Finance Act 2004

Chapter 7 U.K. Compliance

Information U.K.

250 Registered pension scheme return U.K.

(1) The Inland Revenue may, in relation to any tax year, by notice require the scheme administrator of a registered pension scheme—

(a) to make and deliver to the Inland Revenue a return containing any information reasonably required by the notice, and

(b) to deliver with the return any accounts, statements or other documents relating to information contained in the return which may reasonably be required by the notice.

(2) The information that may be required to be included in the return is any information relating to—

(a) contributions made under the pension scheme,

(b) transfers of sums or assets held for the purposes of, or representing accrued rights under, another pension scheme so as to become held for the purposes of, or to represent rights under, the pension scheme,

(c) income and gains derived from investments or deposits held for the purposes of the pension scheme,

(d) other receipts of the pension scheme,

(e) the sums and other assets held for the purposes of the pension scheme,

(f) the liabilities of the pension scheme,

(g) the provision of benefits by the pension scheme,

(h) transfers of sums or assets held for the purposes of, or representing accrued rights under, the pension scheme so as to become held for the purposes of, or to represent rights under, another pension scheme,

(i) other expenditure of the pension scheme,

(j) the membership of the pension scheme, or

(k) any other matter relating to the administration of the pension scheme.

(3) The information that may be required to be included in the return may be limited to information concerning any particular arrangement or arrangements under the pension scheme.

(4) The notice must specify the period to be covered by the return.

(5) The period may be—

(a) the whole or any specified part of the tax year, or

(b) if audited accounts of the pension scheme have been prepared for any period or periods ending in the tax year, the period or periods covered by the accounts.

(6) “Audited accounts” means accounts audited by a person of a description specified in regulations made by the Board of Inland Revenue.

(7) A return relating to the whole or part of, or to a period or periods ending in, a tax year must be delivered—

(a) where the notice requiring the return is given after the 31st October in the next tax year, before the end of the period of three months beginning with the day on which the notice is given, and

(b) otherwise, not later than the 31st January in the next tax year (but subject as follows).

(8) If, in a case within paragraph (b) of subsection (7), the winding-up of the pension scheme has been completed before 31st October in the next tax year, the return must be delivered before the end of the period of three months beginning with the day on which the winding-up is completed.

(9) But subsection (8) does not apply if the end of that period is before the end of the period of three months beginning with the day on which the notice is given; and in that case the return must be delivered before the end of that period.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C14 S. 250(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

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

251 Information: general requirements U.K.

(1) The Board of Inland Revenue may by regulations make provision requiring persons of a prescribed description—

(a) to provide to the Inland Revenue, in a form specified by the Board of Inland Revenue, information of a prescribed description relating to any of the matters mentioned in subsection (2), and

(b) to preserve for a prescribed period any documents relating to such information.

(2) Those matters are—

(a) any matter relating to a registered pension scheme,

(b) any matter relating to a pension scheme which has ceased to be a registered pension scheme,

(c) any matter relating to a pension scheme in relation to which an application for registration has been made,

(d) any matter relating to an annuity purchased with sums or assets held for the purposes of a registered pension scheme,

(e) the coming into operation of an employer-financed retirement benefits scheme, and

(f) the provision of relevant benefits under an employer-financed retirement benefits scheme.

(3) In subsection (2)—

• “employer-financed retirement benefits scheme”, and

• “relevant benefits”,

• have the same meaning as in Chapter 2 of Part 6 of ITEPA 2003 (see sections 393A and 393B of that Act).

(4) The Board of Inland Revenue may by regulations make provision—

(a) requiring scheme administrators of registered pension schemes or other persons of a prescribed description to provide information of a prescribed description to persons of such of the descriptions mentioned in subsection (5) as are prescribed [F1 or to the scheme administrators of other registered pension schemes], F2 ...

(b) requiring persons of such of the descriptions specified in subsection (5) as are prescribed to provide information of a prescribed description to the scheme administrators of registered pension schemes,

[F3 (c) requiring scheme administrators of registered pension schemes to provide information of a prescribed description to scheme managers of qualifying recognised overseas pension schemes, or

(d) requiring members or former members of a relevant non-UK pension scheme to provide information to the scheme administrators, or scheme managers, of registered pension schemes or other relevant non-UK pension schemes.]

(5) Those persons are—

(a) members of a registered pension scheme,

[F4 (aa) employers of members of a registered pension scheme,]

(b) persons who have ceased to be members of a registered pension scheme,

(c) persons to whom benefits under a registered pension scheme are being, or have been, provided,

(d) the personal representatives of any person within paragraphs (a) to (c), and

(e) insurance companies who pay annuities purchased with sums or assets held for the purposes of registered pension schemes.

(6) “Prescribed”, in relation to regulations, means prescribed by the regulations[F5 ; and “relevant non-UK scheme” has the meaning given by paragraph 1 of Schedule 34].

Textual Amendments

F1 Words in s. 251(4)(a) inserted (6.4.2006) by Finance Act 2005 (c. 7), Sch. 10 paras. 47, 64(1)

F2 Word in s. 251(4)(a) omitted (17.12.2014) by virtue of Taxation of Pensions Act 2014 (c. 30), Sch. 1 para. 93(2)(a)

F3 S. 251(4)(c)(d) inserted (17.12.2014) by Taxation of Pensions Act 2014 (c. 30), Sch. 1 para. 93(2)(b)

F4 S. 251(5)(aa) inserted (8.4.2010) by Finance Act 2010 (c. 13), s. 49

F5 Words in s. 251(6) inserted (17.12.2014) by Taxation of Pensions Act 2014 (c. 30), Sch. 1 para. 93(3)

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

F6 252 Notices requiring documents or particulars U.K.

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

Textual Amendments

F6 S. 252 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)

F7 253 Appeal against notices U.K.

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Textual Amendments

F7 S. 253 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)

Accounting and assessment U.K.

254 Accounting for tax by scheme administrators U.K.

(1) A scheme administrator of a registered pension scheme must make returns to the Inland Revenue of the income tax to which the scheme administrator is liable under this Part.

(2) A return is to be made for each period of three months ending with 31st March, 30th June, 30th September or 31st December if tax has been charged on the scheme administrator by virtue of this Part in that period.

(3) A return for any period must be made before the end of the period of 45 days beginning with the day immediately following the end of that period.

(4) A return must—

(a) show the income tax to which the scheme administrator is liable, and

(b) include such particulars of the events or other circumstances giving rise to the liability (including particulars as to the persons to whom the events or other circumstances relate) as are required to be included in returns under this section by regulations made by the Board of Inland Revenue.

(5) The income tax required to be shown in a return is due at the time by which the return is to be made and is payable without the making of an assessment.

(6) The Board of Inland Revenue may by regulations make provision for and in connection with—

(a) the charging of interest on tax due under this section which is not paid on or before the due date,

(b) the making of amended returns by scheme administrators in the event of error in a return under this section,

(c) the making of assessments, repayments or adjustments in cases where the correct tax due under this section has not been paid on or before the due date, and

(d) otherwise for supplementing this section.

(7) The regulations may, in particular—

(a) modify the operation of any provision of the Tax Acts, or

(b) provide for the application of any provision of the Tax Acts (with or without modifications).

