What is a SSAS Pension?
A Small Self-Administered Scheme (SSAS) is an occupational pension for company directors - giving them control, tax efficiency, and the ability to invest in their own business.
SSAS Definition
A Small Self-Administered Scheme (SSAS) is an occupational defined contribution pension scheme established under trust, available to directors and key employees of a company. The scheme is defined in the Finance Act 2004 and registered with HMRC as a qualifying UK pension scheme.
Up to 11
Members per Scheme
Directors, key employees, and family members
50%
Maximum Loan-Back
Of net scheme assets
£60,000
Annual Allowance
Tax year 2026/27
25%
Corporation Tax Relief
On employer contributions
Key SSAS Features
SSAS pensions offer capabilities that are not available in standard personal pension wrappers or SIPPs.
Commercial Property
Purchase your company's own trading premises through the pension - rent paid by the company accrues tax-free inside the scheme.
Loan-Back Facility
Lend up to 50% of scheme assets back to the sponsoring employer - giving directors access to pension funds for business investment.
Full Trustee Control
Directors are both members and trustees - they make all investment decisions collectively, with no reliance on an external provider.
Tax Relief on Contributions
Employer contributions attract Corporation Tax relief. Member contributions receive Income Tax relief at the marginal rate.
How a SSAS Differs from Other Pensions
Unlike group personal pensions or SIPPs, a SSAS is owned by the company (the scheme employer) rather than by an individual. The company directors are typically both the members and the trustees of the scheme. This dual trustee/member structure gives the directors full control over investment decisions, enabling the scheme to hold assets that are not available in standard personal pension wrappers.
A SSAS is typically appropriate for companies with 1-10 directors who want to pool their pension contributions into a single scheme, use their pension to purchase business premises, or access the loan-back facility for business investment and growth.
SSAS vs SIPP - At a Glance
Trustee Structure and Responsibilities
In a SSAS, the company directors act as lay trustees, with TLPI as the professional scheme administrator. Every trustee holds equal voting rights regardless of their pension pot size within the scheme.
Permitted Investments
A SSAS can invest in a wider range of assets than most personal pension schemes, including direct commercial property ownership and business loans.
Who is a SSAS Suitable For?
A SSAS is typically appropriate for companies with 1-10 directors who want to consolidate their pensions and pool pensions and other contributions into a single scheme, use their pension funds to purchase business premises, or access the loan-back facility for business investment and growth strategies.
There is no prescribed minimum contribution level. However, scheme administration costs mean a SSAS is most cost-effective where existing pension funds total at least £100,000, or where the company is committed to contributing to reach that level.
SSAS and HMRC Registration
All SSAS schemes must be registered with HMRC as a Registered Pension Scheme under Part 4 of the Finance Act 2004. TLPI acts as scheme administrator and manages the HMRC registration process.
HMRC Regulation
How it works
From introduction to fee paid — a simple 5-step process.
You make the introduction
Register, then send them your link or ask them to get in touch. Takes a couple of minutes.
We have the conversation
One of our consultants speaks to them within 1 business day. You do not need to explain how any of it works.
The scheme is set up
If it suits them, TLPI handles the set-up and the HMRC registration.
You get paid
£500 when their scheme is registered with HMRC. You send us an invoice and we pay within 14 business days.
They get the benefit
They end up with a pension their company can pay into, that can hold their business premises.
You make the introduction
Register, then send them your link or ask them to get in touch. Takes a couple of minutes.
We have the conversation
One of our consultants speaks to them within 1 business day. You do not need to explain how any of it works.
The scheme is set up
If it suits them, TLPI handles the set-up and the HMRC registration.
You get paid
£500 when their scheme is registered with HMRC. You send us an invoice and we pay within 14 business days.
They get the benefit
They end up with a pension their company can pay into, that can hold their business premises.
Know a company director who should see this?
Register to refer them. You make the introduction - we have the conversation.
Register to refer