer will not be accepted without these two complete forms and supporting documentation. The Defined Benefit transfer guidance can be sent to the client.

Do we accept pension transfers with safeguarded benefits ?

All pensions that have safeguarded benefits will follow the same rules as Final Salary pension transfers. To be accepted the client and adviser must sign the Adviser Declaration and Client declaration. The transfer will not be accepted without these two complete forms and supporting documentation.

What types of pension are classed an Occupational Pension or Personal Pension?
Occupational Personal Pension
Defined Benefit / Final Salary SchemesSIPP’s
Superannuation SchemesPersonal Pension Plan (PPP)
Occupational Defined Contribution SchemeStakeholder Pension Plan (SHP)
SSAS Retirement Annuity Contract (RAC) also known as Section 226 policies
Executive Pension Plan (EPP)Section 32 Buyouts
Target Money Purchase SchemeGroup personal Pensions (GPP)
Hybrid SchemesGroup Stakeholder Plan
Career Average Schemes (i.e. Career Average Revalued Earnings, CARE Scheme)
AVC (Additional Voluntary Contributions)
Statutory Schemes
Cash Balance Arrangements
FSAVC (Free Standing Additional Voluntary Contributions)
What is the maximum contribution that can be made into the Hartley Pensions SIPP?

The amount an individual can contribute to the Hartley Pensions SIPP is unlimited. However there are limits on the amount that is eligible for tax relief.

What tax relief will Hartley Pensions claim on contributions made?

If an individual is to receive tax relief on personal contributions they must be a relevant UK Individual and have enough Gross relevant UK Earnings to cover the Gross contribution.

What is classed as relevant UK Earnings
Relevant UK earnings are:Relevant earnings are not:
Employment income, such as salary, wages, bonus, overtime or commissionDividends and other investment returns
Sole trader or partners Net ProfitRental income
Income arising from patent rights and are treated as earned incomeCapital gains from selling assets
General earnings from an overseas Crown employment, which are subject to UK tax
What is the percentage of tax relief claimed?

Hartley Pensions complies with the HMRC relief at source tax reclaim model. This means that we will reclaim basic rate tax (20%) on Net Contributions.

The client is a Higher Rate tax payer, who claims the extra tax relief?

Hartley Pensions can only reclaim basic rate tax. The client will have to claim any further relief due on their Self Assessment form. If they have any questions regarding eligibility for further relief or completing their Self Assessment form the client needs to contact HMRC on 0300 200 3310.

Contribution Examples

A client earns a Gross Salary of £20,000. The maximum Net contribution that will receive tax relief on is £16,000. Tax Relief of £4,000 will be claimed. This can be calculated by £20,000 x 80% = £16,000.

What happens if a client contributes more than their relevant earnings?

The contribution will be spilt between a Net Contribution and Gross Contribution. For example Client earns a Gross Salary of £20,000 and wants to make a £30,000 contribution. The maximum amount that will receive tax relief is £16,000. This will be recorded as: £16,000 Net Contribution (Tax relief claimed £4,000) £14,000 Gross Contribution

Contribution Form

Part of HMRC conditions for claiming tax relief on Net Contributions is that we receive a declaration from the member that we reclaim basic rate tax on their behalf. Without a fully completed contribution form Hartley Pensions can not claim tax from HMRC.

How are In-specie Contributions dealt with?

Inspecie contributions are temporarily suspended due to uncertainty on HMRC guidelines.

Is tax relief added immediately to the contribution?

No. Tax relief has to be claimed from HMRC under relief at source rules.

What are the timescales for receiving tax relief on Net Contributions?

Date Period of ContributionDate Claim is madeDate returns are received (Approx)
6th April to 5th MayBy end of May21st June
6th May to 5th JuneBy end of June21st July
6th June to 5th JulyBy end of July 21st August
6th July to 5th August By end of August21st September
6th August to 5th SeptemberBy end of September21st October
6th September to 5th October By end of October21st November
6th October to 5th NovemberBy end of November21st December
6th November to 5th DecemberBy end of December21st January
6th December to 5th JanuaryBy end of January21st February
6th January to 5th FebruaryBy end of February21st March
6th February to 5th MarchBy end of March21st April
6th March to 5th AprilBy end of April21st May
Example Client makes a £1,000 Net Contribution on 10th May 2014. Hartley Pensions will inform HMRC of the request for Tax Relief by the end of June. If the claim is accepted HMRC will send the Tax relief of £250 to Hartley Pensions on 21st July 2014. (if the 21st is a weekend or bank holiday it will be sent on the next working day). Hartley Pensions must distribute this to the clients account with in 24 hours. Hartley Pensions will distribute to the clients selected investment company.

