screwge84

Thanks very much Andy.

They're good points you raise. I just feel like if I go back to Australia then sorting out pension/super would be easier if it was all held locally and I'd be less likely to forget my UK pension later down the track. After reading your post I think I'll keep topping up my pension in the UK and keep an eye on the pension transfer scheme over the coming years. I do hope they change it soon.

Luke

That's ok Luke, no if over age 55 pensions can be transferred to an Australian QROPS without a UK tax charge, the 55% applies to anyone any age transferring to a non QROPS.

 

It is unlikely that any UK scheme would transfer to a non QROPS for members under age 55 (no public offer QROPS exist for under 55s in Australia) as they would also be hit with a scheme sanction charge.

 

Regarding be better off sending it to Oz, not necessarily, you are likely receiving some tax incentive for paying into your pension, taking that money an paying into an Australia super fund is not going to be tax efficient.

 

There is also the exchange rate to consider, GBP is very weak v AuDollar at the moment.

 

Your comment about it being safe here, I would not class the UK pension system as being unsafe!

 

 

HTH

 

Regards

 

Andy

Appreciate your response, Andy.

I was under the impression it may be possible but I'd take a 55% hit when transferring but assuming this might be the case for over 55s.

I think I'd be better off taking my benefit in a smaller cash amount and sending it back to my Australian Super so at least I know it's safe.

Thanks,

Luke

Hi Luke

 

Yes unfortunately it is not possible to transfer a UK pension directly to a public offer Australian Super Fund for a person who is under age 55.

 

Once over age 55 it is currently possible however given your age it is likely that there will be many legislative changes in between this time.

 

Regards

 

Andy

Hi Andy,

Appreciate the advice you've been providing so far.

I'm quite confused (and concerned) about the whole process of transferring a UK pension to Australia and hope you can simplify it for a financial simpleton like me.

I'm originally Australian and started working in London at the beginning of 2015. I contribute extra money into my UK pension (as part of my employer benefit scheme) and my employer matches this too. I'm 32 and thought I was being responsible by doing this instead of taking cash bonuses and have accrued about £10k in my UK pension to date. I'm planning to emigrate back to Oz in about 18 months and had the intention of transferring my UK pension to my Australian super (BT). Am I correct in thinking that this is no longer possible?

I also thought there was only one private super provider that was exempt but there appears to be a substantial list on the HMRC site (surprisingly BT isn't on there): https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/list-of-qualifying-recognised-overseas-pension-schemes-qrops/list-of-recognised-overseas-pension-schemes-notifications#australia

My employer benefits scheme is up for renewal so I'm considering taking the cash bonus and manually putting it into my Australian super. It's

Help! What should I do??

Luke