[F8 (7A) Where a scheme administrator is liable under section 237B in respect of the annual allowance charge for a tax year, for the purposes of subsection (2) the tax is to be taken to be charged on the scheme administrator in the period ending with 31 December in the year following that in which that tax year ended (or such earlier period as the scheme administrator may elect in a return for that earlier period).

(7B) But if the notice which gave rise to the liability is amended in accordance with regulations under section 237B(5)(c), any additional tax to which the scheme administrator becomes liable is to be taken for the purposes of subsection (2) to be charged in the later of the period in which it is taken to be charged by virtue of subsection (7A) and the period in which the scheme administrator receives notice of the amendment.]

(8) References in this section to the income tax to which a scheme administrator is liable under this Part do not include any to which the scheme administrator is liable under section 239 (scheme sanction charge).

(9) Where the registration of a registered pension scheme has been withdrawn, this section has effect as if references to the scheme administrator were to the person who was, or each of the persons who were, the scheme administrator immediately before the registration was withdrawn.

Textual Amendments

F8 S. 254(7A)(7B) inserted (with effect in accordance with Sch. 17 Pt. 2 of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2011 (c. 11), Sch. 17 para. 18

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C15 S. 254 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

C16 S. 254(7A) applied (with modifications) (19.7.2011) by Finance Act 2011 (c. 11), Sch. 17 para. 33

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

255 Assessments under this Part U.K.

(1) The Board of Inland Revenue may by regulations make provision for and in connection with the making of assessments in respect of—

(a) the unauthorised payments charge,

(b) the unauthorised payments surcharge,

(c) liability to the lifetime allowance charge under section 217(2) (person to whom lump sum death benefit paid),

[F9 (ca) liability to the annual allowance charge by virtue of section 237B,]

(d) the scheme sanction charge,

(e) liability under section 272 (trustees etc. liable as scheme administrator),

[F10 (ea) liability under section 272C (former scheme administrator to retain liability in cases involving independent trustees etc),]

(f) liability under section 273 (member liable as scheme administrator), and

(g) liability under section 394 of ITEPA 2003 (benefit under employer-financed retirement benefits scheme: charge on responsible person).

(2) The provision that may be made by the regulations includes (in particular) provision for the charging of interest on tax due under such assessments which remains unpaid.

(3) The regulations may, in particular—

(a) modify the operation of any provision of the Tax Acts, or

(b) provide for the application of any provision of the Tax Acts (with or without modification).

Textual Amendments

F9 S. 255(1)(ca) inserted (with effect in accordance with Sch. 17 Pt. 2 of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2011 (c. 11), Sch. 17 para. 19

F10 S. 255(1)(ea) inserted (17.7.2014) by Finance Act 2014 (c. 26), Sch. 7 para. 17

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

[F11 Payment U.K.

Textual Amendments

F11 Ss. 255A, 255B and cross-heading inserted (6.4.2006) by Finance Act 2005 (c. 7), Sch. 10 paras. 48, 64(1)

255A Electronic payment U.K.

(1) The Board of Inland Revenue may give directions requiring specified persons to use electronic means for the making of specified payments required to be made under or by virtue of this Part.

(2) Directions under this section may make provision—

(a) as to conditions that must be complied with in connection with the use of electronic means for the making of any payment,

(b) for treating a payment as not having been made unless conditions imposed by the directions are satisfied, and

(c) for determining the time when a payment in accordance with directions under this section is to be taken to be made.

(3) Directions under this section may also make provision (which may include provision for the application of conclusive or other presumptions) as to the manner of proving for any purpose—

(a) whether any use of electronic means for making a payment is to be taken as having resulted in the payment being made,

(b) the time of the making of any payment for the making of which electronic means have been used, and

(c) any other matter for which provision may be made by directions under this section.

(4) Directions under this section—

(a) may be specific or general, and

(b) may provide that the conditions of any authorisation or requirement imposed by the directions are to be taken to be satisfied only where the Inland Revenue is satisfied as to specified matters.

(5) Directions under this section may—

(a) suspend for any period during which the use of electronic means for the making of payments is impossible or impractical, any requirements imposed by the directions relating to the use of such means,

(b) substitute alternative requirements for the suspended ones, and

(c) make any provision that is necessary in consequence of the imposition of the substituted requirements.

(6) Directions under this section may—

(a) make different provision for different cases,

(b) make such incidental, supplementary, consequential and transitional provision in connection with any provision contained in such directions as the Board of Inland Revenue thinks fit.

(7) In this section—

• “the Inland Revenue” includes any person who for the purposes of the electronic means of payment is acting under the authority of the Board of Inland Revenue, and

• “specified” means specified in a direction under this section.

255B Payments to be cleared payments U.K.

(1) A payment made to the Board of Inland Revenue or the Inland Revenue under or by virtue of this Part (otherwise than in cash) is to be treated as not having been made until the earliest date on or before which all the transactions that need to be completed before the whole amount of the payment becomes available to the Board are capable of being completed.

(2) In this section “the Inland Revenue” includes any person who is acting under the authority of the Board of Inland Revenue.]

Registration regulations U.K.

256 Enhanced lifetime allowance regulations U.K.

(1) This section applies to regulations made by the Board of Inland Revenue under—

(a) section 220(5) (lifetime allowance enhancement: registration of pension credits),

(b) section 221(6) (lifetime allowance enhancement: individuals who are not always relevant UK individuals),

(c) section 224(9) (lifetime allowance enhancement: transfers from recognised overseas pension scheme),

(d) paragraph 7(1)(b) [F12 or 11A(1)(c)] of Schedule 36 (lifetime allowance enhancement: primary protection),

(e) paragraph 12(1) [F13 or 15A(1)(b)] of that Schedule (lifetime allowance: enhanced protection), and

(f) paragraph 18(6) of that Schedule (lifetime allowance enhancement: pre-commencement pension credits).

(2) The regulations to which this section applies are referred to in this Part as “enhanced lifetime allowance regulations”.

(3) Enhanced lifetime allowance regulations may include any provision that appears appropriate for securing that the correct tax is charged—

(a) by way of the lifetime allowance charge in respect of amounts crystallised by benefit crystallisation events, and

(b) in respect of the payment of lump sums by registered pension schemes.

(4) Enhanced lifetime allowance regulations may, for that purpose, in particular contain provision—

(a) requiring any person to produce or make available documents, produce certificates or provide information, and

(b) for the review from time to time of any matter registered in accordance with the regulations.

Textual Amendments

F12 Words in s. 256(1)(d) inserted (retrospective to 6.4.2006) by Finance Act 2006 (c. 25), s. 161(2), Sch. 23 para. 42(a)

F13 Words in s. 256(1)(e) inserted (retrospective to 6.4.2006) by Finance Act 2006 (c. 25), s. 161(2), Sch. 23 para. 42(b)

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

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 [F14 inaccurate] return required by a notice under section 250, or

(b) delivers any [F14 inaccurate] accounts, statements or other documents with such a return,

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

Textual Amendments

F14 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)

C17 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

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

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)

C18 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

C19 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

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

F15 259 Documents and particulars required by notice U.K.

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Textual Amendments

F15 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.

F16 (1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F16 (2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F16 (3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F16 (4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F16 (5) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F17 (6) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F17 (7) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F16 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)

F17 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 lifetime allowance regulations: documents and information U.K.

