Pension Administration – It could be you

HMRC is urging employers and individuals who have set up their own pension scheme to check who their pension scheme administrator is, and make sure they are aware of their responsibilities.

If you have set up your own scheme – rather than just joined an existing scheme – using an insurance company, bank or other provider, in some cases they will not be the legal scheme administrator – it could be you.

All pension schemes must have at least one scheme administrator, and they have certain legal responsibilities, for example:

making returns of information to HMRC where required;
providing information to members; and
paying certain tax charges if they arise.

If you’re not sure who your scheme administrator is, HMRC suggests you contact your scheme provider directly in the first instance. If you still need help, visit the HMRC website at hmrc.gov.uk/pensionschemes. Finally, if that doesn’t answer your questions, contact HMRC’s Pensions Helpline on 0115 974 1600.

For further information on the role of the scheme administrator, HMRC has produced a short fact sheet available at hmrc.gov.uk/pensionschemes/scheme-administrator-facts.pdf

Julie Elsey, HMRC’s Head of Pension Schemes Services, said: “Even the smallest pension scheme must have a scheme administrator, and they need to be aware of their responsibilities. If you’re not sure who this is, find out now, to avoid any problems in the future.”