Robert Burns BA (Hons), FCCA , Cert PFS

Director

Premier Pension Solutions SL

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By Robert Burns BA (Hons), FCCA , Cert PFS - Wed 26th Jan 2011

 

Tumbit Approved Partner

For non UK residents who have lived outside the UK for five complete tax years or more there may be the possibility to release capital from your UK pension fund via a New Zealand QROPS. In certain circumstances this may even be possible before the age of 55 (as from 6 April 2010).

However, as each case is different it is vital to take specialised advice on QROPS from regulated and authorised experts with a background in UK pensions.

Listed below are just a few of our most frequently asked questions :

What UK pension funds may be transferred into a QROPS?

: Final Salary Company Schemes (often called Defined Benefit Schemes)

: Defined Contribution Company Schemes (often called Money Purchase Schemes)

: Public Sector Service Schemes (e.g. Doctors, Nurses, Police, Armed Forces, Teachers, Local Government and Civil Service)

: Personal Pensions including Stakeholder and Group Personal Pension Schemes

: Contracted out of SERPS (Protected rights)

: Retirement Annuity Contracts (RAC) and s32 buy outs

: Funds where income is in drawdown but an annuity has not been taken

What UK pension funds may not be transferred to a QROPS?

: State pensions

: Funds where a pension has been taken as an annuity

Do New Zealand QROPS fall within HMRC rules?

: Yes. The Government Actuary for New Zealand (David Bension) has had written confirmation from HMRC that both Kiwi Saver and Superannuation Schemes meet the conditions to become a QROPS. The GA sent a letter to all New Zealand Providers just before Christmas 2009 confirming this to be the case.

Is a transfer to a New Zealand QROPS always appropriate? And is a transfer to a QROPS always appropriate?

The answer to both questions is no, not always :

: Withdrawal of cash may not be the best solution or overriding reason to transfer to a QROPS

: Older pension plans may have guaranteed annuity rates that were set when interest rates were much higher than today, meaning the best advice is to stay put

: It is important to take advice from independent and regulated experts as each case is different

Why not contact us today for your free, no obligation review of your UK pension ? - Simply click on our logo (above) to be directed to our page.