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

(a) produces or makes available an [F18 inaccurate] document, or produces an [F18 inaccurate] certificate, in connection with any matter registered in accordance with enhanced lifetime 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 lifetime allowance at the time which is relevant for the purposes of this paragraph, or

(b) the amount of the pension commencement 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 lifetime allowance at the time which is relevant for the purposes of that paragraph (were the document or certificate correct or the information true) and whichever is the higher of—

(a) the actual amount of the individual’s lifetime allowance at that time, and

(b) the standard lifetime allowance at that time.

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

(a) where a benefit crystallisation event 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 the 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 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 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

F18 Word in s. 261(1)(a) substituted (17.7.2014) by Finance Act 2014 (c. 26), Sch. 7 para. 23(c)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C20 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

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

262 Enhanced lifetime 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 lifetime allowance regulations,

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

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

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

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C21 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

I9 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 Lifetime allowance enhanced protection: benefit accrual U.K.

(1) This section applies where—

(a) paragraph 12 of Schedule 36 (lifetime allowance charge: 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.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C22 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

I10 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 under this Part, 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 [F19 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

F19 Word in s. 264(2)(a) substituted (17.7.2014) by Finance Act 2014 (c. 26), Sch. 7 para. 23(d)

Commencement Information

I11 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 or winding-up lump sum death benefits (or both) 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, and

(b) each member in respect of whom a winding-up lump sum death benefit is paid under the pension scheme.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C23 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

I12 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)

C24 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

I13 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

[F20 Relief from liability in respect of returned unauthorised member payments U.K.

Textual Amendments

F20 Ss. 266A, 266B and cross-heading inserted (6.4.2006) by Finance Act 2005 (c. 7), Sch. 10 paras. 4, 64(1)

266A Member's liability U.K.

(1) This section applies where—

(a) a liability to the unauthorised payments charge, or to both the unauthorised payments charge and the unauthorised payments surcharge, has arisen in respect of an unauthorised member payment, and

(b) property or money is transferred, or a sum paid, towards a registered pension scheme pursuant to [F21 a relevant order] as a result of the unauthorised member payment.

(2) The member of the registered pension scheme to or in respect of whom the unauthorised member payment was made (or, if it was paid after his death, the recipient) may claim relief from—

(a) the relevant proportion of the unauthorised payments charge, and

(b) if a liability to the unauthorised payments surcharge has arisen and subsection (4) is satisfied, the relevant proportion of the unauthorised payments surcharge.

(3) The claim must be made within the period of one year beginning with the day on which the property or money is transferred, or the sum paid.

(4) This subsection is satisfied if no part of the unauthorised member payment and no asset or sum representing it—

(a) has been received by (or on behalf of) the member or a person connected with the member, or

(b) has been held for more than 180 days by a person or succession of persons, other than the member or a person connected with the member, involved in any transaction by which the unauthorised member payment was made.

(5) The relevant proportion of the unauthorised payments charge or the unauthorised payments surcharge is—

where—

ASO is the amount subject to the [F22 relevant] order, that is the aggregate of the market value of any property and the amount of any money transferred, or the amount of the sum paid, towards a registered pension scheme pursuant to the [F23 relevant order] in respect of the unauthorised member payment, and

UMP is the amount of the unauthorised member payment.

(6) But if ASO is greater than UMP, the relevant proportion of the unauthorised payments charge or the unauthorised payments surcharge is the whole of it.

[F24 (6A) In this section “relevant order” means an order under any of the following—

(a) section 16(1), 19(4) or 21(2)(a) of the Pensions Act 2004 (orders for money etc to be restored to pension schemes), or

(b) Article 12(1), 15(4) or 17(2)(a) of the Pensions (Northern Ireland) Order 2005 (corresponding provision for Northern Ireland).]

[F25 (7) For the purposes of this section whether a person is connected with another person is determined in accordance with section 993 of ITA 2007.]

Textual Amendments

F21 Words in s. 266A(1)(b) substituted (with effect in accordance with Sch. 7 para. 16 of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2014 (c. 26), Sch. 7 para. 14(2)

F22 Word in s. 266A(5) inserted (with effect in accordance with Sch. 7 para. 16 of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2014 (c. 26), Sch. 7 para. 14(3)(a)

F23 Words in s. 266A(5) substituted (with effect in accordance with Sch. 7 para. 16 of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2014 (c. 26), Sch. 7 para. 14(3)(b)

F24 S. 266A(6A) inserted (with effect in accordance with Sch. 7 para. 16 of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2014 (c. 26), Sch. 7 para. 14(4)

F25 S. 266A(7) substituted (with effect in accordance with s. 1034(1) of the amending Act) by Income Tax Act 2007 (c. 3), s. 1034(1), Sch. 1 para. 477 (with Sch. 2)

266B Scheme's liability U.K.

(1) This section applies where—

(a) the scheme administrator of a registered pension scheme has become liable to the scheme sanction charge in respect of an unauthorised member payment, and

(b) property or money is transferred, or a sum paid, towards a registered pension scheme pursuant to [F26 a relevant order] as a result of the unauthorised member payment.

(2) The scheme administrator may, within the period of one year beginning with the day on which the property or money is transferred, or the sum paid, claim relief from the relevant proportion of the scheme sanction charge.

(3) The relevant proportion of the scheme sanction charge is—

where—

ASO is the amount subject to the [F27 relevant] order, that is the aggregate of the market value of any property and the amount of any money transferred, or the amount of the sum paid, towards a registered pension scheme pursuant to the [F28 relevant order] in respect of the unauthorised member payment, and

UMP is the amount of the unauthorised member payment.

(4) But if ASO is greater than UMP, the relevant proportion of the scheme sanction charge is the whole of it.

[F29 (5) In this section “relevant order” means an order under any of the following—

(a) section 16(1), 19(4) or 21(2)(a) of the Pensions Act 2004 (orders for money etc to be restored to pension schemes), or

(b) Article 12(1), 15(4) or 17(2)(a) of the Pensions (Northern Ireland) Order 2005 (corresponding provision for Northern Ireland).]]

Textual Amendments

F26 Words in s. 266B(1)(b) substituted (with effect in accordance with Sch. 7 para. 16 of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2014 (c. 26), Sch. 7 para. 15(2)

F27 Word in s. 266B(3) inserted (with effect in accordance with Sch. 7 para. 16 of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2014 (c. 26), Sch. 7 para. 15(3)(a)

F28 Words in s. 266B(3) substituted (with effect in accordance with Sch. 7 para. 16 of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2014 (c. 26), Sch. 7 para. 15(3)(b)

F29 S. 266B(5) inserted (with effect in accordance with Sch. 7 para. 16 of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2014 (c. 26), Sch. 7 para. 15(4)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C25 S. 266B 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

Discharge of tax liability: good faith U.K.

267 Lifetime allowance charge U.K.

(1) This section applies where the scheme administrator of a registered pension scheme is liable to the lifetime allowance charge in respect of a benefit crystallisation event.

(2) The scheme administrator may apply to the Inland Revenue for the discharge of the scheme administrator’s liability to the lifetime allowance charge in respect of the benefit crystallisation event on the ground mentioned in subsection (3).

(3) The ground is that—

(a) the scheme administrator reasonably believed that there was no liability to the lifetime allowance charge in respect of the benefit crystallisation event, and

(b) in all the circumstances of the case, it would not be just and reasonable for the scheme administrator to be liable to the lifetime allowance charge in respect of the benefit crystallisation event.

