SSAS pension rules for the 2026/27 UK tax year
This page is the year-stamped snapshot of UK SSAS pension rules: what’s current, what’s changed since last year, and what’s coming. Refreshed annually each tax year. Last updated for the 2026/27 tax year (6 April 2026 – 5 April 2027).
Three things to know about SSAS pension rules for the 2026/27 UK tax year: (1) the annual allowance is £60,000 (tapered down for adjusted income above £260,000); (2) pension access age remains 55, rising to 57 from 6 April 2028; (3) the biggest upcoming change is the April 2027 inclusion of undrawn pension funds in the IHT estate — the largest pension-IHT change in 15+ years. The foundational SSAS rules from Finance Act 2004 (loanback, investment, scheme administrator) remain unchanged.
Last updated: August 2026 · 8 min read · UK 2026/27 tax year
The 2026/27 tax year numbers
Annual allowance
Standard annual allowance: £60,000 per member. Tapered down for adjusted income above £260,000, by £1 for every £2 of income, to a minimum of £10,000 at adjusted income of £360,000+. Money Purchase Annual Allowance (MPAA) for members who have flexibly accessed benefits: £10,000.
Lump Sum Allowance
Replaces the old Lifetime Allowance (abolished from 6 April 2024). Tax-free lump sum allowance: £268,275. Lump Sum and Death Benefit Allowance: £1,073,100.
Pension access age (Normal Minimum Pension Age)
Currently 55. Rising to 57 from 6 April 2028 under Finance Act 2022.
Loanback minimum interest rate
A loanback must charge at least the HMRC prescribed rate: the average base lending rate of six leading high street banks, plus 1%, rounded up to the nearest 0.25%. Check the current rate at loan drawdown.
Corporation tax rate
Main rate: 25% (companies with profits above £250,000). Small profits rate: 19% (profits below £50,000). Marginal relief between.
What's unchanged from previous tax years
The foundational SSAS rules from Finance Act 2004 and the Pensions Tax Manual are unchanged:
- Loanback framework (PTM123200) — 50% net asset limit, minimum interest at the HMRC prescribed rate, 5-year maximum term and full documentation. The loan must be secured. We work through the options with you.
- Investment framework (PTM120000, PTM125000) — permitted investments list and prohibition on taxable property.
- Scheme administrator role (PTM030000) — HMRC-registered required for every scheme.
- Member limit — up to 11 members per SSAS.
- Sponsoring employer requirement — UK limited company (or LLP).
- Tax-free growth inside scheme — no income tax or CGT on returns within the SSAS.
What's coming — the April 2027 IHT change
The biggest upcoming change to SSAS taxation:
- Effective date: 6 April 2027
- What changes: Undrawn pension funds (including SSAS) will be added to the deceased member’s estate for Inheritance Tax purposes.
- Currently: SSAS funds sit outside the estate; pass to nominated beneficiaries IHT-free.
- From April 2027: Added to estate; IHT at 40% above the available nil-rate band(s).
- Income-tax treatment of beneficiary withdrawals: Separate and unchanged (pre-75 typically tax-free, post-75 taxable at beneficiary’s marginal rate).
For full planning implications, see SSAS and Inheritance Tax.
What's coming — the April 2028 pension access age change
From 6 April 2028, the Normal Minimum Pension Age rises from 55 to 57. Members born before 6 April 1971 may retain a protected age 55 access right depending on scheme rules. The scheme administrator can confirm whether protection applies to a particular member.
Best-practice for 2026/27
- Review beneficiary nominations in light of the April 2027 IHT change.
- Maximise carry-forward where the sponsoring company has the cash — up to £240,000 single-year contribution possible (standard allowance, full 3-year carry-forward).
- Refresh the loanback rate — if your scheme has an existing loanback, check the interest is still at or above the HMRC prescribed rate.
- Confirm scheme administrator HMRC registration is current.
2026/27 figures
Key numbers at a glance
- Annual allowance: £60,000
- Tapered floor: £10,000
- Lump Sum Allowance: £268,275
- Pension access age: 55 (57 from 2028)
- Loanback min interest: HMRC prescribed rate
- Corporation tax: 25% main rate
What's coming
2027 & 2028 changes
- April 2027: Pension funds added to IHT estate
- April 2028: Access age rises to 57
- No change planned to loanback rules, member cap, or investment rules
Frequently asked questions
What's the SSAS annual allowance for 2026/27?
£60,000 standard, tapered down for adjusted income above £260,000 to a minimum of £10,000.
Has the pension access age changed for 2026/27?
No — still 55. Rising to 57 from 6 April 2028 under Finance Act 2022.
When does the pension IHT change take effect?
6 April 2027. Undrawn pension funds (including SSAS) will be brought into the deceased member's estate for IHT.
Is the Lifetime Allowance still in force?
No. Abolished from 6 April 2024 and replaced with the Lump Sum Allowance regime.
What's the current Lump Sum Allowance?
£268,275 for 2026/27 (the tax-free lump sum cap).
Has the loanback minimum interest rate changed?
The rule is unchanged: interest must be at least the HMRC prescribed rate (six-bank average base rate + 1%, rounded up to the nearest 0.25%). Check the current rate at drawdown.
Will the SSAS member limit (11) change?
No announced changes. The 11-member cap from Finance Act 2004 remains in force.
Sources & references
- HMRC: Pensions Tax Manual — Annual allowance section
- HMRC: PTM170000 — Lump sum allowance regime (2024-)
- HM Treasury: Autumn Budget 2024
- Finance Act 2022 — Normal minimum pension age
- HMRC: PTM123200 — Loans to sponsoring employers
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. SSAS Pension (ssaspension.co.uk) is a trading style of Holtram TLPI Ltd, an HMRC-registered Scheme Administrator. Holtram TLPI Ltd is not authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority. Pension and tax rules are subject to change and depend on individual circumstances. Always consult a qualified financial adviser before making pension decisions.