WHAT IS A QNUPS (QUALIFYING NON-UK PENSION SCHEME)
A Qualifying Non-UK Pension Scheme is a form of overseas pension available to British citizens. If the QNUPS complies with specific HMRC regulations, it will be recognised as a QROPS. Generally, a QNUPS has greater investment flexibility and can hold property and other physical assets within the pension wrapper.
QROPS and QNUPS both have the same qualifying conditions. This, in effect, means that many of the guidelines governing QNUPS are similar to QROPS. As such, QROPS and QNUPS are highly similar and related to pension schemes. Which one is more appropriate for an individual depending on their financial circumstances and the country in which they are domiciled and/or resident?
Typically, a QNUPS would be set up by an expat who has spent many years working offshore or plans to remain a tax resident outside the UK but is still deemed UK domicile and wants to protect his assets from UK taxation.
QNUPS explained
Watch here to see what Managing Partner, Chris Ball, had to say about what a Qualifying Non-Pension Scheme is and is it right for you?
QNUPS KEY POINTS
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- A QNUPS can be entered if you are a UK resident, work in the UK or are a British expat. It may also be available to UK non-residents, depending on the rules of the scheme.
- A QNUPS can be held in any country. They do not need to be situated in a country that has signed a double taxation agreement with the UK. This not only means that you have a larger choice of countries that can host a QROPS but it may not be subject to reporting requirements to the HMRC.
- As UK pensions often receive tax breaks, there is normally a limit on the maximum amount these allowances apply to. Typically a QNUPS would not be subject to the LTA (Life Time Allowance).
- There is no maximum age at which you can contribute to a QNUPS.
- A QNUPS can, in some situations, be used to mitigate inheritance tax.
- As with many pensions and offshore lump sum investment vehicles, a QNUPS can grow free from Capital Gains Tax.
- A QNUPS can hold a broad range of assets within it. This can include residential property and physical goods such as classic cars or expensive collector items. When used in conjunction with careful Trust planning there can be some useful Inheritance Tax mitigation opportunities.
- A QNUPS can accept contributions not only from earned income during employment but from other sources also.
Our pension process
- Simply contact us to organise a no-cost initial meeting for you and one of our advisers.
- Undertake an initial meeting with one of our advisers to summarise your options.
- Engage with Hoxton Capital Management for a Pension Analysis Report, where we will assess your current pensions and complete research into your financial situation further.
- Receive your report – our licensed UK advisers will complete your Pension Transfer Analysis Report, which outlines our recommendations.
- If a transfer is recommended and you accept our recommendations, we will manage all aspects for you.
What are the other pension transfer options
A qualifying recognised overseas pension scheme (QROPS) is an overseas pension scheme that meets certain requirements set by HMRC. Read more here.
A SIPP is a pension ‘wrapper’ that holds investments until you retire and begin to draw an income. It works in a similar way to a standard personal pension. Read more here.
Speak to us now
If you think a QNUPS may be a good option for you and would like more information, speak to one of our