(4) On receiving an application under subsection (2), the Inland Revenue must decide whether to discharge the scheme administrator’s liability to the lifetime allowance charge in respect of the benefit crystallisation event.

(5) The scheme administrator may apply to the Inland Revenue for the discharge of part of the scheme administrator’s liability to the lifetime allowance charge in respect of the benefit crystallisation event on the ground mentioned in subsection (6).

(6) The ground is that—

(a) the scheme administrator reasonably believed that the amount of the lifetime allowance charge in respect of the benefit crystallisation event was less than the actual amount, and

(b) in all the circumstances of the case, it would not be just and reasonable for the scheme administrator to be liable to an amount (“the excess amount”) equal to the difference between the amount which the scheme administrator believed to be the amount of the charge and the actual amount.

(7) On receiving an application under subsection (5), the Inland Revenue must decide whether to discharge the scheme administrator’s liability to the lifetime allowance charge in respect of the excess amount (or part of the excess amount).

(8) The discharge of the scheme administrator’s liability to the lifetime allowance charge (or to the excess amount or part of the excess amount) does not affect the liability of any other person to the lifetime allowance charge.

(9) The Inland Revenue must notify the scheme administrator of the decision on an application under this section.

(10) Regulations made by the Board of Inland Revenue may make provision supplementing this section; and the regulations may in particular make provision as to the time limits for the making of an application.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C26 S. 267 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

I14 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

268 Unauthorised payments surcharge and scheme sanction charge U.K.

(1) This section applies where—

(a) a person is liable to the unauthorised payments surcharge in respect of an unauthorised payment, or

(b) the scheme administrator of a registered pension scheme is liable to the scheme sanction charge in respect of a scheme chargeable payment.

(2) The person liable to the unauthorised payments surcharge may apply to the Inland Revenue for the discharge of the person’s liability to the unauthorised payments surcharge in respect of the unauthorised payment on the ground mentioned in subsection (3).

(3) The ground is that in all the circumstances of the case, it would be not be just and reasonable for the person to be liable to the unauthorised payments surcharge in respect of the payment.

(4) On receiving an application by a person under subsection (2) the Inland Revenue must decide whether to discharge the person’s liability to the unauthorised payments surcharge in respect of the payment.

(5) The scheme administrator may apply to the Inland Revenue for the discharge of the scheme administrator’s liability to the scheme sanction charge in respect of a scheme chargeable payment on the ground mentioned in subsection (6) or (7).

(6) In the case of a scheme chargeable payment which is treated as being an unauthorised member payment by section 172[F30 , 172A, 172B, F31 ... 172C or 172D F32 ...], the ground is that, in all the circumstances of the case, it would not be just and reasonable for the scheme administrator to be liable to the scheme sanction charge.

(7) In any other case, the ground is that—

(a) the scheme administrator reasonably believed that the unauthorised payment was not a scheme chargeable payment, and

(b) in all the circumstances of the case, it would not be just and reasonable for the scheme administrator to be liable to the scheme sanction charge in respect of the unauthorised payment.

[F33 (7A) Subsection (7) applies with the omission of its paragraph (a) if the scheme chargeable payment is a payment of a lump sum where the conditions in paragraph 1B(2)(a) to (g) of Schedule 29 are met.]

(8) On receiving an application under subsection (5), the Inland Revenue must decide whether to discharge the scheme administrator’s liability to the scheme sanction charge in respect of the unauthorised payment.

(9) The Inland Revenue must notify the applicant of the decision on an application under this section.

(10) Regulations made by the Board of Inland Revenue may make provision supplementing this section; and the regulations may in particular make provision as to the time limits for the making of an application.

Textual Amendments

F30 Words in s. 268(6) substituted (retrospective to 6.4.2007) by Finance Act 2007 (c. 11), Sch. 19 paras. 1729(7)

F31 Word in s. 268(6) omitted (with effect in accordance with Sch. 16 paras. 85, 103 of the amending Act) by virtue of Finance Act 2011 (c. 11), Sch. 16 para. 75(a)

F32 Words in s. 268(6) omitted (with effect in accordance with Sch. 16 para. 85 of the amending Act) by virtue of Finance Act 2011 (c. 11), Sch. 16 para. 75(b)

F33 S. 268(7A) inserted (19.3.2014) by Finance Act 2014 (c. 26), Sch. 5 paras. 12(3), 15

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C27 S. 268 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

I15 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

269 Appeal against decision on discharge of liability U.K.

(1) This section applies where the Inland Revenue—

(a) decides to refuse an application under [F34 section 237D (discharge of scheme administrator's liability to annual allowance charge),] section 267(2) (discharge of liability to lifetime allowance charge) or section 268 (discharge of liability to unauthorised payments surcharge or scheme sanction charge), or

(b) on an application under section 267(5), decides to refuse the application or to discharge the applicant’s liability to the lifetime allowance charge in respect of part only of the excess amount.

(2) The applicant may appeal against the decision.

F35 (3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F35 (4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(5) An appeal under this section against a decision must be brought within the period of 30 days beginning with the day on which the applicant was given notification of the decision.

(6) [F36 On an appeal under subsection (1)(a) that is notified to the tribunal, the tribunal] must consider whether the applicant’s liability to the lifetime allowance charge, unauthorised payments surcharge or scheme sanction charge ought to have been discharged.

(7) If [F37 the tribunal considers] that the applicant’s liability ought not to have been discharged, [F38 the tribunal must] dismiss the appeal.

(8) If [F37 the tribunal considers] that the applicant’s liability ought to have been discharged, [F38 the tribunal must] grant the application.

(9) [F39 On an appeal under subsection (1)(b) that is notified to the tribunal, the tribunal] must consider whether the applicant’s liability to the lifetime allowance charge ought to have been discharged in respect of the excess amount or a greater part of the excess amount.

(10) If [F40 the tribunal considers] that the applicant’s liability ought not to have been discharged in respect of the excess amount or a greater part of the excess amount, [F41 the tribunal must] dismiss the appeal.

(11) If [F40 the tribunal considers] that the applicant’s liability ought to have been discharged in respect of the excess amount or a greater part of the excess amount, [F41 the tribunal must] discharge the applicant’s liability in respect of the excess amount or that part of the excess amount.

Textual Amendments

F34 Words in s. 269(1)(a) inserted (with effect in accordance with Sch. 17 Pt. 2 of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2011 (c. 11), Sch. 17 para. 20

F35 S. 269(3)(4) omitted (1.4.2009) by virtue of The Transfer of Tribunal Functions and Revenue and Customs Appeals Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/56), art. 1(2), Sch. 1 para. 427(2)

F36 Words in s. 269(6) substituted (1.4.2009) by The Transfer of Tribunal Functions and Revenue and Customs Appeals Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/56), art. 1(2), Sch. 1 para. 427(3)

F37 Words in s. 269(7)(8) substituted (1.4.2009) by The Transfer of Tribunal Functions and Revenue and Customs Appeals Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/56), art. 1(2), Sch. 1 para. 427(4)(a)

F38 Words in s. 269(7)(8) substituted (1.4.2009) by The Transfer of Tribunal Functions and Revenue and Customs Appeals Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/56), art. 1(2), Sch. 1 para. 427(4)(b)

F39 Words in s. 269(9) substituted (1.4.2009) by The Transfer of Tribunal Functions and Revenue and Customs Appeals Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/56), art. 1(2), Sch. 1 para. 427(5)

F40 Words in s. 269(10)(11) substituted (1.4.2009) by The Transfer of Tribunal Functions and Revenue and Customs Appeals Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/56), art. 1(2), Sch. 1 para. 427(6)(a)

F41 Words in s. 269(10)(11) substituted (1.4.2009) by The Transfer of Tribunal Functions and Revenue and Customs Appeals Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/56), art. 1(2), Sch. 1 para. 427(6)(b)

Commencement Information

I16 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

Scheme administrator U.K.