What will stop tax relief being received on time?

Clients must complete a contribution form for all contributions. Insufficient information on these forms will delay the claim. HMRC legislation dictates that a claim for tax relief can not be made without the correct client declarations and information provided to the scheme administrators.

When can contributions be made?

SIPP members can make Single or regular payments into the pension. Contributions can also be made by employers or other third parties into the SIPP. Any contribution must be accompanied with a contribution form.

How can we accept regular contributions?

Direct debit payments can be set up by the client to pay for regular contributions. The direct Debit is set up for the 1st of the month. A Direct Debit form needs to be completed and received 10 business days prior to the 1st of the month.

Can direct debits payments be set up for any day of the month?

No, direct debit payment will be collected on the 1st of every month.

What forms of payment can contributions be made?

Hartley Pensions can receive contributions being made by Direct Debit, Cheque or direct payment into the SIPP Bank Account by BACS. All new contributions must be accompanied by a contribution form.

Client is changing their monthly contribution, is a new contribution form required?

Yes. Any changes to the contribution will require a new contribution form. We have to be able to prove to HMRC that we are claiming the correct tax so a new form is required.

Employer Contributions

Contributions can be made into the members SIPP by their employer. Employer contributions are not restricted by the employee’s relevant UK earnings. Employer contributions are paid gross and corporation tax relief is granted via the company accounts. Hartley Pensions have to complete due diligence on the company making the contribution every 12 months on the employer to comply with Money Laundering Regulations. A contribution form must be completed with the employer details before the contribution can be accepted.

Third Party Contributions

The payment of contributions is not limited to the member or employer; other people can also make contributions on the individual’s behalf. These contributions are treated as if they are paid by the individual (SIPP Member) with the limits that apply to individual contributions. So tax relief is restricted to the higher of £3,600 or 100% of the member’s relevant UK earnings. Hartley Pensions have to complete due diligence on the person paying the contribution to comply with Money Laundering Regulations.

What is the Annual Allowance?

An annual allowance for pension savings applies each year and is based on an input period. The input period mirrors the tax year. The current Annual Allowance is £40,000 for the 2017/2018 tax year. Anything over the annual allowance will attract a tax charge at the client’s marginal rate. Individual, employer and third party contributions all count towards the annual allowance. It may be possible to pay more than the annual allowance in a tax year without an annual allowance charge becoming due by carrying forward unused annual allowance from previous years.

What is the Money Purchase Annual Allowance?

On 6th April 2015 the Money Purchase Annual Allowance (MPAA) was introduced under the Taxation of Pensions Bill. The money purchase annual allowance restricts the pension contributions that you can save into any Money Purchase Pension Scheme.  The MPAA should is £4,000. Any excess contributions above the MPAA will be subject to an annual allowance charge.

How is the Money Purchase Annual Allowance Trigger?

The MPAA is triggered through the following events

  • you have drawdown funds from a flexi-access drawdown fund,
  • you have received an uncrystallised funds pension lump sum (UFPLS);
  • you have notified us that you wish to convert your pre-6 April 2015 drawdown pension fund to a flexi-access drawdown fund and you subsequently take a drawdown pension from that fund;
  • you have taken more than the permitted maximum for capped drawdown from a pre-6 April 2015 drawdown pension fund;
  • you have received a stand-alone lump sum and you are entitled to primary protection with a greater than £375k protected tax free lump sum right;
What happens once the MPAA has been triggered?

Clients must inform all other money purchase pension schemes that they have Triggered the MPAA and the date this is effective from. This must be completed within 91 days of the MPAA being triggered. Failure to complete this will lead to fines imposed by HMRC.

What is Tapered Annual Allowance?

From 6th April 2016 the annual allowance for tax relieved pension savings will be reduced for those with ‘adjusted incomes’ of over £150,000. Their annual allowance will be reduced by £1 for every £2 of income they have over £150,000. The annual allowance will not fall below £10,000.

