Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Schemes (QROPS) are increasingly becoming the pension planning vehicle of choice for British expats living in France. It’s that time of the year again, la rentrée. The summer vacation is over; we are back to work and returning to some normality. Along with la rentrée comes a desire to address matters that we have […]
QROPS: HMRC reporting changes
HMRC recently announced changes to the reporting system for Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Schemes (QROPS). These changes focus on the handling of information in the pension transfer process. An online filing system is to be introduced from December 2013, with a view to streamlining the process. This new electronic service can be used by QROPS […]
QROPS Netherlands
QROPS in the Netherlands: QROPS are increasingly becoming the pension planning vehicle of choice for British expatriates. Expats who benefit from the 30% ruling in the Netherlands can now also take advantage of the tax incentives of using QROPS in terms of their retirement planning. Read about transferring your UK pension to a QROPS when […]
HMRC list of QROPS: it’s a brave new world out there!
The latest HMRC list of QROPS list published by HMRC revealed a reduction in the number of providers based in Hong Kong from 25 to 2. The two remaining providers currently accepting UK pension transfers are the Asia Alternative Asset Partners Limited Retirement Benefits Scheme and David Watt Retirement Benefits Scheme. The updated list can […]
QROPS HMRC Conundrum
QROPS HMRC rules do not fill investors full of confidence when the government can’t get it right in its handling of the listed registrar of schemes. It appears that many schemes that register as a QROPS go through a process of ‘self-certification’ as opposed to being vetted by HMRC before inclusion on the list. This […]
UK pension transfer when retiring to France
QROPS in France: On retiring to France, if you decide to exercise your right to transfer your UK pension, it is important to examine how your pension will be treated in terms of French taxation. Unlike the UK, where the lump-sum portion of your pension benefit can be taken tax-free, there is a tax levied […]
The euro impact on pensions
Will the value of the Euro impact on pensions? Until now, it has been taken for granted that a euro is a euro, wherever it is held in the Eurozone. However, many individuals, companies, and banks are beginning to question this assumption. The change of heart has become ever more visible in Greece where: There […]