270 Meaning of “scheme administrator” U.K.

(1) References in this Part to the scheme administrator, in relation to a pension scheme, are to the person who is, or persons who are, appointed in accordance with the rules of the pension scheme to be responsible for the discharge of the functions conferred or imposed on the scheme administrator of the pension scheme by and under this Part.

(2) But a person cannot be the person who is, or one of the persons who are, the scheme administrator of a pension scheme unless the person—

(a) is resident in the United Kingdom or another state which is a member State or a non-member EEA State, F42 ...

(b) has made the required declaration to the Inland Revenue[F43 , and

(c) has made to an officer of Revenue and Customs any other declarations which are reasonably required by Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs.]

(3) “The required declaration”is a declaration that the person—

(a) understands that the person will be responsible for discharging the functions conferred or imposed on the scheme administrator of the pension scheme by and under this Part, and

(b) intends to discharge those functions at all times, whether resident in the United Kingdom or another state which is a member State or a non-member EEA State.

(4) “Non-member EEA State” means a State which is a contracting party to the Agreement on the European Economic Area signed at Oporto on 2nd May 1992 (as adjusted by the Protocol signed at Brussels on 17th March 1993) but which is not a member State.

Textual Amendments

F42 Word in s. 270(2) omitted (with effect in accordance with Sch. 7 para. 9(2) of the amending Act) by virtue of Finance Act 2014 (c. 26), Sch. 7 para. 9(1)(a)

F43 S. 270(2)(c) and preceding word inserted (with effect in accordance with Sch. 7 para. 9(2) of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2014 (c. 26), Sch. 7 para. 9(1)(b)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C28 S. 270(2) applied (with modifications) (6.4.2006) by The Registered Pension Schemes (Splitting of Schemes) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/569), regs. 1(1), 3(4)

C29 S. 270(3) applied (with modifications) (6.4.2006) by The Registered Pension Schemes (Splitting of Schemes) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/569), regs. 1(1), 3(4)

Commencement Information

I17 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

271 Liability of scheme administrator U.K.

(1) Any liability of a person who is, or of any of the persons who are, the scheme administrator of a registered pension scheme ceases to be a liability of that person on the person ceasing to be, or to be one of the persons who is, the scheme administrator of the pension scheme.

This subsection does not apply to a liability to pay a penalty and is subject to subsection (4).

(2) Where a person becomes, or becomes one of the persons who is, the scheme administrator of a registered pension scheme, the person assumes any existing liabilities of the scheme administrator of the pension scheme, other than any liability to pay a penalty.

(3) Subsection (4) applies where, on the person who is or the persons who are the scheme administrator of a registered pension scheme ceasing to be the scheme administrator, there is no scheme administrator of the pension scheme.

(4) Any liability of the person or persons as scheme administrator remains a liability of that person or those persons as if still the scheme administrator (unless dead or having ceased to exist) until another person becomes, or other persons become, the scheme administrator of the pension scheme.

(5) But a person who retains, or persons who retain, any liability by virtue of subsection (4) may apply to the Inland Revenue to be released from the liability.

(6) On receipt of the application the Inland Revenue must decide whether or not to release the applicant or applicants from the liability and must notify the applicant, or each of the applicants, of the decision.

(7) If the decision is not to release the applicant or applicants from the liability the applicant or applicants may appeal against the decision.

F44 (8) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(9) The appeal must be brought within the period of 30 days beginning with the day on which the applicant was notified of the decision.

F45 (10) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(11) [F46 On an appeal that is notified to the tribunal, the tribunal] must consider whether the applicant or applicants ought to have been released from the liability.

(12) If [F47 the tribunal decides] that the applicant or applicants ought not to have been released from the liability, [F48 the tribunal must] dismiss the appeal.

(13) If [F49 the tribunal decides] that the applicant or applicants ought to have been released from the liability, the applicant is, or applicants are, to be treated as having been released from the liability (but subject to any further appeal F50 ...).

Textual Amendments

F44 S. 271(8) omitted (1.4.2009) by virtue of The Transfer of Tribunal Functions and Revenue and Customs Appeals Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/56), art. 1(2), Sch. 1 para. 428(2)

F45 S. 271(10) omitted (1.4.2009) by virtue of The Transfer of Tribunal Functions and Revenue and Customs Appeals Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/56), art. 1(2), Sch. 1 para. 428(2)

F46 Words in s. 271(11) substituted (1.4.2009) by The Transfer of Tribunal Functions and Revenue and Customs Appeals Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/56), art. 1(2), Sch. 1 para. 428(3)

F47 Words in s. 271(12) substituted (1.4.2009) by The Transfer of Tribunal Functions and Revenue and Customs Appeals Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/56), art. 1(2), Sch. 1 para. 428(4)(a)

F48 Words in s. 271(12) substituted (1.4.2009) by The Transfer of Tribunal Functions and Revenue and Customs Appeals Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/56), art. 1(2), Sch. 1 para. 428(4)(b)

F49 Words in s. 271(13) substituted (1.4.2009) by The Transfer of Tribunal Functions and Revenue and Customs Appeals Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/56), art. 1(2), Sch. 1 para. 428(5)(a)

F50 Words in s. 271(13) omitted (1.4.2009) by virtue of The Transfer of Tribunal Functions and Revenue and Customs Appeals Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/56), art. 1(2), Sch. 1 para. 428(5)(b)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C30 S. 271 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

I18 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

272 Trustees etc. liable as scheme administrator U.K.

(1) This section applies in relation to a registered pension scheme if—

(a) there is no scheme administrator of the pension scheme and no-one who remains subject to the liabilities of the scheme administrator by virtue of section 271(4) (continuation of liability where no scheme administrator),

(b) the person who is, or all the persons who are, the scheme administrator of the pension scheme or remain so subject cannot be traced, or

(c) the person who is, or all the persons who are, the scheme administrator of the pension scheme or remain so subject are in serious default.

(2) Any person who assumes liability by reason of this section applying in relation to the pension scheme—

(a) is liable to pay any tax (and any interest on tax) due from the scheme administrator of the pension scheme by virtue of this Part, and

(b) is responsible for the discharge of all other obligations imposed on the scheme administrator of the pension scheme by or under this Part.

(3) In subsection (2)—

(a) the references in paragraph (a) to tax, and interest on tax, include any that has become due before this section applied in relation to the pension scheme and remains unpaid, and

(b) the reference in paragraph (b) to obligations includes any that have become due before this section applied in relation to the pension scheme and remain unsatisfied, other than any liability to pay a penalty which has become due before this section so applied.

