If you are reading this, you are probably planning for your retirement and wondering about the reasons to invest in a SIPP (Self-Invested Personal Pension). 

If you’re considering this option, you are not alone: With predictions indicating that UK SIPP assets will likely surpass the £500 billion mark by July 2024 and reach an impressive £750 billion by 2028,¹ it’s not a stretch to say that investors are recognising the benefits of this pension product.

The team at EveryInvestor has diligently researched and fact-checked this guide to reasons to invest in a SIPP, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the information provided.

Let’s find out more.

What’s a SIPP?

SIPPs provide individuals with a self-directed pension strategy, enabling them to choose and manage investments according to their risk tolerance and financial objectives.

What Are the Main Benefits of Investing in a SIPP?

Investing in a Self-Invested Personal Pension (SIPP) yields numerous benefits, primarily offering a wider choice of investment options.

Unlike traditional pensions, where your money is typically invested in a limited range of funds, SIPPs allow you to invest in shares, bonds, cash, commercial property, and more.

We value this flexibility highly, as it enables us to better manage and diversify our pension pot according to our personal risk tolerance and investment preferences.

Another crucial benefit of a SIPP is the tax efficiency it offers. Every contribution we make to a SIPP receives tax relief at our highest rate of income tax.

This means that a significant portion of our investment is effectively ‘free money’ from the government, which can seriously boost our retirement savings.

The growth of investments within a SIPP is mostly free of tax, ensuring that more of our money is working for us. This level of tax efficiency makes SIPPs an excellent choice for savvy investors.

The advantages of investing in a SIPP include the level of investment flexibility and the ability a SIPP provides to consolidate different pensions.

Here’s an overview of the potential benefits:

• Investment flexibility and control
• Tax relief on contributions, growth, and withdrawal
• The option to consolidate pensions
• Cost-effectiveness
• Flexible withdrawal options
• Estate-planning options
• Accessibility to a large age group
• An option for the self-employed

Let’s take a look at each of these benefits in turn.

Should I Invest in a SIPP?

You may invest in a SIPP if you’re looking for a retirement savings option that offers tax relief on contributions and investment growth.

With a SIPP, you’ll also have the flexibility of choosing from a myriad of investment options, and you’ll have full control over your retirement funds, empowering you to tailor your portfolio according to your risk tolerance and financial goals. 

Keep in mind

Seeking advice from a qualified financial advisor could help ensure you settle on a suitable investment strategy that aligns with your circumstances and retirement objectives.

What is the Investment Flexibility & Control?

The investment flexibility and control of a SIPP allow you to shape your financial future through a wide range of investment options and active management, aimed at reaching your retirement goals.

Here are some aspects of this flexibility and control you may want to explore:

• Wide range of investment options: You can choose from a diverse array of assets, such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, commercial real estate, and more, so you can build a well-rounded and diversified portfolio suited to your risk tolerance and preferences.²
• Active management and decision-making: An active management and decision-making approach allows you to act responsively to changes in market trends or personal circumstances.
• Tailoring to individual needs and goals: You can tailor your portfolios in line with your specific needs and goals, such as retirement planning, education funding, or intergenerational wealth preservation.

What are the Tax Benefits & Relief?

When it comes to tax benefits and relief, contributing to a SIPP offers the significant advantages applicable to most UK pensions options. 

Tax Relief on Contributions

The UK government incentivises pension savings by providing tax relief on contributions. 

This means that basic rate taxpayers receive a 20% contribution from the government, while higher and additional rate taxpayers can claim back up to 40% and 45% respectively.³

Let’s look at three examples: 

• John’s a basic rate taxpayer who wants to contribute £1,000 to his pension. When he contributes to his SIPP, he receives 20% tax relief on his payments. That means he only has to contribute £800 to reach a £1,000 contribution, as the government will add the extra 20% (£200).
• Jane’s a higher rate taxpayer who wants to contribute £1,000 to her pension. She’s entitled to 40% tax relief on her contribution. She can claim back 20% of her contribution via her tax return, and the government adds an additional 20% to her pension pot. This means she only has to contribute £600 in order to reach her £1,000 target.
• Jack’s an additional rate taxpayer who wants to contribute £1,000 to his pension. He’s eligible for 45% tax relief on his contribution. Jack can claim back 20% via his tax return, and the government adds the remaining 25% to his pension pot. This means he’ll only actually contribute £550 to reach his £1,000 target.