Adjusted IncomeReductionNew Annual Allowance
£150,0000£40,000
£170,000£10,000£30,000
£200,000£25,000£15,000
£210,000£30,000£10,000
£250,000£30,000£10,000
Adjusted income includes taxable earnings and all pension contributions, but does not include charitable contributions. I.e Dave has a salary of £130,000 and his employer contributes £30,000 into his pension. His adjusted income will be £160,000 and will lower his annual allowance to £35,000. Those with income, excluding pension contributions, below a £110,000 threshold will not be subject to a Tapered Annual Allowance. Anti-avoidance rules will apply so that any salary sacrifice set up on or after 9 July 2015 will be included in the threshold definition.

What is Carry Forward?

To avoid the Annual Allowance charge clients are able to take advantage of the Carry Forward Rules. If a client has triggered the Money Purchase Annual Allowance then carry forward is not an option.

  • Clients who have not used up their annual allowances from the previous 3 tax years
  • Unused allowances are brought forward to allow tax relief on contribution above £40,000.
Can carried forward be used to protect against the Money Purchase Annual Allowance

No.

Carry forward amounts

Tax year2013/142014/152015/162016/172017/18
2016-2017£50,000£40,000£40,000
2017-2018£50,000£40,000£40,000
2018-2019£40,000£40,000£40,000
The client must have had a pension during the last 3 years to take advantage of carry forward rules. If a client wished to utilise carried forward the Appropriate Carried Forward Form must be completed and sent to Hartley Pensions.

Carry forward example
Tax YearContribution MadeCarry ForwardTotal Allowed to Carry Forward
2015/2016£20,000£20,000£20,000
2016/2017£30,000£10,000£30,000
2017/2018£25,000£15,000£45,000
2018/2019Client can contribute up to £85,000 (£55,000 carried forward plus £45,000 from this years allowance)
Who is liable for the Annual Allowance charge?

Normally the individual will pay their annual allowance charge liability and account for the payment by completing a Self Assessment tax return. From 11 August 2011 an individual may have the right to elect to require the pensions provider to pay some or all of their annual allowance charge liability out of the client’s pension fund.

What happens if a client pays in more than the Annual Allowance?

There is potentially a tax charge that HMRC will levy on the client personally. It is possible for the client to use Carry Forward provision to mitigate any tax charge. This is a client led procedure. Hartley Pensions recommends the client takes advice from a suitably qualified adviser.

What is the minimum age that a client can take benefits?

The client must be aged 55 or over. There is no upper age limit that the client has to take benefits by.

How much tax free cash can a client take?

Clients that are aged over 55 can take a maximum of 25% of their SIPP’s overall value tax free. This is up to a maximum of the Lifetime Allowance (25% of £1,055,000. Clients can only take this option once. The remaining fund can be used to produce income.

Do clients have to take income once they receive their tax free cash?

No, clients can postpone pension payments until they are ready. The maximum amount of income will be calculated by the client is in control on when they receive the income.

A Client does not wish to take their full tax free cash allowance?

Clients can specify a lower tax free cash amount if they wish. Hartley Pensions will crystallise only the amount required to generate the tax free cash they have requested. For example Client has a £200,000. Max Tax Free Cash available is £50,000 (£200,000 x 25% = £50,000). Client wishes to receive £25,000 as a tax free cash lump sum. Hartley Pensions will crystallise only £100,000 to generate £25,000 Tax Free Cash lump sum (£100,000 x 25% = £25,000). This will leave a crystallised fund of £75,000 and an uncrystallised fund of £100,000. Further tax free cash can be taken from the uncrystallised fund in the future.

What does crystallise mean?

When a client takes benefits from their pension it is known as a Benefit Crystallisation Event. The Crystallised fund is the pension fund value that is used to provide the pension benefits.

What types of Drawdown is available to clients

From the 6th April 2015 clients moving into drawdown for first time will move into Flexi-Access Drawdown. Existing clients in Capped Drawdown can stay in capped drawdown. Clients in phased capped drawdown can select to crystallise further funds into capped drawdown.

What is Flexi-Access Drawdown?

All new clients crystallising their funds after the 6th April 2015 will do this under Flexi-Access Drawdown. Flexi Access drawdown allows client to take 25% tax free cash and then access their remaining fund flexibly. There are no limits on the amount of funds they take from their fund. They can take their entire pot or keep it invested. All income taken either as a lump sum or income will be paid via payroll (14th or 28th of the month) and taxed under PAYE.

What is Capped Drawdown?

Capped drawdown is a form of ‘income withdrawal’ where your pension is paid direct from the funds in your pension scheme. Within certain limits you can choose how much pension you can get each year. You can change the amount you receive each year.