(4) The following heads specify the persons who assume liability by reason of this section applying in relation to the pension scheme [F51 or by reason of section 272C(7) applying in relation to a liability]; but if—

(a) a person assumes, or persons assume, liability by virtue of being specified under one head, and

(b) that person, or any of those persons, can be traced and is not in default,

no-one assumes liability by virtue of being specified under a later head.

Head 1

If there are one or more trustees of the pension scheme who are resident in the United Kingdom, that trustee or each of those trustees.

Head 2

If there are one or more persons who control the management of the pension scheme, that person or each of those persons.

Head 3

If alive or still in existence, the person, or any of the persons, who established the pension scheme and any person by whom that person, or any of those persons, has been directly or indirectly succeeded in relation to the provision of benefits under the pension scheme.

Head 4

If the pension scheme is an occupational pension scheme, any sponsoring employer.

Head 5

If there are one or more trustees of the pension scheme who are not resident in the United Kingdom, that trustee or each of those trustees.

(5) Where a person assumes liability by reason of this section applying in relation to the pension scheme, the Inland Revenue must, as soon as is reasonably practicable, notify the person of that fact; but failure to do so does not affect the person’s liability.

(6) For the purposes of this section a person is in default if the person—

(a) has failed to pay all or any of the tax (or interest on tax) due from the person by virtue of this Part, or

(b) has failed to discharge any other obligation imposed on the person by or under this Part,

and a person in default is in serious default if the Inland Revenue considers the failure to be of a serious nature.

Textual Amendments

F51 Words in s. 272(4) inserted (17.7.2014) by Finance Act 2014 (c. 26), Sch. 7 para. 18

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C31 S. 272 applied (with modifications) (6.4.2006) by The Registered Pension Schemes (Splitting of Schemes) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/569), regs. 1(1), 3(5)

C32 S. 272 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

C33 S. 272(4) modified (6.4.2006) by The Pension Protection Fund (Tax) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/575), regs. 1, 27(2)

Commencement Information

I19 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

[F52 272A Liabilities of independent trustee U.K.

(1) This section applies in relation to a person (“P”) who is an independent trustee of a registered pension scheme.

(2) For the purposes of this section and section 272B an “independent trustee” is a trustee of a pension scheme—

(a) who is appointed by, or otherwise pursuant to, an order made—

(i) by the Pensions Regulator under section 7 of the Pensions Act 1995 or Article 7 of the Pensions (Northern Ireland) Order 1995 (appointment of trustees by the Pensions Regulator), or

(ii) by a court on an application made by the Pensions Regulator, and

(b) who is not a trustee of the pension scheme at any time before—

(i) the day on which the trustee's appointment as mentioned in paragraph (a) takes effect, or

(ii) if the trustee is appointed as mentioned in paragraph (a) on more than one occasion, the day on which the first appointment takes effect.

(3) In this section “the relevant day” means—

(a) the day on which P's appointment as trustee of the pension scheme as mentioned in subsection (2)(a) takes effect, or

(b) if P is appointed as trustee of the pension scheme as mentioned in subsection (2)(a) on more than one occasion, the day on which P's first appointment takes effect.

(4) If P is, or is one of the persons who are, the scheme administrator, P does not assume any liability falling within subsection (7) which P would otherwise assume (including by reason of section 272C(3) or (4)).

(5) Subsection (4) does not apply if P is, or is one of the persons who are, the scheme administrator at any time before the relevant day.

(6) In relation to any liability falling within subsection (7), in section 272(4) references to trustees or to persons who control the management of the pension scheme do not include P.

(7) The liabilities falling within this subsection are—

(a) liabilities for the following in respect of payments made (or treated as having been made) by the pension scheme on or before the relevant day—

(i) the short service refund lump sum charge;

(ii) the serious ill-health lump sum charge;

(iii) the special lump sum death benefits charge;

(iv) the authorised surplus payments charge;

(v) the scheme sanction charge in respect of scheme chargeable payments falling within section 241(1)(a) or (b);

(b) liabilities for the lifetime allowance charge in respect of benefit crystallisation events occurring on or before the relevant day;

(c) liabilities for the scheme sanction charge in respect of scheme chargeable payments treated under section 185A or 185F as having been made by the pension scheme in tax years earlier than the one in which the relevant day falls;

(d) any liability for the scheme sanction charge in respect of the relevant fraction of any scheme chargeable payment treated under section 185A as having been made by the pension scheme in the tax year in which the relevant day falls;

(e) where the pension scheme is treated under section 185F as having made a scheme chargeable payment in the tax year in which the relevant day falls and there is a relevant net gain, any liability for the scheme sanction charge in respect of the relevant amount;

(f) any liability to pay interest in respect of a liability mentioned in paragraphs (a) to (e) arising at any time.

(8) For the purposes of subsection (7)(d) “the relevant fraction” is—

where—

A is the number of days in the tax year up to (and including) the relevant day, and

B is the number of days in the tax year.

(9) For the purposes of subsection (7)(e)—

(a) there is a “relevant net gain” if—

(i) the total amount of any gains treated under section 185F as accruing in the tax year on or before the relevant day, exceeds

(ii) the total amount of any losses treated under section 185F as so accruing, and

(b) “the relevant amount” is—

(i) the scheme chargeable payment, or

(ii) if that payment is greater than the excess of gains over losses mentioned in paragraph (a), the amount of that excess.

(10) Subsection (11) applies if—

(a) apart from that subsection, losses in relation to which section 185G(10) applies would be included in the total amount mentioned in subsection (9)(a)(ii), and

(b) the losses exceed the gains—

(i) which are included in the total amount mentioned in subsection (9)(a)(i), and

(ii) from which the losses can be deducted in accordance with section 185G(10).

(11) The losses are not to be included in the total amount mentioned in subsection (9)(a)(ii) so far as they exceed the gains.

Textual Amendments

F52 Ss. 272A-272C inserted (with effect in accordance with Sch. 7 para. 22 of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2014 (c. 26), Sch. 7 para. 19

272B Liabilities of scheme administrator appointed by independent trustee etc U.K.

(1) This section applies in relation to a person (“Q”) who is, or is one of the persons who are, the scheme administrator of a registered pension scheme where Q's appointment as such takes effect at a time when the pension scheme has one or more independent trustees.

(2) Q does not assume any liability falling within section 272A(7) which Q would otherwise assume.

(3) In relation to any liability falling within section 272A(7), in section 272(4) references to persons who control the management of the pension scheme do not include Q.

(4) Subsections (2) and (3) do not apply if Q is, or is one of the persons who are, the scheme administrator at any time before the relevant day.

(5) In this section, and in section 272A as it applies for the purposes of this section, “the relevant day” means the first day on which the pension scheme has an independent trustee (whether or not there are days between that day and the day on which Q's appointment takes effect on which the pension scheme has no independent trustees).

Textual Amendments

F52 Ss. 272A-272C inserted (with effect in accordance with Sch. 7 para. 22 of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2014 (c. 26), Sch. 7 para. 19

272C Former scheme administrator etc to retain liability U.K.

(1) This section applies in relation to a liability which, by reason of section 272A(4), is not assumed by P (in which case “the relevant day” is to be read in accordance with section 272A(3)).

(2) This section also applies in relation to a liability which, by reason of section 272B(2), is not assumed by Q (in which case “the relevant day” is to be read in accordance with section 272B(5)).

