The Pensions Regulator

Exemptions FAQsExchange

Exemptions FAQs

Our scheme is wound up. Do we need to complete the scheme return?

Our scheme is a group personal pension(GPP). Do we need to complete the scheme return?

Our scheme is a defined contribution earmarked scheme. Do we need to complete the scheme return?

Our scheme is winding up. Do we still have to complete the scheme return?

Our scheme is currently in the Pension Protection Fund (PPF) assessment period. Do we need to complete the scheme return?

We have an executive pension plan (EPP). Do we need to complete the scheme return?

We have a wholly insured defined contribution scheme. Do we need to complete the scheme return?

We have an additional voluntary contribution (AVC) arrangement scheme. Do we still need to complete the scheme return?

Our scheme is a small occupational scheme (SROPS), also known as a small self-administered pension scheme (SSAS). Do we need to complete the scheme return?

My scheme has fewer than 12 members. Do I have to complete the scheme return?

Our scheme has a levy waiver. Do we still have to complete the scheme return?

We have an old code scheme. Do we still have to complete the scheme return?

We have a non-approved scheme. Do we still have to complete the scheme return?

Do we have to complete the scheme return if our scheme is contracted in?

Do we have to complete the scheme return if our scheme is contracted out?

What about schemes based in the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man?

We have a split registered scheme. Do we still need to complete a scheme return?

We have a cross-border scheme. Do we need to complete a scheme return?

We have a public service scheme. Do we need to complete a scheme return?

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Our scheme is wound up. Do we need to complete the scheme return?

If your scheme is fully wound up and all assets and liabilities have been dispersed from the scheme, you do not need to complete the scheme return. If you have received a scheme return notice, please register at https://exchange.thepensionsregulator.gov.uk/, log on and associate your scheme. You'll then have the opportunity to tell us that your scheme has wound up.

Our scheme is a group personal pension(GPP). Do we need to complete the scheme return?

The provider of your personal pension or group personal pension will complete the scheme return for the scheme that you are a part of. If you've received a scheme return notice, please register at https://exchange.thepensionsregulator.gov.uk/, log on and associate your scheme. You'll then have the opportunity to tell us that your scheme is not an occupational pension scheme.

Our scheme is a defined contribution earmarked scheme. Do we need to complete the scheme return?

Yes. Defined contribution earmarked schemes do need to complete the scheme return.

There is only one member in the scheme. Do we need to complete the scheme return?

Single member schemes do not need to register with the Pensions Regulator and  do not therefore need to complete a scheme return. If you have received a scheme return notice, please register at https://exchange.thepensionsregulator.gov.uk/, log on and associate your scheme. You'll then have the opportunity to tell us that your scheme has only one member.

We have a self invested personal pension plan (SIPP). Do we need to complete the scheme return?

No, SIPPs do not need to complete the scheme return. If you have received a scheme return notice, please register at https://exchange.thepensionsregulator.gov.uk/, log on and associate your scheme. You'll then have the opportunity to tell us that your scheme is not an occupational pension scheme.

Our scheme is set up under a letter of exchange. Do we need to complete the scheme return?

No, you do not need to complete the scheme return. These are schemes which are set up by a 'letter' instead of a 'trust deed'. They generally apply to single member schemes, which do not need to complete the return. If you consider your scheme to be set up under a letter of exchange and there is more than one member in your scheme, please contact a customer adviser on 0870 6063636 selecting option 2.

Our scheme is winding up. Do we still have to complete the scheme return?

It is expected that most schemes that are winding up should still be able to complete the scheme return. If you're having difficulties completing your return, please contact a customer adviser immediately on 0870 6063636 selecting option 2 or email us at schemereturns@thepensionsregulator.gov.uk to discuss the situation. We'll then assess the issues on a case-by-case basis.

Our scheme is currently in the Pension Protection Fund (PPF) assessment period. Do we need to complete the scheme return?

Schemes still need to complete the scheme return during the PPF assessment period. Any schemes having difficulty should contact a customer adviser on 0870 6063636 selecting option 2 or email us at schemereturns@thepensionsregulator.gov.uk

We have an executive pension plan (EPP). Do we need to complete the scheme return?

Yes, executive pension plans do need to complete the scheme return.

