Horizon Guernsey QROPS

A retirement savings plan for your UK Pension transfers

This plan is designed for Bailiwick residents who wish to transfer existing UK pension arrangements back to Guernsey. It lets them supplement their existing Guernsey pension savings through a cost-effective QROPS, consolidating both pension pots so that they can be managed locally.

Overview

Horizon QROPS is the perfect solution for Guernsey residents who are also in possession of a UK pension, and want to hold it alongside their Guernsey pension scheme. Because of its unique structure, this scheme is more in-line with the UK registered pension framework than our other Guernsey resident products

This plan is open to anyone between 18 and 75 years of age who is a Bailiwick of Guernsey resident, and plans to remain in the Bailiwick for at least 5 years after any pension transfer from the UK is arranged.

Flexibility

Horizon QROPS is only able to invest in standard asset classes, and must be managed by a professional investment manager. You can request that we provide an investment manager through the use of our sister company Gower Financial Services Limited or one of our many other professional relationships.

Retirement benefits may commence at any time between 55 and 75 years of age, and an initial lump sum of between 25% and 30% of your fund value is available on retirement. Once certain time frames have lapsed it may also be possible to seek flexible benefit drawdown from the plan. This allows greater flexibility when planning for retirement.

To apply for the Horizon Guernsey QROPS Pension Plan download the application or enquire online

Application Form

Enquire Online

Alternatively contact us by

+44(0)1481 700200

Email us

Horizon Guernsey QROPS FAQs

What type of pension fund can be transferred to a RATS?

Most Guernsey approved pensions can be transferred to one sort of RATS or another; but this will depend on the circumstances and requirements of the ceding (transferring) scheme. If you are wanting to transfer a UK registered pension you must check that the RATS is also a QROPS.

Who is eligible to join the a RATS?

RATS are open to anyone over 18 years of age and normally under the age of 75 years.

What is the maximum or minimum contribution I can make?

There is now no limit on the contribution amounts into a Guernsey retirement annuity trust scheme, though Guernsey Income Tax have set parameters with regard to the amount of contribution that will receive tax relief.

Contributions and allowances under the Guernsey Income Tax Law can be summarised as follows:

Section 157A & 150 schemes: Tax relief is currently available on member contributions into pension plans / RATS up to the lesser amount of £35,000.00 or 100% of a member’s taxable income per annum. The rules relating to this are published on the Guernsey Income Tax website at www.gov.gg.

How can benefits be taken?

While there is flexibility about how benefits are taken, the Trustees would look to ensure that benefits are drawn at a level to try and ensure income is provided throughout a member’s retirement. The Trustees try to ensure this by evaluating the level of income permitted every 3 years once you start to receive benefits. Investment performance and the level of benefits you take will effect the life span of the RATS.

For further information please refer to Payment of Benefits on particular pension offering.

At what age can benefits be taken from a pension?

This will normally be defined in the deed based around the parameters of the scheme's approval/acceptance/exemption.

Section 157A & 150: From age 50 (unless ill health would apply) and normally the latest being age 75 (or as the law may allow and as may be amended). Some Section 150 Corporate schemes may stipulate a later retirement age, perhaps in line with a contract of employment.
QROPS: From age 55 with no defined upper age in law, though from age 75 a benefit calculation must have taken place.
Section 40ee: There is discretion on the retirement age of the member which will normally be agreed on establishment but then that may be altered at a later date if agreed between the member and the Trustee.