(3) The liability is to be retained or assumed by the person who is, or the persons who are, the scheme administrator immediately before the relevant day (unless dead or having ceased to exist).

(4) If there is no scheme administrator immediately before the relevant day, the liability is to be retained or assumed by the person who was, or the persons who were, the scheme administrator when there last was a scheme administrator before the relevant day (unless dead or having ceased to exist).

(5) Nothing in section 271 prevents a person from having (and continuing to have) the liability by reason of subsection (3) or (4).

(6) Subsection (7) applies if—

(a) no-one has the liability by reason of subsection (3) or (4),

(b) no-one who has the liability by reason of subsection (3) or (4) can be traced, or

(c) the person who has, or all the persons who have, the liability by reason of subsection (3) or (4) are in serious default (as determined in accordance with section 272(6)).

(7) The liability is to be assumed by the person or persons determined in accordance with section 272(4).

(8) Section 272(5) applies in relation to a person who assumes the liability by reason of subsection (7) as it applies in relation to a person who assumes a liability by reason of section 272.

(9) Nothing in this section prevents any person from being subject to the liability apart from this section (in addition to any person who is subject to the liability by reason of this section), and in particular the liability continues to be a liability of the scheme administrator for the purposes of section 271(2).

(10) If a person assumes the liability under section 271(2) at a time after P or Q's appointment as, or as one of the persons who are, the scheme administrator has ceased, the person who has, or the persons who have, the liability by reason of subsection (3) or (4) is, or are, released from the liability.

(11) A person who has, or persons who have, the liability by reason of subsection (3) or (4) may apply to an officer of Revenue and Customs to be released from the liability.

(12) Section 271(6) to (13) applies in relation to an application under subsection (11) as it applies in relation to an application under section 271(5).]

Textual Amendments

F52 Ss. 272A-272C inserted (with effect in accordance with Sch. 7 para. 22 of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2014 (c. 26), Sch. 7 para. 19

273 Members liable as scheme administrator U.K.

(1) This section applies in relation to a registered pension scheme if—

(a) a person has, or persons have, assumed liability by reason of section 272 (trustees etc.) applying in relation to the pension scheme,

(b) the person has, or the persons have, become liable to pay tax (or interest on tax) which became due by virtue of section 239 (scheme sanction charge) or section 242 (de-registration charge) before section 272 applied in relation to the pension scheme,

(c) that person, or each of those persons, has failed (in whole or in part) to satisfy the liability, and

(d) that person, or each of those persons, has either died or ceased to exist or is a person in whose case the Inland Revenue considers the person’s failure to satisfy the liability to be of a serious nature.

[F53 (1A) This section also applies in relation to a registered pension scheme if—

(a) a person has, or persons have, by reason of section 272C(7) assumed a liability to pay tax (or interest on tax) by virtue of section 239 (scheme sanction charge) in respect of the whole or a part of a scheme chargeable payment falling within section 241(1)(b) or (c) made (or treated as having been made) by the pension scheme,

(b) that person, or each of those persons, has failed (in whole or in part) to satisfy the liability, and

(c) that person, or each of those persons, has either died or ceased to exist or is a person in whose case an officer of Revenue and Customs considers the person's failure to satisfy the liability to be of a serious nature.]

(2) Any person who was a member of the pension scheme at any time during the relevant three-year period is liable to pay the appropriate share of the unpaid amount if—

(a) any of the conditions in subsection (5) is met, and

(b) the Inland Revenue notifies the person of the person’s liability to do so.

(3) “The relevant three-year period” is the period of three years ending with the date on which the liability to pay the tax arose.

(4) The “appropriate share of the unpaid amount”, in the case of a person, is—

where—

AA is an amount equal to aggregate of the amount of the sums and the market value of the assets held for the purposes of the pension scheme at the time when the liability to pay the tax arose,

AAP is an amount equal to so much of AA as is held for the purposes of such of the arrangements under the pension scheme as relate to the person or a person connected with the person, and

UT is so much of the tax (and any interest on it) as remains unpaid.

(5) The conditions referred to in subsection (2)(a) are—

(a) that the pension scheme F54 ... was not an occupational pension scheme,

(b) that at any time during the relevant three-year period the pension scheme received a transfer value in which there were represented relevant personal pension contributions made by or in respect of the person,

(c) that the pension scheme was an occupational pension scheme and at any time during the relevant three-year period the person was a controlling director of a company that was a sponsoring employer, and

(d) that at any time during the relevant three-year period the pension scheme received a transfer value in which there were represented relevant controlling director contributions made by or in respect of the person.

(6) A notification under subsection (2)(b) may be included in an assessment in respect of a liability under this section; and such an assessment made in relation to an amount is not out of time if made within the period of three years beginning with the date on which the person assessed first became liable to pay the amount.

(7) “Relevant personal pension contributions” means contributions under a pension scheme (whether or not the pension scheme from which the transfer value was received) which F55 ... was not an occupational pension scheme.

(8) “Relevant controlling director contributions” means contributions under an occupational pension scheme (whether or not the pension scheme from which the transfer value was received) made by reference to service (or remuneration in respect of service) as a controlling director of a company that was a sponsoring employer.

(9) A person is a “controlling director” of a company if the person is a director of the company and is within [F56 section 452(2)(b) of the Corporation Tax Act 2010] (director able to control 20% of ordinary share capital) in relation to the company.

(10) References to receipt of a transfer value by the pension scheme are to the transfer, so as to become held for the purposes of or to represent rights under the pension scheme, of any sums or assets held for the purposes of or representing accrued rights under any other pension scheme.

[F57 (11) For the purposes of this section whether a person is connected with another person is determined in accordance with section 993 of ITA 2007.]

Textual Amendments

F53 S. 273(1A) inserted (17.7.2014) by Finance Act 2014 (c. 26), Sch. 7 para. 20

F54 Words in s. 273(5)(a) repealed (retrospective to 6.4.2007) by Finance Act 2007 (c. 11), Sch. 20 paras. 4(a)24(1), Sch. 27 Pt. 3(2)

F55 Words in s. 273(7) repealed (retrospective to 6.4.2007) by Finance Act 2007 (c. 11), Sch. 20 paras. 4(b)24(1), Sch. 27 Pt. 3(2)

F56 Words in s. 273(9) substituted (with effect in accordance with s. 1184(1) of the amending Act) by Corporation Tax Act 2010 (c. 4), s. 1184(1), Sch. 1 para. 428 (with Sch. 2)

F57 S. 273(11) substituted (with effect in accordance with s. 1034(1) of the amending Act) by Income Tax Act 2007 (c. 3), s. 1034(1), Sch. 1 para. 478 (with Sch. 2)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C34 S. 273 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

C35 S. 273 excluded (6.4.2006) by The Pension Protection Fund (Tax) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/575), regs. 1, 28

C36 S. 273 applied (with modifications) (6.4.2006) by The Registered Pension Schemes (Splitting of Schemes) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/569), regs. 1(1), 3(6)

Commencement Information

I20 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

[F58 273ZA Income and gains from taxable property U.K.

(1) The Treasury may make regulations in relation to cases where—

(a) an investment-regulated pension scheme holds an interest in taxable property,

(b) the pension scheme is non-UK resident, and

(c) the property is not located in the United Kingdom.

