Finance Act 2004

Penalties U.K.

257 Registered pension scheme return U.K.

(1) If the scheme administrator of a registered pension scheme fails to comply with a notice under section 250 (registered pension scheme return), the scheme administrator is liable to a penalty of £100.

(2) If the failure continues after a penalty is imposed under subsection (1), the scheme administrator is liable to a further penalty not exceeding £60 for each day on which the failure continues after the day on which that penalty was imposed (but excluding any day for which a penalty under this subsection has already been imposed).

(3) No penalty may be imposed under subsection (1) or (2) in respect of a failure after it has been remedied.

(4) If the scheme administrator of a registered pension scheme fraudulently or negligently—

(a) makes an [F1 inaccurate] return required by a notice under section 250, or

(b) delivers any [F1 inaccurate] accounts, statements or other documents with such a return,

the scheme administrator is liable to a penalty not exceeding £3,000.

Textual Amendments

F1 Word in s. 257(4)(a)(b) substituted (17.7.2014) by Finance Act 2014 (c. 26), Sch. 7 para. 23(b)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C1 S. 257 modified (6.4.2006) by The Registered Pension Schemes (Splitting of Schemes) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/569), regs. 1(1), 3(1)(2), Sch. 3 Pt. 1

Commencement Information

I1 Ss. 160-274, 281, Schs. 30-35 in force at 6.4.2006 but any power to make an order or regulations under those provisions may be exercised at any time after Royal Assent, see s. 284

258 Information required by regulations U.K.

(1) In section 98 of TMA 1970 (penalties for failure to provide information and providing false information), in the second column of the Table, insert at the appropriate place— “regulations under section 251(1)(a) or (4) of the Finance Act 2004;”.

(2) A person who fails to comply with regulations under section 251(1)(b) (preservation of documents) is liable to a penalty not exceeding £3,000.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C2 S. 258(1) modified (6.4.2006) by The Registered Pension Schemes (Splitting of Schemes) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/569), regs. 1(1), 3(1)(2), Sch. 3 Pt. 1

C3 S. 258(2) modified (6.4.2006) by The Registered Pension Schemes (Splitting of Schemes) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/569), regs. 1(1), 3(1)(2), Sch. 3 Pt. 1

Commencement Information

I2 Ss. 160-274, 281, Schs. 30-35 in force at 6.4.2006 but any power to make an order or regulations under those provisions may be exercised at any time after Royal Assent, see s. 284

F2 259 Documents and particulars required by notice U.K.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F2 S. 259 omitted (1.4.2010) by virtue of The Finance Act 2009, Section 96 and Schedule 48 (Appointed Day, Savings and Consequential Amendments) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/3054), art. 1, Sch. para. 13 (with art. 8)

260 Accounting return U.K.

F3 (1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F3 (2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F3 (3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F3 (4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F3 (5) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F4 (6) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F4 (7) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F3 S. 260(1)-(5) omitted (1.4.2011) by virtue of The Finance Act 2009, Schedules 55 and 56 (Income Tax Self Assessment and Pension Schemes) (Appointed Days and Consequential and Savings Provisions) Order 2011 (S.I. 2011/702), arts. 1(1), 14 (with arts. 1(2), 21)

F4 S. 260(6)(7) omitted (1.6.2013) by virtue of The Pension Schemes (Miscellaneous Amendments) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/1114), arts. 1(1), 5

261 Enhanced F5 ... allowance regulations: documents and information U.K.

(1) This section applies where an individual fraudulently or negligently—

(a) produces or makes available an [F6 inaccurate] document, or produces an [F6 inaccurate] certificate, in connection with any matter registered in accordance with enhanced F7 ... allowance regulations, or

(b) provides false information in connection with any such matter,

and the condition in subsection (2) is met.

(2) The condition is that—

(a) the amount of the individual’s [F8 lump sum allowance or lump sum and death benefit allowance] at the time which is relevant for the purposes of this paragraph, or

(b) the amount of the pension commencement lump sums [F9 or the uncrystallised funds pension lump sums] to which the individual may be entitled at the time which is relevant for the purposes of this paragraph,

would be greater than it actually is were the document or certificate correct or the information true.

(3) The individual is liable to a penalty not exceeding 25% of the relevant excess.