What are Uncrystallised Funds Pension Lump Sum payments (UFPLS)?

This allows clients to take lump sum payments from their pension fund without crystallising their funds. For example

  • Client has £500,000 pension fund
  • Clients wishes to take £100,000 lump sum through an UFPLS
  • Of the £100,000 the lump sum will be spilt between tax free cash and income
    • £25,000 PCLS
    • £75,000 taxed as Income

By taking an UFPLS the client will trigger their Money Purchase Annual Allowance (MPAA).

How will lump sums and income from Flexi-Access treated for tax purposes?

Once the maximum tax free cash payment has been paid all remaining funds withdrawn will be taxed at the clients marginal rate. This can be paid as regular income or ad-hoc lump sums. By taking an income or lump sum the client will trigger their Money Purchase Annual Allowance (MPAA).

How will a client opt to move from Capped Drawdown to Flexi-Access

A client is required to complete the transfer to Flexi Access form and provide to Hartley Pensions.

How much income can a client take in capped drawdown?

The maximum income that a client can take is calculated from the remaining crystallised funds held within the pension. A prescribed formula by HMRC states the maximum amount the client can take.

Is there a minimum income amount that has to be taken?

No. Clients can select to receive any income amount they like as long as it does not exceed the maximum income level.

What does the maximum level of GAD mean?

GAD is the term used for the calculation that produces the maximum income. GAD stands for the Government Actuary Department.

What is 150% of GAD?

The formula used to calculate the income produces a base income figure. The client can then choose to take between 0% and 150% of this amount as their income amount. The base figure should be an equivalent income value to an annuity.

What is a pension year?

A pension year is the 12 month period that the maximum income amount can be provided. The client can receive up to their maximum income amount during the 12 month period. The income amount then resets at the beginning of the new pension year.

What happens if a client receives more that their maximu m permitted income amount under capped drawdown?

Previously the client would be have been charge an unauthorised tax charge. From 6th April 2015 the client will automatically be moved to Flexi Access Drawdown and trigger the MPAA.

When will a client receive pension payments?

Pension payments are paid on either the 14th or 28th of each month. They can be set up so that the clients receives payments on a monthly basis, quarterly, 6 monthly or an annual payment.

How are pension payments taxed?

Pension payments are run through PAYE. This means that pension payments are potentially liable to tax. On setup of pension payments a HMRC Tax Code is required to ensure the correct level of tax is applied. On setup of pension payments Hartley Pensions require either the clients latest P45 or a HMRC New Starter Checklist to be completed.

How long is the capped drawdown income figure guaranteed for?

The income figure is guaranteed for 3 years (for under 75) and 1 year (for over 75’s). The maximum income is then recalculated.

What are the charges for a client receiving income?

Clients are charged an additional £150pa plus Vat for receiving income while in Capped Drawdown. If the client is in Flexi-Access the income payment is paid under the Flexi-Access Annual administration fee.

What is a Capped Drawdown Pension Review?

To make sure that the income drawdown fund continues to provide an income and isn’t depleted, the maximum income that can be taken is reviewed. For members under age 75 this is done on the following basis:

  • at least every three years
  • as a result of certain events (Divorce, partial transfer of funds to purchase an annuity)
  • when the member requests an additional review.
Can income or Tax Free Cash be paid to a third party account?

No, all income payments and tax free cash payments must be made to the SIPP Members bank account. Joint accounts can be accepted as long as the SIPP member is one of the account holders. A bank statement, not more than 6 months must be provided to prove the existence of the account.

What is the Lifetime Allowance?

The Lifetime Allowance creates a ceiling on the benefits value that can be built up by members of registered pension schemes whilst continuing to benefit from tax relief. The current Lifetime Allowance is £1,055,000. If the benefits value when they are taken exceeds the Lifetime Allowance the difference between the two is subject to the Lifetime Allowance Charge.

What are the tax charges if you go above the lifetime allowance?

The Lifetime Allowance Charge can be applied in either of two ways or a combination of both depending on how the excess benefits value above Lifetime Allowance. The charge is:

  • 55% if taken as a lump sum, or
  • 25% if taken as income.
What happened to clients that were in Flexible drawdown?

Flexible Drawdown has been replaced from 6th April 2015. Any clients that were in Flexible Drawdown will move automatically to Flexi access-Drawdown.

What is Triviality?

Triviality has been replaced for Money Purchase Schemes (SIPPs) by Uncrystallised Funds Pension Lumps. This allows clients to take all of their funds if they meet the set retirement criteria i.e. age.

