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 and key employees
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 2–10 directors who want to combine their pension contributions into a single scheme, use their pension to purchase business premises, or access the loan-back facility for business investment.
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 2–10 directors who want to combine their pension contributions into a single scheme, use their pension to purchase business premises, or access the loan-back facility for business investment.
The minimum contribution level is not prescribed, but scheme administration costs make SSAS most cost-effective for combined pension pots above £250,000.
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 the Referral Process Works
From introduction to fee paid — a simple 5-step process.
You Submit a Referral
Register as a partner and submit your client’s details via the secure portal. Takes under 2 minutes.
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.
SSAS is Established
TLPI handles scheme set-up and HMRC registration. The client’s SSAS is fully established and operational.
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.
Your Client Saves Tax
The director benefits from corporation tax relief, CGT exemption, and the ability to hold their business premises in their pension.
You Submit a Referral
Register as a partner and submit your client’s details via the secure portal. Takes under 2 minutes.
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.
SSAS is Established
TLPI handles scheme set-up and HMRC registration. The client’s SSAS is fully established and operational.
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.
Your Client Saves Tax
The director benefits from corporation tax relief, CGT exemption, and the ability to hold their business premises in their pension.
Ready to help your clients?
Join accountants helping director clients access a pension most accountants don't know about.
Register as a Partner