(4) In a case within paragraph (a) of subsection (2), the relevant excess is the difference between what would be the amount of the individual’s [F10 lump sum and death benefit allowance] at the time which is relevant for the purposes of that paragraph (were the document or certificate correct or the information true) and [F11 the actual amount of the individual’s lump sum and death benefit allowance at that time.]

(5) The time which is relevant for the purposes of paragraph (a) of subsection (2)—

(a) where [F12 a relevant benefit crystallisation event within the meaning of section 637S of ITEPA 2003 (availability of individual’s lump sum and death benefit allowance)] has occurred in relation to the individual since the document was produced or made available, the certificate produced or the information provided (but before a penalty under this section is imposed), is the time when [F13 the relevant benefit crystallisation event] occurred, and

(b) otherwise, is the time when the document was produced or made available, the certificate produced or the information provided.

(6) In a case within paragraph (b) of subsection (2), the relevant excess is the difference between—

(a) what would be the amount of the pension commencement lump sums [F14 or the uncrystallised funds pension lump sums] to which the individual may be entitled at the time which is relevant for the purposes of that paragraph (were the document or certificate correct or the information true), and

(b) the actual amount at that time of the pension commencement lump sums [F15 or the uncrystallised funds pension lump sums] to which the individual may be entitled.

(7) The time which is relevant for the purposes of paragraph (b) of subsection (2) is the time when the document was produced or made available, the certificate produced or the information provided.

Textual Amendments

F5 Word in s. 261 heading omitted (for the tax year 2024-25 and subsequent tax years) by virtue of Finance Act 2024 (c. 3), Sch. 9 paras. 101(2), 124 (with Sch. 9 paras. 125-132A) (as amended by S.I. 2024/356, regs. 1, 4)

F6 Word in s. 261(1)(a) substituted (17.7.2014) by Finance Act 2014 (c. 26), Sch. 7 para. 23(c)

F7 Word in s. 261(1)(a) omitted (for the tax year 2024-25 and subsequent tax years) by virtue of Finance Act 2024 (c. 3), Sch. 9 paras. 101(3), 124 (with Sch. 9 paras. 125-132A) (as amended by S.I. 2024/356, regs. 1, 4)

F8 Words in s. 261(2)(a) substituted (for the tax year 2024-25 and subsequent tax years) by Finance Act 2024 (c. 3), Sch. 9 paras. 101(4)(a), 124 (with Sch. 9 paras. 125-132A) (as amended by S.I. 2024/356, regs. 1, 4)

F9 Words in s. 261(2)(b) inserted (for the tax year 2024-25 and subsequent tax years) by Finance Act 2024 (c. 3), Sch. 9 paras. 101(4)(b), 124 (with Sch. 9 paras. 125-132A) (as amended by S.I. 2024/356, regs. 1, 4)

F10 Words in s. 261(4) substituted (for the tax year 2024-25 and subsequent tax years) by Finance Act 2024 (c. 3), Sch. 9 paras. 101(5)(a), 124 (with Sch. 9 paras. 125-132A) (as amended by S.I. 2024/356, regs. 1, 4)

F11 Words in s. 261(4) substituted (for the tax year 2024-25 and subsequent tax years) by Finance Act 2024 (c. 3), Sch. 9 paras. 101(5)(b), 124 (with Sch. 9 paras. 125-132A) (as amended by S.I. 2024/356, regs. 1, 4)

F12 Words in s. 261(5)(a) substituted (for the tax year 2024-25 and subsequent tax years) by Finance Act 2024 (c. 3), Sch. 9 paras. 101(6)(a), 124 (with Sch. 9 paras. 125-132A) (as amended by S.I. 2024/356, regs. 1, 4)

F13 Words in s. 261(5)(a) substituted (for the tax year 2024-25 and subsequent tax years) by Finance Act 2024 (c. 3), Sch. 9 paras. 101(6)(b), 124 (with Sch. 9 paras. 125-132A) (as amended by S.I. 2024/356, regs. 1, 4)

F14 Words in s. 261(6)(a) inserted (for the tax year 2024-25 and subsequent tax years) by Finance Act 2024 (c. 3), Sch. 9 paras. 101(7), 124 (with Sch. 9 paras. 125-132A) (as amended by S.I. 2024/356, regs. 1, 4)

