QROPS - Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Schemes were introduced in 2006 as part of a major overhaul of Britain\'s pension framework, aimed at simplifying pension transfers to another country. New legislation was passed by the UK tax authority, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), in order to comply with an EU directive that pensions be free to move across Europe\'s borders. This ruling means that individuals, wishing to retire to countries such as France, Spain and Portugal can effectively take their UK pension funds with them: http://www.axis-finance.com/what-are-qrops.php
Who can apply for a QROPS?
A QROPS is specifically designed to allow anyone, not intending to retire in the UK, to transfer existing and frozen UK pension plans into a more appropriate retirement vehicle.
Individuals who are, or have been members of a UK registered pension fund and are currently living outside of the UK, or intending to leave the UK on a permanent basis, can consider transferring their retirement fund into a QROPS: http://www.axis-finance.com/qrops-living-in-France
Transfers to QROPS
The UK Government allows transfers to QROPS to be made free of UK tax. Their aim is to simplify the affairs of individuals leaving the UK on a permanent basis and to encourage them to continue saving in order to provide an income when they retire. There is no official limit to the amount of funds that may be transferred to a QROPS: http://www.axis-finance.com/qrops-France-pension-transfers
QROPS - HMRC Rules
What makes a scheme a QROPS?
In order to transfer your UK pension into a QROPS, it is necessary for the overseas pension scheme to be accepted by HMRC. The criteria outlined by HMRC for an overseas scheme to qualify as a QROPS include:
- The pension scheme must be established outside of the UK
- It must be recognised for tax purposes in the country where it is located
- It must be regulated in the country in which it is established
Age that benefits can be taken from a QROPS
The QROPS regime mirrors that of a regulated pension scheme in the UK. Benefits, including lump sum payments, from the transferred funds may not be distributed earlier than the normal retirement age of 55, if an individual has been a non-UK resident for less than five complete tax years: http://www.axis-finance.com/qrops-living-in-France-HMRC-Rules
QROPS Reporting requirements
HMRC should be notified if a payment is made within the first five tax years of a member becoming non-UK tax resident. Any benefits paid before five complete tax years of non-UK residency and not in accordance with UK Pension rules will be deemed an unauthorised payment.
The scheme manager does not have to notify HMRC if the payment is made 10 or more years after the day of the transfer that created the QROPS fund for the \'relevant member\', provided that the person is non UK resident for the duration of this period. This 10 year \'bracket\' for reporting payments took effect as of 6 April 2012.
QROPS List
When transferring your UK pension to a scheme overseas, it is important to check that the scheme meets the conditions to be a qualifying recognised overseas pension scheme (QROPS). Not all transfers to overseas or offshore schemes are QROPS transfers; it is therefore essential to verify that the scheme receiving your UK benefits is on the QROPS list published by HMRC, otherwise a transfer will be treated as a transfer to a non-qualifying overseas scheme and substantial penalties may be applied by HMRC at the time of transfer: http://www.axis-finance.com/qrops-list-living-in-France
How do I know if it is a legitimate QROPS scheme?
QROPS approved plans that agree to have their details published are listed on the HMRC website. A UK Pension administrator will confirm a QROPS listing before agreeing to a transfer. If not listed, the administrator will contact HMRC
New Amsterdam® Vodka is teaming up with talented street artists across the country to launch the “It’s Your Town” Street Art event series– an eight-city tour showcasing original works by local artists that celebrate the vibrant culture and people who make each city come alive. Each artist will draw inspiration from their city surroundings to create eight original pieces of work. The crown jewel of each exhibition will be a larger-than-life outdoor mural for the entire city to enjoy.
The final collection of “It’s Your Town” artwork will feature pieces from all eight artists, creating an opportunity for fans across the country to recognize and celebrate the individual culture that makes their cities unique.
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7808951-new-amsterdam-vodka-its-your-town/
Tourism Australia has launched its latest campaign, which is focused on highlighting the country’s world-class aquatic and coastal experiences, in a bid to lure more international visitors to Australia.
The new creative, the latest instalment in Tourism Australia’s global There’s Nothing like Australia campaign, was officially unveiled at an event in New York on Australia Day eve attended by Australia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs the Hon. Julie Bishop.