(2) The regulations may make provision for a member of the pension scheme for the purposes of whose arrangement the interest is held to be liable to the scheme sanction charge so far as relating to a scheme chargeable payment treated as made by the pension scheme—

(a) under section 185A (income from taxable property) by virtue of the pension scheme holding the interest in the property, or

(b) under section 185F (gains from taxable property) by virtue of a gain treated as accruing to the pension scheme in respect of the interest in the property.

(3) The regulations may make provision—

(a) for the member to be liable to all of the scheme sanction charge arising by virtue of the scheme chargeable payment or to the charge to such extent as the regulations may provide,

(b) for the charge to be apportioned between members of the pension scheme where the interest in the property is held for the purposes of more than one arrangement under the pension scheme, and

(c) for the scheme administrator not to be liable to the scheme sanction charge or not to be liable to the charge to such extent as the regulations may provide.

(4) The regulations may make provision for cases where—

(a) a member of a pension scheme would otherwise be liable to the scheme sanction charge arising by virtue of a scheme chargeable payment treated as made by the pension scheme under section 185F in a tax year,

(b) the member does not meet such conditions as to residence in the tax year as the regulations may prescribe,

(c) the member meets those conditions in a subsequent tax year, and

(d) such other conditions as the regulations may prescribe are met.

(5) The regulations may make provision for the member—

(a) not to be liable to the scheme sanction charge in the tax year in which the scheme chargeable payment is treated as made, but

(b) to be liable in a subsequent tax year to such extent as the regulations may provide to the scheme sanction charge arising by virtue of the payment.

(6) The regulations may—

(a) amend this Part (apart from this section),

(b) include provision having effect in relation to times before they are made,

(c) contain transitional provisions and savings, and

(d) make different provision for different cases.

(7) For the purposes of this section a pension scheme is non-UK resident if it is established in a country or territory outside the United Kingdom.]

Textual Amendments

F58 S. 273ZA inserted (retrospective to 6.4.2006) by Finance Act 2006 (c. 25), s. 158(2), Sch. 21 para. 10

[F59 273A Insurance company liable as scheme administrator U.K.

(1) The Board of Inland Revenue may make regulations in relation to cases where an insurance company makes a payment of—

(a) a pension protection lump sum death benefit,

(b) an annuity protection lump sum death benefit, F60 ...

[F61 (c) a drawdown pension fund lump sum death benefit,] [F62 or

(d) a flexi-access drawdown fund lump sum death benefit,]

which (by virtue of section 161(3) and (4)) is treated for the purposes of Chapter 3 as made by a registered pension scheme.

(2) The regulations may provide that the insurance company—

(a) is to be treated as the scheme administrator for the purposes of the operation of section 206 in relation to the lump sum death benefit, and

(b) is responsible for the discharge of all obligations imposed on the scheme administrator by or under this Part so far as related to the liability imposed by that section to pay tax in respect of it.

(3) Where an insurance company is liable to pay any tax or interest, or is responsible for the discharge of any other obligation, by virtue of regulations under this section, no other person is liable to pay that tax, or responsible for the discharge of that obligation, under sections 270 to 273.]

Textual Amendments

F59 S. 273A inserted (6.4.2006) by Finance Act 2005 (c. 7), Sch. 10 paras. 49(1), 64(1)

F60 Word in s. 273A(1)(b) omitted (17.12.2014) by virtue of Taxation of Pensions Act 2014 (c. 30), Sch. 1 para. 17(a)

F61 S. 273A(1)(c) substituted (with effect in accordance with Sch. 16 paras. 85, 103 of the amending Act) by Finance Act 2011 (c. 11), Sch. 16 para. 76

F62 S. 273A(1)(d) and preceding word inserted (17.12.2014) by Taxation of Pensions Act 2014 (c. 30), Sch. 1 para. 17(b)

[F63 273B Power of trustees or managers to make certain payments U.K.

(1) Subsection (2) applies to a payment by a registered pension scheme to or in respect of a person who is or has been a member of the scheme if it is paid in respect of a money purchase arrangement and is—

(a) a payment of drawdown pension,

(b) paid to purchase a short-term annuity,

(c) a payment of dependants' drawdown pension,

(d) paid to purchase a dependants' short-term annuity,

(e) a payment of nominees' drawdown pension,

(f) paid to purchase a nominees' short-term annuity,

[F64 (fa) paid to purchase a nominees' annuity,

(fb) paid to purchase a successors' annuity,]

(g) a payment of successors' drawdown pension,

(h) paid to purchase a successors' short-term annuity,

(i) an uncrystallised funds pension lump sum,

(j) a flexi-access drawdown fund lump sum death benefit,

(k) a pension commencement lump sum where the person becomes entitled to it in connection with becoming entitled to income withdrawal (or where the person dies after becoming entitled to it but before becoming entitled to the income withdrawal in connection with which it was expected that the person would become entitled to the lump sum), or

(l) a trivial commutation lump sum death benefit where condition B in paragraph 20(1B) of Schedule 29 is met.

(2) The trustees or managers of the scheme may make the payment despite any provision of the rules of the scheme (however framed) prohibiting the making of the payment.]

Textual Amendments

F63 S. 273B inserted (17.12.2014) by Taxation of Pensions Act 2014 (c. 30), Sch. 1 para. 79

F64 S. 273B(1)(fa)(fb) inserted (26.3.2015) by Finance Act 2015 (c. 11), Sch. 4 para. 11

274 Supplementary U.K.

(1) The fact that any person is liable to pay any tax or interest, or is responsible for the discharge of any other obligation, under section 272 (trustees etc.)[F65 , section 272C(7)] or section 273 (members) does not relieve any other person of any liability to pay the tax or interest, or any obligation to discharge the obligation, arising—

(a) by reason of that other person being, or being one of the persons who is, the scheme administrator of the pension scheme, or

(b) under section 271(4) (continuation of liability where no scheme administrator)[F66 , section 272C(3) or (4)].

(2) Where a liability imposed on the scheme administrator of a registered pension scheme falls to be satisfied by two or more persons (whether or not they constitute the scheme administrator), they are jointly and severally liable.

(3) No liability to pay tax or interest, or other obligation, of any person in relation to a registered pension scheme arising—

(a) by reason of the person being, or being one of the persons who is, the scheme administrator of the pension scheme concerned, or

(b) under section 271(4), 272[F67 , 272C] or 273 [F68 or regulations under section 273A],

is affected by the termination of the pension scheme or by its ceasing to be a registered pension scheme.

Textual Amendments

F65 Word in s. 274(1) inserted (17.7.2014) by Finance Act 2014 (c. 26), Sch. 7 para. 21(2)(a)

F66 Words in s. 274(1)(b) inserted (17.7.2014) by Finance Act 2014 (c. 26), Sch. 7 para. 21(2)(b)

F67 Word in s. 274(3)(b) inserted (17.7.2014) by Finance Act 2014 (c. 26), Sch. 7 para. 21(3)

F68 Words in s. 274(3)(b) inserted (6.4.2006) by Finance Act 2005 (c. 7), Sch. 10 paras. 49(2), 64(1)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C37 S. 274 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

C38 S. 274(2) applied (with modifications) (6.4.2006) by The Registered Pension Schemes (Splitting of Schemes) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/569), regs. 1(1), 3(7)

Commencement Information

I21 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