F15 Words in s. 261(6)(b) inserted (for the tax year 2024-25 and subsequent tax years) by Finance Act 2024 (c. 3), Sch. 9 paras. 101(7), 124 (with Sch. 9 paras. 125-132A) (as amended by S.I. 2024/356, regs. 1, 4)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C4 S. 261 applied (1.5.2010) by The Financial Assistance Scheme (Tax) Regulations 2010 (S.I. 2010/1187), regs. 1(1), 11(2)

Commencement Information

I3 Ss. 160-274, 281, Schs. 30-35 in force at 6.4.2006 but any power to make an order or regulations under those provisions may be exercised at any time after Royal Assent, see s. 284

262 Enhanced F16 ... allowance regulations: failures to comply U.K.

An individual who fails—

(a) to produce or make available any document required to be produced by enhanced F17 ... allowance regulations,

(b) to produce any certificate required to be produced by enhanced F18 ... allowance regulations, or

(c) to provide any information required to be provided by enhanced F19 ... allowance regulations,

is liable to a penalty not exceeding £3,000.

Textual Amendments

F16 Word in s. 262 heading omitted (for the tax year 2024-25 and subsequent tax years) by virtue of Finance Act 2024 (c. 3), Sch. 9 paras. 102(2), 124 (with Sch. 9 paras. 125-132A) (as amended by S.I. 2024/356, regs. 1, 4)

F17 Word in s. 262(a) omitted (for the tax year 2024-25 and subsequent tax years) by virtue of Finance Act 2024 (c. 3), Sch. 9 paras. 102(3), 124 (with Sch. 9 paras. 125-132A) (as amended by S.I. 2024/356, regs. 1, 4)

F18 Word in s. 262(b) omitted (for the tax year 2024-25 and subsequent tax years) by virtue of Finance Act 2024 (c. 3), Sch. 9 paras. 102(3), 124 (with Sch. 9 paras. 125-132A) (as amended by S.I. 2024/356, regs. 1, 4)

F19 Word in s. 262(c) omitted (for the tax year 2024-25 and subsequent tax years) by virtue of Finance Act 2024 (c. 3), Sch. 9 paras. 102(3), 124 (with Sch. 9 paras. 125-132A) (as amended by S.I. 2024/356, regs. 1, 4)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C5 S. 262 applied (1.5.2010) by The Financial Assistance Scheme (Tax) Regulations 2010 (S.I. 2010/1187), regs. 1(1), 11(2)

Commencement Information

I4 Ss. 160-274, 281, Schs. 30-35 in force at 6.4.2006 but any power to make an order or regulations under those provisions may be exercised at any time after Royal Assent, see s. 284

263 F20 ... Enhanced protection: benefit accrual U.K.

(1) This section applies where—

(a) paragraph 12 of Schedule 36 ([F21 enhancement of allowances]: enhanced protection) applies in relation to an individual, and

(b) relevant benefit accrual occurs in relation to the individual (as to which see paragraph 13 of that Schedule).

(2) If the individual fails to notify the Inland Revenue of the relevant benefit accrual within the period of 90 days beginning with the day on which it occurs, the individual is liable to a penalty not exceeding £3,000.

Textual Amendments

F20 Words in s. 263 heading omitted (for the tax year 2024-25 and subsequent tax years) by virtue of Finance Act 2024 (c. 3), Sch. 9 paras. 103(2), 124 (with Sch. 9 paras. 125-132A) (as amended by S.I. 2024/356, regs. 1, 4)

F21 Words in s. 263(1)(a) substituted (for the tax year 2024-25 and subsequent tax years) by Finance Act 2024 (c. 3), Sch. 9 paras. 103(3), 124 (with Sch. 9 paras. 125-132A) (as amended by S.I. 2024/356, regs. 1, 4)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C6 S. 263 applied (with modifications) (1.5.2010) by The Financial Assistance Scheme (Tax) Regulations 2010 (S.I. 2010/1187), regs. 1(1), 5-11

Commencement Information

I5 Ss. 160-274, 281, Schs. 30-35 in force at 6.4.2006 but any power to make an order or regulations under those provisions may be exercised at any time after Royal Assent, see s. 284

264 False statements etc U.K.

(1) A person who fraudulently or negligently makes a false statement or representation is liable to a penalty not exceeding £3,000 if, in consequence of the statement or representation—

(a) that person or any other person obtains relief from, or repayment of, tax chargeable [F22 under this Part or under Part 9 of ITEPA 2003 (pension income) on pension income to which—

(i) any provision of Chapter 15A of that Part of that Act (lump sums under registered pension schemes) applies, or

(ii) section 579A of that Act (pension income under registered pension schemes) applies by virtue of any provision of that Chapter, or]

(b) a registered pension scheme makes a payment which is an unauthorised payment.