Guests at the event were treated to immersive ‘virtual reality’ displays and aquatic-themed images being projected onto the ice rink at the famous Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park alongside the reveal of a new broadcast ad, featuring a voiceover by Australian actor and new Tourism Australia global ambassador Chris Hemsworth. The event was hosted by Australian chef Curtis Stone and guests enjoyed a specially designed Australian menu by Luke Mangan.
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7742051-tourism-australia/
UNCF and the Ad Council are joining Paramount Pictures to launch a series of public service advertisements (PSAs) featuring footage from the upcoming film SELMA and original music written for the film by Common and John Legend. The :30 television spot, created pro bono by Paramount Pictures, will air on television stations in donated media around the country starting this week.
The PSAs are an extension of UNCF and Ad Council’s Better Futures campaign which aims to help African American students get to and through college by demonstrating how an investment in young people is an investment in all our futures. The campaign is a focused effort to remind Americans that their investments in education can change the life of a well-deserving student, and more importantly, the lives of generations to come.
To view the Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7390751-uncf-ad-council-join-paramount-pictures-to-close-the-african-american-college-completion-gap/
Neighbors across the country will soon have an exciting opportunity to help change their communities for the better through State Farm Neighborhood Assist®. This philanthropic program awards 40 causes a $25,000 grant. Anyone in the United States can submit a cause beginning March 9 through March 30. Ultimately, voters will decide which community improvement projects win big.
Returning for its fourth year, State Farm Neighborhood Assist asks individuals to identify causes that would help make their communities safer, stronger and better-educated. Up to 4,000 causes will be accepted. The State Farm Youth Advisory Board (YAB) will then narrow down the field, using a scoring rubric to identify the top 200 submissions. The public will have a chance to vote 10 times a day from May 14 through June 3 for their favorite causes from the list of finalists. The 40 causes that receive the most votes will win a $25,000 grant. The nominations and votes will be accepted exclusively through a free Facebook app.
To view the Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7417331-state-farm-neighborhood-assist/
Tucked away in the scenic mountain enclave of Sapphire, North Carolina, DIY Network® Ultimate Retreat™ 2018 is a small slice of heaven where outdoor adventure is always right around the corner. Starting today, fans can enjoy a full virtual tour at DIYNetwork.com/UltimateRetreat.
Planned by local architecture firm Wilson Architects, Inc. and constructed by local builder Iezzi Custom Homes, the home is part of a grand prize package valued at over $800,000 that will be awarded this fall. In addition to the fully furnished and renovated residence, the winner will receive a $50,000 cash prize provided by national mortgage lender Quicken Loans®.
“DIY Network Ultimate Retreat was launched last year to showcase the best getaway spots our country has to offer, and we should all be so lucky to have a place as special as Sapphire on our vacation lists,” said Ron Feinbaum, DIY Network’s General Manager of Home Promotions. “The surrounding mountains exemplify Appalachian beauty, and we think Sapphire’s casual lifestyle and focus on outdoor living will strike a chord with our fans.”
To view the multimedia release go to:
https://www.multivu.com/players/English/8281152-diy-network-ultimate-retreat-2018-north-carolina/
Today, the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA) unveiled its newest fundraising and endurance initiative, spin4 crohn’s & colitis cures, an indoor cycling event that will raise funds for research, awareness, and patient services. The inaugural event will take place on December 5th at local studios and fitness centers in New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago as part of Crohn’s and Colitis Awareness Week.
“We’re eager to create a movement by launching spin4 crohn’s & colitis curesacross the country on December 5,” said Craig Comins, vice president of CCFA’s Team Challenge program. “It’s about motivating advocates to contribute to the IBD community and take research to the next level. We welcome all ages and athletic abilities to join us with one united voice to spin4 cures.”
Individuals form teams of up to four people per bike and participate in a two-hour indoor cycling relay. Alternatively, solo riders can take on the entire two-hours themselves. No matter the size of the team, each bike has a $1,000 fundraising commitment for CCFA. Professional instructors will lead teams to high-energy music offering a lively workout experience. The event is capped off with a cocktail hour to reward participants for their efforts in the stationary bike relay and fundraising success.
