On 24 September 2026, HMRC published their Pension Schemes Newsletter which updates pension scheme administrators on the latest news for pension schemes.
Therefore, this is not always of direct relevance to bookkeepers, however, ICB covers the topics for your information:
- The first section concerns pension schemes that are wound up. This is, simply, a pension scheme that is closed and no longer active. For administrators, this part of the Newsletter highlights the pension scheme return obligation that may still exist;
- The Newsletter explains that the Uk Government will legislate to simplify the taxation of certain lump sum death benefits (when paid more than the lump sum and death benefit allowance, currently £1,073,100);
- As HMRC have reported, the pension schemes online service closes in April 2027 and administrators must migrate open schemes to the managing pension schemes service by 31 December 2026. However, if the scheme needs to be wound up (and not migrated), administrators must follow the guidance in the April 2026 Newsletter; and
- There is a reminder that Relief at Source (RAS) pension schemes should have submitted their annual return of information by 05 July 2026 (for tax year 2025/26). However, some are still outstanding and interim claims for relief in tax year 2026/27 will not be processed. The message to administrators, therefore, is to submit 2025/26 returns in the correct format
For Bookkeepers
The September 2026 Newsletter is certainly targeted at pension scheme administrators and there is no information that is important for processing pension schemes such as the collection of contributions. ICB’s coverage if, therefore, for information only, ensuring we continue to cover this monthly publication.