Every common SSAS question, answered
This page collects 40+ of the most-asked SSAS questions in one searchable place. Each answer is plain-English and links to a detailed guide where applicable. Use Ctrl+F (or Cmd+F on Mac) to find your specific question.
This page collects 40+ common SSAS pension questions in one place, organised by topic: what a SSAS is and who can have one, setup and administration, contributions and tax relief, investments including the loanback, drawdown and retirement, death benefits, and costs. Each answer is 1–3 sentences and links to a detailed guide for deeper context. Bookmark this page as your SSAS quick-reference.
Last updated: August 2026 · 12 min read · UK 2026/27 tax year
What is a SSAS — the basics
What does SSAS stand for?
SSAS stands for Small Self-Administered Scheme — an HMRC-registered occupational pension scheme set up by a UK limited company for its directors and key employees.
How is a SSAS different from a SIPP?
A SSAS is an occupational pension scheme owned by a company; a SIPP is a personal pension owned by an individual. The defining commercial difference is that only a SSAS can lend to its sponsoring employer (the loanback). See SSAS vs SIPP.
Who can set up a SSAS?
A UK limited company (or LLP in some circumstances). Sole traders and ordinary partnerships cannot. Members must be directors, employees, or other connected persons.
How many members can a SSAS have?
Up to 11 members per scheme.
Setup and administration
How long does it take to set up a SSAS?
Typically 8–16 weeks, with HMRC scheme registration being the longest single step. See Setup & Governance.
How much does it cost to set up a SSAS?
Typically £1,500–£4,000 in setup fees, plus HMRC registration (free). See Administrator Costs.
What's the annual cost of running a SSAS?
Typically £800–£2,500 per year for a 1–4 member scheme.
Who is the scheme administrator?
A statutory role required by HMRC under PTM030000. The administrator handles tax compliance, member statements, and HMRC returns. Must be HMRC-registered.
Contributions and tax
How much can my company contribute to a SSAS each year?
The annual allowance is £60,000 per member for 2026/27, tapered down for high earners (adjusted income above £260,000).
Can I carry forward unused allowance?
Yes — up to 3 prior tax years of unused annual allowance. See Carry-Forward Rules.
Are SSAS contributions corporation-tax deductible?
Yes, subject to the 'wholly and exclusively for trade' test. See SSAS Tax Savings.
Can I contribute personally to my SSAS?
Yes. Personal contributions attract income tax relief up to age 75.
Investments
What can a SSAS invest in?
Commercial property, listed equities, bonds, ETFs, cash, the loanback to sponsoring employer, third-party loans. See Investment Rules.
What can't a SSAS invest in?
Residential property, classic cars, fine wine, art, jewellery (collectively 'taxable property' under PTM125000).
Can a SSAS buy commercial property?
Yes. See SSAS Property Purchase Guide.
Can a SSAS lend to my company?
Yes — via the loanback, capped at 50% of net scheme assets. See SSAS Loanback Rules.
Can a SSAS borrow money?
Yes, up to 50% of net scheme assets from a commercial lender. Independent of the loanback limit.
Loanback
What are the loanback rules?
Five HMRC rules: max 50% of net assets, min BoE base + 1% interest, max 5-year term, first legal charge security, full documentation. See SSAS Loanback Rules.
Can I lend to a connected company?
No — the loanback rules only permit lending to the sponsoring employer.
What happens if I breach the loanback rules?
Unauthorised payment charges up to 70% on the member. See PTM135000.
Drawdown and retirement
When can I access my SSAS pension?
From age 55 (rising to 57 in April 2028). See SSAS Age Limits.
How much can I take tax-free?
Up to 25% as a Pension Commencement Lump Sum, subject to the Lump Sum Allowance (£268,275 for 2026/27).
How is the rest taxed?
At the member's marginal income tax rate when drawn — typically basic-rate during retirement.
Can I keep working and drawing from my SSAS?
Yes. UK pensions don't require retirement to access funds from age 55.
Death benefits and IHT
Is my SSAS subject to Inheritance Tax?
Until 5 April 2027, no — SSAS funds are outside the estate for IHT. From 6 April 2027, undrawn pension funds will be added to the estate per the Autumn 2024 Budget. See SSAS and IHT.
What happens to my SSAS when I die?
Funds pass to nominated beneficiaries. Pre-75 death: typically tax-free withdrawals. Post-75 death: taxable at beneficiary's marginal rate.
Can my children inherit my SSAS?
Yes, via beneficiary nomination. They can take as lump sum or continuing pension (beneficiary drawdown).
Regulation
Who regulates SSAS pensions?
The Pensions Regulator (administration) and HMRC (tax). NOT the FCA. See Who Regulates SSAS.
Do I need an FCA-regulated adviser to set up a SSAS?
Setting up doesn't legally require it, but most reputable administrators recommend or require FCA-regulated advice before significant decisions like transfers or investment strategy.
Is my SSAS protected by FSCS?
The SSAS structure itself isn't, but some underlying investments may be (e.g., FSCS-eligible deposits). Member protection comes through trustee duties and HMRC rules.
Quick navigation
Topic categories
- What is a SSAS — the basics
- Setup and administration
- Contributions and tax
- Investments
- Loanback
- Drawdown and retirement
- Death benefits and IHT
- Regulation
Use this page
How to use the FAQ
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- Each answer links to a detailed guide
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- Each Q&A is also marked up for AI engines
Frequently asked questions
What is SSAS short for?
Small Self-Administered Scheme — an HMRC-registered occupational pension trust set up by a UK limited company.
Can sole traders have a SSAS?
No. SSAS schemes require a UK limited company (or LLP) as the sponsoring employer.
How many SSAS members can a scheme have?
Up to 11.
Are SSAS pensions FCA-regulated?
No. SSAS is regulated by The Pensions Regulator and HMRC. Only personalised advice about whether to use a SSAS is FCA-regulated.
What's the SSAS annual allowance for 2026/27?
£60,000, tapered down for adjusted income above £260,000.
Can a SSAS pension be inherited?
Yes — through beneficiary nomination. Tax treatment depends on age at death and (from April 2027) IHT changes.
Can a SSAS buy residential property?
No. Residential property is classed as taxable property and triggers up to 70% tax charges.
Sources & references
- HMRC: Pensions Tax Manual PTM010000
- HMRC: PTM030000 — Scheme administrators
- HMRC: PTM120000 — Investments
- The Pensions Regulator
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. SSAS pensions are corporate occupational pension schemes registered with HMRC and overseen by The Pensions Regulator (TPR); they do not fall under FCA regulation. For personalised advice, consult a separately FCA-authorised independent financial adviser.