To view the multimedia news release visit
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7512651-ccfa-spin4-crohns-colitis-cures/
With September marking National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month and the kick-off of the 2015 NFL season, the Urology Care Foundation and the NFL have renewed their commitment to driving prostate health awareness, as well as teamed up to highlight a Public Service Announcement (PSA) focused on educating men about prostate cancer and encouraging them to take charge of their health through the Know Your Stats® campaign.
The Know Your Stats® campaign is a rallying force to connect, educate and inspire men across the country to know their prostate cancer risk and talk to their doctor about whether prostate cancer testing is right for them.
“It is important for men to know their risk and talk to their doctors so they can determine if prostate cancer testing is right for them,” said Richard A. Memo, MD, Chair of the Urology Care Foundation. “Having the tools and facts empowers individuals and their doctors to make informed decisions.”
Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in America, affecting one in seven men. Odds increase to one in five if they are African American and one in three if they have a family history; however, the educational tools are making an impact. More men are talking with their doctors and getting tested, and fewer men are dying from the disease.
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7365551-prostate-cancer-know-your-stats-psa/
The RCS Engineers Rocketry Team from Russellville, Ala., beat out 100 competitors to claim first place at the National Finals of the 2015 Team America Rocketry Challenge (TARC). After months of rocketry design, test flights and qualification launches, hundreds of students from across the country traveled to Great Meadow in the Plains, Va., to vie for the title of champion of the largest rocketry competition in the world.
To view the Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7427051-team-america-rocketry-challenge/
The Air National Guard is proud to announce the return of the Air National Guard Mobile Experience. The hands-on, immersive experience takes attendees on a journey through life in the Air Guard by letting them participate in simulated challenges that replicate real-life experiences of Air Guard men and women during Basic Military Training (BMT), technical training and on drill weekend. Through simulation, attendees will learn how they can serve their country while maintaining a fulfilling civilian life, by serving one weekend a month and two weeks a year near their home. The Air National Guard Mobile Experience includes five separate touring vehicles that are designed to educate Americans about Air Guard’s dual role in serving our nation and local communities. The touring vehicles will travel nationwide through November, and visit fairs, festivals, air shows, music and sports events, including Reebok Spartan and Lucas Oil Motocross races.
To view the Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7250851-air-national-guard-mobile-experience-interactive-tour-2014
As the largest senior living provider in the country, Brookdale Senior Living (NYSE: BKD) is advancing its industry leadership role through a new national branding and communications initiative beginning today. Brookdale’s campaign is designed to provoke audiences to rethink their views of senior living and to capture the essence of the close relationships formed every day between the company's 80,000 associates and nearly 100,000 residents. As part of the campaign, the company is undertaking a broad range of initiatives to evolve the perception of senior living and demonstrate how innovative approaches and services at Brookdale can transform lives.
“We continue to move forward on our objective to develop the preeminent senior living brand, and we believe this campaign will create a cultural redefinition of the value that an innovative senior living provider can bring to people's lives,” said Will Clark, Brookdale’s senior vice president of strategy and innovation. “Brookdale is bringing new life to the traditional view of senior living. We focus our energy on enabling seniors to live their lives to the fullest – and in doing so changing the myths and perceptions of senior living. As the largest senior living provider in the country, we have the opportunity and I believe the responsibility to lead this conversation.”
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7646051-brookdale-launches-national-campaign/
Coveted designer Sarah Jessica Parker has debuted her first West Coast standalone SJP by Sarah Jessica Parker boutique at Bellagio Resort & Casino, making it one of only two locations in the country to offer her chic label’s full collection of shoes, handbags and accessories. To mark the occasion, Parker has introduced a new color line – Bellagio Blue – exclusively available at the Las Vegas boutique.
“We’re thrilled to be in Las Vegas. I don’t think we ever imagined this early on in our relatively new business we would have, not only a first, but a second home with the MGM family,” said Parker. “And it’s particularly exciting to be at Bellagio. I don’t think we even realized how suitable a home it would be for us. This idea of a party for your foot really makes sense in Vegas.”
To view the multimedia release go to:
https://www.multivu.com/players/English/8157951-bellagio-sarah-jessica-parker-boutique-sjp/