How are funds taxed when taken under UFPLS?

25% of the fund can be taken tax free. The remaining 75% of the fund value is taxable based on your marginal rate of income tax. A P45 or a ‘New Starter Form’ will be required to be completed to calculate income tax payable through PAYE.

Can a client cancel the SIPP?

A client can change there mind after the SIPP is set up. Part of the Welcome Pack will includes a Cancellation form. This cancellation notice must be fully completed and returned within 30 days. The 30 days starts from when the client receives the document. The Key features Document that the client receives states that they maybe charged for the time spent on setting up the SIPP.

Can a client request a refund of contributions?

In theory a client can request a refund of contributions if they have been made in error or if they do not have enough net relevant earnings to claim full tax relief. Money Laundering Checks will need to be made before any money is returned to the client. Any contributions returned must be to the same account the contribution was made from. There is a risk to the client that if they have invested the contribution they will not receive the full contribution back.

Can a client cancel a transfer?

Yes. A client can request to cancel a transfer. There is a Risk that if the funds have been received by Hartley Pensions and the ceding provider will not accept the funds back. This is covered in our Key Features Document (KFD)

How are fees taken?

The very first annual administration charge is taken at outset by Hartley Pensions as part of the account opening process. When cash funds enter the RBS SIPP Bank Account any transfer fees will be taken before sending the money to Hartley Pensions. Future Annual Administration charges are deducted from funds held within your SIPP. Adhoc administration like Pension reviews, Flexi-Access Drawdown etc will be billed at the time of work completed. Hartley Pensions will disinvest the correct fees and return to the clients RBS SIPP Bank account so the fees can be paid.

How are pension funds dealt with on death?

Any individual can inherit unused drawdown funds or uncrystallised pension funds on the death of the member to provide a drawdown pension or pay a lump sum death benefit. If the SIPP holder dies before age 75 the lump sum or pension payments can be paid without any tax charge if paid within 2 years of date of death. If the client dies after the age of 75 the lump sum death benefit will be paid with the reduction of emergency rate tax or if a pension is provided any income payments will be at the beneficiaries’ marginal rate.

CrystallisedUncrystallised
Below age 75Can pass on completely tax free to any beneficiary as a lump sum or as a drawdown pension.Can pass on completely tax free as a lump sum to any benefici (up to the lifetime allowance)
Above age 75Any beneficiary can drawdown on it as their marginal rate or emergency rate tax if lump sum is paidAny beneficiary can drawdown on it as their marginal rate or emergency rate tax if lump sum is paid

Can a member nominate who receives the death benefits?

The SIPP member can nominate who will receive the death benefits by completing an Expression of Wish Nomination form. Unless it is disputed, we will use our discretion to comply with the members wishes. If we hold more than one nomination on file we will use the latest received.

What if the client dies without completing an Expression of Wish form

If a member dies without completing a valid beneficiary nomination form we will be required to request a copy of the Will. In this scenario we would expect to be contacted by the deceased member’s solicitor or Executors of the Estate to obtain instructions on how to proceed. Proceeds can not be paid as a nominee pension if there is the dependants of the deceased.

What investments can the client make?

The client can invest in any investment that has been signed off as an accept able investment for a Hartley Pensions SIPP.

Hartley Pensions opening times

Hartley Pensions operating times are weekdays 9am till 5pm (excluding bank holidays).

How does a client transfer out of his Hartley Pensions SIPP?

The client is required to complete a transfer out form. This will provide key instructions on which pension provider to transfer the pension to and if it will be an in specie transfer of assets or if it will be transferred fully in cash.

Can the client transfer part of their pension funds?

Yes. Clients can complete partial transfers to another provider. If a client is in capped drawdown or Flexi Access it is only possible to transfer part of the fund if it is to purchase an annuity or under a pension sharing order (divorce).

Transfer out funds in specie to another provider?

Hartley Pensions must receive a fully completed transfer out form. This will be accompanied by the new pension provider re-registration details. Hartley Pensions will complete its regulatory responsibilities and send the information to the Hartley Pensions Transfers Team to complete the re-registration. Once the process is complete Hartley Pensions must be informed of the final value of assets that have been transferred. Hartley Pensions must send a transfer confirmation statement to the new provider.

 
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Capital Adequacy

Hartley Pensions Limited are in full compliance with the latest FCA capital adequacy rules that came into force affecting SIPP providers.

How it affects you ...