Remember, your annual allowance for tax-free pension contributions is £60,000 or 100% of your annual earnings (whichever is the lower), and you can carry over any unused annual allowance from the previous three years.⁴

Tax-Efficient Growth

Within a SIPP, investments can grow in a tax-efficient environment. 

Any returns generated from the investments are generally exempt from income tax and Capital Gains Tax (CGT).⁵

This tax-free growth allows the investments to compound more effectively over time, potentially leading to a substantial nest egg.

Tax-Free Lump Sum at Retirement

Upon retirement, you’re entitled to a tax-free pension commencement lump sum (PCLS) of 25% of your total pension value, capped at a maximum of £268,275.⁶ 

Remember, you need to start accessing the other 75% of your pension funds (which you’ll pay tax on) within six months of taking the tax-free lump sum.⁷

How Do You Consolidate Pensions?

Consolidating pensions under a single umbrella such as a SIPP means you can keep track and adjust your pension funds as needed, as well as taking advantage of potentially lower charges. 

Why it’s essential to keep track of your pension funds

In 2022, the value of lost pension assets stood at £26,6 billion, a figure primarily attributed to pandemic-related job losses and auto-enrolment, where people left jobs with pension schemes that they may not have been aware of.⁸

This statistic illustrates why it’s critical to be on top of your finances, especially when it comes to your pension—consolidating your pensions could help you do this.

Here are some of the potential benefits of combining your existing pensions:

What is the Cost-Effectiveness?

When it comes to SIPPs, cost-effectiveness may help optimise your retirement savings.

Competitive Charges & Fees

SIPPs are known for their transparent fee structures and competitive charges when compared to the cost of maintaining multiple pensions,¹⁰ enabling you to keep expenses in check and potentially achieve higher returns on your pension investments if you consolidate your funds into a SIPP.

Economies of Scale

SIPPs have the potential to offer the advantage of economies of scale, as consolidated pension funds can lead to reduced costs, making them a cost-efficient option for managing and growing retirement savings.¹¹

For example:

• Hargreaves Lansdown has a tiered fee structure which starts with a platform fee of 0,45% for holding funds of up to £250,000, working down to 0,1% for funds over £1 million (and 0% on the portion of funds over the £2 million mark).¹² 
• AJ Bell charges 0,25% for holding funds up to £250,000 and 0% for funds worth more than £500,000.¹³

Please note that the fees quoted here were accurate on 07/08/2023 and don’t include dealing and transfer charges or other levies. 

Comparing Costs With Other Pension Options

By comparing the costs associated with SIPPs to those of other pension alternatives, you can make well-informed choices, taking into account charges, fees, and investment performance to ensure your pension plan aligns with your financial objectives.

What Are The Flexible Withdrawal Options?

The flexible withdrawal options associated with SIPPs include the freedom to choose how and when you withdraw money from your pension, offering various options like taking a tax-free lump sum, purchasing an annuity, or opting for flexible drawdown.

Here’s a quick look at the options:

• Tax-free lump sum: At 55 (rising to 57 by 2028), SIPP holders can withdraw up to 25% of their pension pot tax-free, providing an immediate cash boost.
• Flexible income drawdown: This allows retirees to leave their pension invested and withdraw funds as needed.¹⁴ Funds can still grow tax free, but there is a risk of running out of money if too much is withdrawn quickly.
• Annuity purchase: Annuities offer a guaranteed income for life or a set period.¹⁵ The income amount is fixed once purchased, providing financial certainty for retirees.

These options reflect the versatility of SIPPs, as they cater to different retirement needs and circumstances.

Remember, flexible withdrawals can be accessed from age 55 (57 from 2028) onwards, even if you haven’t retired.¹⁶ 

What are the Estate Planning Advantages?

SIPPs have several estate planning advantages, namely inheritance tax benefits, passing on wealth to beneficiaries, and allowing for nominated successor members for your plan.

Here’s a closer look at these benefits:

• If you die before 75, your entire SIPP can be inherited tax free.¹⁷ 
• Even if you die after 75, your beneficiaries will only pay income tax on withdrawals at their marginal rate.¹⁸ This allows beneficiaries to manage inherited funds aligned with their needs and objectives, potentially reducing the inheritance tax burden.
• Nominating successor scheme members ensures a continuation of SIPP benefits to chosen individuals.¹⁹ 

How Are SIPPs Designed for All Ages?

