SSAS vs SIPP: A Comparison for Accountants

Both allow flexible pension investments. But they differ significantly in structure, control, and capability — here is how to choose for your director clients.

James ThorntonSSAS Specialist, 15 years experience

The Key Insight Most Business Owners Don’t Know

Most business owners with a limited company have never been told they could buy their own business premises through their pension — or lend money from their pension back to their company. These capabilities exist only in a SSAS, not a standard SIPP. Your director clients almost certainly qualify and almost certainly don't know this.

Feature Comparison

Feature	SSAS	SIPP
Structure	Occupational pension — company-owned	Personal pension — individual-owned
Trustee control	Full — members are trustees	Limited — provider makes administrative decisions
Number of members	Up to 11	No limit
Employer required	Yes — sponsoring company required	No employer required
Commercial property	Yes— including company's own premises (connected party allowed)	Yes — but connected party rules are stricter
Loan-back to company	Yes — up to 50% of net scheme assets	Not permitted
HMRC registration	Required — scheme administrator registers	Provider handles (provider is registered)
Regulatory oversight	HMRC + TPR	FCA + TPR
Setup complexity	Higher — requires scheme establishment	Lower — opened like an investment account
Ongoing costs	Administration fee (fixed or % of assets)	Platform charges + investment charges
Best suited for	Directors wanting maximum control, commercial property, or loan-back	Individuals without an employer, or where SSAS structure is not needed

When to Recommend SSAS Over SIPP

Four scenarios where SSAS clearly outperforms a SIPP for company directors:

Director Owns Business Premises

The director owns or wants to purchase commercial premises. A SSAS can buy the company's own trading premises — SIPP rules on connected parties are stricter.

Loan-Back Required

The company needs business finance. The SSAS loan-back facility (up to 50% of net assets) is not available in a SIPP.

Multiple Directors to Pool

Multiple directors want to combine pension contributions in one scheme. A SSAS allows up to 11 members with collective trustee control.

Maximum Investment Control

The director wants trustee-level control over every investment decision. SSAS members are trustees — no reliance on a provider's permitted investment list.

When SIPP May Be More Appropriate

There are genuine scenarios where a SIPP is the right choice — a SSAS is not always the answer:

The individual is a sole trader or does not have a limited company

The pension pot is below £250,000 and SSAS admin costs would be disproportionate

The individual wants a simple investment account without trustee responsibilities

Commercial property purchase or loan-back is not a priority

Not sure which is right for your client? TLPI can assess suitability as part of the initial consultation — at no cost to you or your client.

Submit a Referral

How the Referral Process Works

From introduction to fee paid — a simple 5-step process.

Step 1

You Submit a Referral

Step 2

TLPI Contacts the Client

Our SSAS specialists reach out within 1 business day to explain the benefits. You don’t need to do anything else.

Step 3

SSAS is Established

TLPI handles scheme set-up and HMRC registration. The client’s SSAS is fully established and operational.

Step 4

You Receive Your Referral Fee

Once the SSAS is set up and active, TLPI pays your referral fee. Fee is paid on scheme establishment, not on referral.

Step 5

Your Client Saves Tax

The director benefits from corporation tax relief, CGT exemption, and the ability to hold their business premises in their pension.