Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer my UK pension to the US or Canada, and as a US resident add it to an IRA or 401K?

No. The United States IRS and Revenue authorities in Canada will not permit it.

The UK Inland Revenue permit transfers overseas under very strict conditions. However such transfers must be acceptable to the tax authorities of the new jurisdiction. The US IRS will only allow foreign pension plans to be transferred to the US that have been approved by the IRS and meet the requirements of the IRS code.

No UK pension plans which are based on UK pension legislation have been approved by the IRS. Generally the terms of a UK pension are more generous than a US pension plan.

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