We have a wholly insured defined contribution scheme. Do we need to complete the scheme return?

Yes, wholly insured defined contribution schemes do need to complete the scheme return if they are trust-based in nature.

However, if a scheme is contract-based or is a group personal pension plan, it may be exempt from the scheme return process. Take a look at the FAQ on group personal pensions for information on what to do.

We have an additional voluntary contribution (AVC) arrangement scheme. Do we still need to complete the scheme return?

Yes, you still need to complete the scheme return, but only for the main scheme.

However, you do not need to complete the scheme return for the AVC scheme.If you have received a scheme return notice for an AVC, please contact a customer adviser on 0870 6063636 selecting option 2 or email us at schemereturns@thepensionsregulator.gov.uk

Our scheme is a small occupational scheme (SROPS), also known as a small self-administered pension scheme (SSAS). Do we need to complete the scheme return?

Yes, you do need to complete the scheme return.

We understand, however, that some SROPS, due to their nature and structure, are exempt from providing information in certain instances. If you believe that scheme is exempt from completing a scheme return, please contact a customer adviser on 0870 6063636 selecting option 2 or email us at schemereturns@thepensionsregulator.gov.uk

My scheme has fewer than 12 members. Do I have to complete the scheme return?

Yes, you do need to complete the scheme return.

The Pensions Regulator needs to gain up-to-date information on all registered occupational pension schemes. We rely on schemes updating and amending their information.

Our scheme has a levy waiver. Do we still have to complete the scheme return?

Yes, you do still need to complete the scheme return. A levy waiver is only granted by application in respect of the Pensions Regulator general levy. It's not considered an exemption from completing the scheme return.

We have an old code scheme. Do we still have to complete the scheme return?

Old code schemes are schemes which were established and then approved under the Inland Revenue pre Finance Act 1970. Old code schemes do still need to complete a return unless the scheme is fully wound up. If the scheme is fully wound up you don't need to complete the scheme return. Please register at https://exchange.thepensionsregulator.gov.uk/, log on and associate your scheme. You'll then have the opportunity to tell us that your scheme has wound up.

We have a non-approved scheme. Do we still have to complete the scheme return?

Non-approved schemes are schemes which were established before they were required to register with the Inland Revenue as stated in the Finance Act 2004. Please ensure that you register your occupational pension scheme in the first instance with HMRC (Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs). You'll then need to register your scheme with the Pensions Regulator and complete a scheme return. To do this please complete a PR1 form on our website.

Do we have to complete the scheme return if our scheme is contracted in?

Yes, contracted in schemes do need to complete a scheme return.

Do we have to complete the scheme return if our scheme is contracted out?

Yes, contracted out schemes do need to complete a scheme return.

What about schemes based in the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man?

Schemes whose main administration is in one of the Channel Islands or in the Isle of Man do not need to complete the scheme return as they are not covered by UK legislation.

If your scheme is based in the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man, please contact a customer adviser on 0870 6063636 selecting option 2 or email us at schemereturns@thepensionsregulator.gov.uk

We have a split registered scheme. Do we still need to complete a scheme return?

'Split' registered schemes are those schemes which are split-approved with regard to the scheme's UK members before 6 April 2006. Split-approved schemes became split-registered schemes automatically under schedule 36 of the Finance Act 2004, and are treated for tax purposes as two separate schemes, the UK section constituting a registerable scheme.

No new 'split' schemes will be registered. If you consider your scheme to be 'split-registered', please contact a customer adviser on 0870 6063636 selecting option 2 or email us at schemereturns@thepensionsregulator.gov.uk. We'll then review the scheme's circumstances and consider whether it needs  to complete a scheme return.

We have a cross-border scheme. Do we need to complete a scheme return?

You'll find more about cross-border schemes in the regulatory guidance section of our website. We suggest that you review this guidance. If you consider your scheme to be a cross-border scheme and it's not yet registered, please contact a customer adviser on 0870 6063636 option 2 or email us at schemereturns@thepensionsregulator.gov.uk

We have a public service scheme. Do we need to complete a scheme return?

A public service scheme is for employees of central and local government, the nature of which is defined by statute. These schemes are local authority and civil service based schemes. Public service schemes are not required to fill out the scheme return at this time. We'll let you know when it's your turn to complete a scheme return.