Jul 02 2008
Overseas Pensions and Offshore Accounts
Access the global market in privacy and security. Expand your options and achieve more from your pension and finances. With the expansion of the global market and individuals desire to escape taxes, offshore markets are now accessible and easy. Many governments are allowing the inevitable, and lifting restrictions that have previously prevented many from reaching their potential benefits.
For example, In April 2006 it was announced that British expatriates with a UK pension scheme who now lives overseas as an expatriate, or is planning to leave the UK can now transfer their existing pension provisions into a QROPS (Qualifying Recognized Overseas Pensions Scheme). The financial benefits can be huge if professional managed and planned in advance. By doing so, you can be sure to expect higher investment growth, more flexibility, and future financial security by starting now. Additional benefits include not having to purchase annuity, ability to take a large amount transfer, and un-spent pensions can be transferred to beneficiaries.
With any financial advice it is recommended you work with qualified professionals, and the following is available for insight and review
Getting Past The Government and Its Acronyms
For some reason governments like to use acronymn and complex terms. This is where a professional would come in, but here are the basics. Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) permit UK pension rights to be transferred to a Qualifying Recongnised Overseas Pension Scheme (QROPS). The QROPS must act as if it were a UK based scheme for QROPS who have been residents in the UK at any time in the previous 5 years.
Qualifying Recognized Overseas Pension Schemes
In an effort to protect the tax revenues of the UK by taxing income from annuities, taking residual value on death, and stopping pensioners spending all of their money; UK Pensions are notorious for being tied up in many layers of restrictions and regulations.
However, citizens overseas can bypass with an HMRC approved QROPS while endulging in the numerous other advantages of living abroad.
Benefits and Costs of QROPS:
- No need to EVER purchase an annuity or pay UK tax charge upon death.
- Leave ALL unused pension funds to your beneficiaries free of tax at source.
- Much greater investment freedom.
- Tax free lump sum, even if you have already taken 25% from your pension.
- Onshore / offshore funds, highest fixed deposit rates, total diversification.
- Take income from your pension in a much more tax efficient way.
- Take income and benefits in currency of your choice.
- Protection against possible future creditors. (Dependent on QROPS jurisdiction).
- Greater confidentiality.
Off Shore Accounts
Although, it is usually labeled as lucrative or mafia-like, off shore accounts are an actual option for many. Individuals, companies, conglomerates and even governments often need to move money around the world and off shore accounts are essential essential to facilitate this transaction.
Legal Issues About Off Shore Accounts
When discussing about offshore bank accounts it is important to start out by saying that if you are an American citizen, it IS NOT ILLEGAL to open an offshore account. There are conditions that can make this illegal, and again is where a professional can help consult on this and prevent you from facing criminal charges.
Risks of Off Shore Accounts
Banking in the United States may give you the impression of being secure by the government, but there are definitely no guarantees with offshore bank accounts. Also, with more people researching the off shore market, scammers and mis-information is rampant. This can all be reduced if you use a qualified professional, regardless of your nationality, when exploring your potential with offshore accounts.
Your Pension - Your Money
The benefits of being in control of your pension fund are immense for those living abroad! Not only can you benefit from being able to invest into a more diversified range of asset classes, but you can also take tax free benefits if structured correctly. Remember it is YOUR pension fund & YOUR money as you have worked for it!