(2) A person who assists in or induces the preparation of any document which the person knows—

(a) is [F23 inaccurate], and

(b) will, or is likely to, cause a registered pension scheme to make an unauthorised payment,

is liable to a penalty not exceeding £3,000.

Textual Amendments

F22 Words in s. 264(1)(a) substituted (for the tax year 2024-25 and subsequent tax years) by Finance Act 2024 (c. 3), Sch. 9 paras. 21, 124 (with Sch. 9 paras. 125-132A) (as amended by S.I. 2024/356, regs. 1, 4)

F23 Word in s. 264(2)(a) substituted (17.7.2014) by Finance Act 2014 (c. 26), Sch. 7 para. 23(d)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C7 S. 264 excluded (14.9.2023) by The Public Service Pension Schemes (Rectification of Unlawful Discrimination) (Tax) (No. 2) Regulations 2023 (S.I. 2023/912), regs. 1(2), 40(1) (with reg. 1(3))

Commencement Information

I6 Ss. 160-274, 281, Schs. 30-35 in force at 6.4.2006 but any power to make an order or regulations under those provisions may be exercised at any time after Royal Assent, see s. 284

265 Winding-up to facilitate payment of lump sums U.K.

(1) This section applies where the winding-up of a registered pension scheme has begun and the Inland Revenue considers the pension scheme is being wound up wholly or mainly for the purpose specified in subsection (2).

(2) That purpose is facilitating the payment of winding-up lump sums F24 ... under the pension scheme.

(3) The scheme administrator is liable to a penalty not exceeding the relevant amount.

(4) The relevant amount is £3,000 in respect of—

(a) each member to whom a winding-up lump sum is paid under the pension scheme, F25 ...

F25 (b) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F24 Words in s. 265(2) omitted (for the tax year 2024-25 and subsequent tax years) by virtue of Finance Act 2024 (c. 3), Sch. 9 paras. 22(2), 124 (with Sch. 9 paras. 125-132A) (as amended by S.I. 2024/356, regs. 1, 4)

F25 S. 265(4)(b) and word omitted (for the tax year 2024-25 and subsequent tax years) by virtue of Finance Act 2024 (c. 3), Sch. 9 paras. 22(3), 124 (with Sch. 9 paras. 125-132A) (as amended by S.I. 2024/356, regs. 1, 4)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C8 S. 265(3) modified (6.4.2006) by The Registered Pension Schemes (Splitting of Schemes) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/569), regs. 1(1), 3(1)(2), Sch. 3 Pt. 1

Commencement Information

I7 Ss. 160-274, 281, Schs. 30-35 in force at 6.4.2006 but any power to make an order or regulations under those provisions may be exercised at any time after Royal Assent, see s. 284

266 Transfers to insured schemes U.K.

(1) This section applies where sums held for the purposes of, or representing accrued rights under, a registered pension scheme (“the transferor scheme”) are transferred so as to become held for the purposes of, or to represent rights under, a registered pension scheme that is an insured scheme (“the transferee scheme”).

(2) The scheme administrator of the transferor scheme is liable to a penalty not exceeding £3,000 unless the sums are transferred either to the scheme administrator of the transferee scheme or to a relevant insurance company.

(3) In this section—

• “insured scheme” means a pension scheme all the income and other assets of which are invested in policies of insurance, and

• “relevant insurance company” means an insurance company that issued any of the policies of insurance.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C9 S. 266(2) modified (6.4.2006) by The Registered Pension Schemes (Splitting of Schemes) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/569), regs. 1(1), 3(1)(2), Sch. 3 Pt. 1

Commencement Information

I8 Ss. 160-274, 281, Schs. 30-35 in force at 6.4.2006 but any power to make an order or regulations under those provisions may be exercised at any time after Royal Assent, see s. 284