SIPPs are designed for all ages, which means younger investors can benefit from SIPPs’ long-term growth potential and investment flexibility, allowing them to build a substantial pension pot over time. 

On the other hand, older investors approaching retirement can take advantage of SIPPs’ diverse withdrawal options and tax efficiencies, making these products suitable for managing and accessing retirement income. 

Additionally, SIPPs offer a valuable consolidation tool for individuals of any age, enabling them to bring multiple pensions together into a single, easily manageable account.

What are the Advantages for the Self-Employed & Independent Contractors?

SIPPs provide a host of advantages tailored to the unique financial circumstances of self-employed people and independent contractors.

The potential benefits include:

• SIPPs offer an ideal pension solution for the self-employed and independent contractors because contributions don’t necessarily have to be regular. This means you can tailor your SIPP, perhaps by making irregular lump sum contributions according to the fluctuations in your income.²⁰
• The flexibility and tax benefits of a SIPP allow self-employed people and independent contractors to take advantage of the tax relief on contributions and investments that grow tax free, potentially leading to a more substantial retirement fund.

Are There Any Reasons Not to Invest in a SIPP?

Yes, there may be reasons not to invest in a SIPP.

While SIPPs offer numerous benefits, they may not be the best choice for everyone. 

Understanding the potential downsides and risks associated with SIPPs is crucial in making an informed decision about retirement savings.

These potential risks and downsides include:

• Complexity: SIPPs often require a good understanding of investments, and not everyone has the expertise or time.
• Higher fees: Compared to standard pensions, some types of SIPPs (like Full SIPPs) may have higher management and transaction fees.²¹
• Investment risk: There is a potential to lose money, especially if your investments underperform.
• Over-reliance: Putting all your retirement savings into a SIPP can lead to a lack of diversification.
• Limited protections: Unlike some pensions, SIPPs may not offer guarantees on returns or capital.²²
• Responsibility: The onus is on you to make decisions and manage the portfolio.
• Potentially high charges: Fees for certain investment choices, early withdrawals, or transfers can add up.
• Tax implications: Without proper planning, there could be unintended tax consequences.²³
• Lack of guaranteed income: Unlike defined benefit pensions, there is no set income in retirement.
• Regulation and provider risks: Not all SIPP providers or investments within them are regulated, leading to potential losses.

Before diving into a SIPP, it’s essential to weigh these considerations against the potential benefits, ideally with the guidance of a financial adviser.

Should I Choose an Alternative to SIPPs?

Whether you should choose an alternative to SIPPs will depend on your goals and personal circumstances, so you should spend some time comparing SIPPs to other pension options to determine the most suitable choice.

Here are some alternatives to consider:

• Workplace pensions: Automatically set up by employers, these pensions often come with employer contributions, boosting your retirement savings.²⁴ However, they may have limited investment choices compared to SIPPs, and individuals may have less control over their investments.
• Personal pensions: A straightforward pension plan, often with a limited range of investment options, ideal for those seeking simplicity.²⁵
• Group Personal Pensions (GPP): Offered by employers but managed by external pension providers, these allow for both employee and employer contributions.
• Additional Voluntary Contributions (AVCs): Extra savings you can add to your workplace pension to enhance your retirement pot.
• NHS Pension: A specific defined benefit scheme for NHS employees, offering guaranteed income in retirement based on salary and years of service.
• Stakeholder Pensions: Similar to personal pensions, but with capped charges and flexible contribution options.

Each alternative has its own benefits and considerations, and it’s vital to weigh them against your individual needs and long-term retirement goals.

Common Questions

In Conclusion

SIPPs have gained widespread appeal thanks to their inherent advantages, making them an attractive choice for retirement savings.

The investment flexibility and control offered by SIPPs allow you to tailor your pension portfolios according to your risk tolerance and financial goals, providing a more personalised approach to retirement planning. 

Furthermore, SIPPs provide tax advantages, with tax relief on contributions and tax-efficient growth, enabling your retirement savings to potentially grow faster in a tax-advantaged environment.

These are just some of the reasons to invest in a SIPP.