Many of us depend on our pension for our future security and financial well-being. After our homes, a pension is likely to be our largest single amount of invested capital. As the population as a whole is living longer and has more elaborate plans for retirement than ever before, ensuring you achieve the right level of income in retirement is vital.

SIPPs are an ideal way for individuals to control their own pension investments. The flexibility and investment choice provided by these schemes has made them an increasingly popular choice among advisers and their clients.

What is a SIPP?
A SIPP is a tax-efficient wrapper in which you can select your own investments from a wide variety of options. Rather than investing in one of a limited range of funds, you can spread your money across a whole range of different types of investments of your choice. The types of investments you are able to invest in will be subject to both Her Majesty's Revenue & Customs (HMRC) and any limits set by the SIPP policy.

Benefits of a SIPP
The main benefits of a SIPP are:

Control
You are in control of your pension investments at all times. Depending on your personal objectives and needs, you can change or add new investments whenever you like. Please be aware, however, that it may take longer to realise the value of some assets than others.

Tax efficiency
SIPPs offer the same tax benefits as other personal pension plans. Personal contributions into a SIPP receive Income Tax relief, and the investments within a SIPP are able to grow free of Capital Gains Tax. In some circumstances the value of the fund can be passed on to your beneficiaries free from Inheritance Tax, provided no benefits have been drawn. Please be aware there may be changes to tax rules in the future, and any benefit will depend on your individual circumstances.

Diversification
By having a range of different investments you can spread your risk, rather than holding 'all your eggs in one basket'.

Flexibility
You can invest in a wide range of investments permitted by HM Revenue & Customs*. This includes any number of approved funds, whether they are part of the Jupiter range or not.

Transparent charges
The SIPP wrapper is separate from the contents and as such, has distinct, often fixed charges.

Consolidation
Today we accumulate a number of pensions over our working life. Transferring all your pension arrangements into a SIPP means that you can have one company carrying out your pension administration, reducing reporting and paperwork.

Choice on retirement
A SIPP allows you to choose from the full range of options at retirement, from purchasing an annuity to taking a managed income withdrawal from your fund.

Value
If you choose to invest in any of the Jupiter Unit Trusts, you will benefit from a substantial discount on initial charges.

Administration
Jupiter has special arrangements with a number of SIPP providers who administer reporting, valuation and reclaiming of tax. This administration is carried out by teams of experienced and dedicated specialists, who are on hand to deal with any of your enquiries and carry out your instructions.

Jupiter Pension Investment Management Service
Clients that have SIPPs valued at £250,000 and over may apply for the Jupiter Pension Investment Management Service. This service is for individuals who want their pension fund assets managed in a diversified and actively supervised portfolio suited to their circumstances and requirements, with the emphasis on performance. For more details about this service please download the brochure below, alternatively if you would like to speak to someone please contact Jamie Fergusson (Tel: 020 7314 7483).

Downloads:
 Jupiter Personal Pension Investment Service Brochure

Links:
 HM Revenue & Customs

*HM Revenue & Customs rules will govern what investments can be held, and on occasions, age restrictions may apply. There may also be some limits set by the SIPP policy.

Please note that Jupiter is not responsible for the content of any external websites. Past performance should not be seen a guide to future performance. The value of investments and the income from them may fall as well as rise.

Before applying for a SIPP it is likely you will be asked to see a financial adviser. If you do not currently have a financial adviser and would like to speak to one, IFA Promotion can provide you with details of advisers in your area and can be reached on 0800 085 3250.