| What
is QROPS? Any
transfer of UK benefits to an overseas scheme is only
permitted if the transfer is going to a scheme that
has been registered with HM Revenue & Customs, in
the UK, ie.. a QROPS Scheme.
Transfer
to non QROPS will result in a 40% to 55% tax charge
on the transfer from your UK fund.
In
addition to registration the scheme needs to meet specific
reporting requirements for a period of 5 years after
you leave residency in the UK.
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Super Plus can establish a new SMSF or register your existing
SMSF to meet the QROPS requirements.
- We
charge a fee of $200 + GST to register a SMSF as a QROPS
- Ongoing
we charge a nominal $10 + GST per month in addition to our
standard fee for the additional administration requirements
(up to 5 years maximum from date of leaving the UK, eg..
if you left 3 years ago, then $10 + GST per month for only
2 years).
To
ensure the ongoing requirements are met, Super Plus would
need to provide the administration service to the SMSF. Given
our experience and quality service we’re the best administrator
for your SMSF in any event.
Experience where it Matters
You
don’t want just anyone providing this service, you want
experience! That’s why we have a former UK licensed
adviser employed by Super Plus and are able to provide both
Financial Advisers and Trustees the support they need.
Seek Specialist advice
If
you are uncertain about how or if to transfer your UK benefits,
SEEK FINANCIAL ADVICE FROM A QUALIFIED ADVISER, the advice
should also consider (if applicable) in what circumstances
it may be better not to transfer.
How
is a transfer treated in Australia – General guide only
This area is complex and specialist advice should be sought
before making any decision, as you may be giving up significant
benefits in your UK scheme.
Australian
treatment on transfer
The value at date of residence in Australia is treated as
a Non-Concessional Contribution and not taxed in the Australian
Super Fund when received.
The
increase in value between the date of residence and the date
the funds are transferred to Australia is tax free if transferred
within 6 months of residence. After 6 months the increase
in value is taxed at a rate of 15% within the Australian fund.
Limits
on amount received in Australia.
Any transfer into an Australian fund will be required to have
a value less than the Australian contribution limits for Non-Concessional
Contributions. Amounts over this limit will be subject to
a penalty rate of tax and therefore consideration should be
given to a staged transfer strategy over a period of years
in such circumstances. There is no cap on the Concessional
Contribution part (growth portion) when it applies to an overseas
super transfer.
Restriction
Once in Australia
There will be the normal superannuation restrictions on benefits
within Australia. As the transfer has come from the UK, there
will also be a restriction on the on transfer to another scheme.
In the period of 5 years after leaving UK residency, benefits
can only be transferred to another QROPS. If a transfer occurs
to a non QROPS scheme inside this period there is penalty
tax of 40% and the existing fund will lose it QROPS status.
Any transfer within this period is required to be reported
to the HMRC.
Residence
Residence for the purposes of the overseas transfer is treated
as tax residence, so generally the date of arrival to take
up permanent residence. This may be different from actual
immigration residence as someone may be on a temporary visa
before becoming a permanent resident, which may occur sometime
later. A transfer before becoming a permanent resident may
not be prudent due to restrictions on transferring super out
of Australia. Specialist advice should be sought regarding
this issue.
Act
in Advance
As there is only a 6 month window to transfer to Australia
tax free, clients need to consider the options early. UK residents
can speed up this process by requesting a Cash Equivalent
Transfer Value (CETV) from their current scheme(s) the day
they depart the UK (have it posted to you in Australia via
airmail or posted to a reliable UK friend that can quickly
forward it to you). UK schemes must provide a CETV once a
year free of charge, additional CETV’s may result in
a fee.
More
Help
Need
more Help : Contact us
Find
a UK Adviser www.thepfs.org
Find
an Australian Adviser www.fpa.asn.au
British
Overseas Pensioner Association www.britishpensions.org.au
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