SSAS Pension Calculator

A Small Self-Administered Scheme (SSAS) is an employer-sponsored occupational pension scheme with up to 11 members, typically directors and senior employees of a company. The members are also trustees, giving them direct control over investment decisions.

Both offer similar tax reliefs, but a SSAS: (1) is employer-sponsored with members as trustees, (2) can lend money back to the sponsoring employer (loanback — up to 50% of fund at commercial rates), (3) can hold employer shares (up to 5%), and (4) allows pooled investment across all members.

A SSAS can lend up to 50% of its total fund value to the sponsoring employer at a minimum commercial interest rate. The loan must be secured by a first charge on assets and repaid within 5 years. This provides the company with a source of finance while the pension earns interest.

Yes. A SSAS (like a SIPP) can hold commercial property — offices, factories, retail premises, etc. — with no income tax on rental income and no CGT on eventual sale within the scheme. The property can then be rented back to the sponsoring employer at a commercial rent.

The same annual allowance applies as for other registered pension schemes: £60,000 (2026-27) per member, or 100% of UK earnings if lower. Employer contributions benefit from corporation tax relief. Unused allowance from previous 3 years can be carried forward.

SSAS is typically suited to owner-managed businesses with 2-11 directors/shareholders who want pension investment control, loanback facility, commercial property ownership, or the ability to invest in employer company shares. The additional trustee responsibilities mean it suits motivated, engaged pension investors.

SSAS typically costs more than a SIPP due to scheme establishment (£1,000-£3,000), annual administration by a pensioneer trustee (£1,500-£5,000/year), and investment transaction costs. These must be weighed against the tax and investment flexibility benefits.

As with all registered pension schemes: up to 25% of the fund can be taken as a tax-free lump sum (subject to the Lump Sum Allowance of £268,275). The remainder is drawn as taxable income (drawdown or annuity), taxed at income tax rates.