Understanding your Options

Pension Access Options Explained

Got Questions?

Helping You Clearly Understand The Long-Term Implications Of Accessing Your Pension

If you’re approaching retirement and thinking about accessing your pension, it’s important to understand your options clearly. The decisions you make now can have a long-term impact on your future finances. When accessing your pension, you will need to:

Understanding Your Pension Access Options

When the time comes to access your pension, it’s important to understand the choices available so you can make the best decision for your retirement. Key questions to consider include:
How can you maximise your Tax-Free Lump Sum?

What level of income will your pension provide each week or month?

How long is this income likely to last?

What happens to your pension benefits when you pass away?

What income tax will apply to your pension withdrawals?

You may have already received correspondence from your pension provider asking you to confirm how much Tax-Free Cash you want to take, and whether you prefer an Annuity or an Approved Retirement Fund (ARF). These decisions are important and can have a long-term impact on your financial security.

Terms such as Tax-Free Cash, Annuity, and Approved Retirement Fund (ARF) can be confusing, but they are terms we deal with every day. We understand what these options truly mean for you and your family. We can explain your options clearly and concisely, so that you make the right decision from the start.

About To Access Your Pension

When you access your pension, you can take a tax-free lump sum calculated either as 25% of your fund value or, in some cases, up to 1.5 times your final salary.

You then choose what to do with the rest of your pension:

Approved Retirement Fund (ARF)

Keep your money invested and withdraw income as needed. You pay income tax on withdrawals, and you keep ownership of the fund.

Annuity

You hand over the remaining funds to an insurance company in return for a guaranteed income for life, also taxable.

Before you decide, make sure you have a handle on the long-term impact of each option, as the right choice depends on your own personal circumstances, click here for information on what happens when you access your pension.

Remember your tax-free lump sum is limited to €200,000 with any amount over €200,000 taxed at 20%),

Why Choose
ARF Ireland?

Best consulting wordpress theme

01.

Expertise & Experience

Over 20 years of experience assisting individuals to draw down their pensions across Ireland.

02.

Pension Problem Solving

Daily solving of complex revenue pension problems for our clients who are business owners or PAYE individuals with large sums in their pensions.

03.

Non-Biased & Personalised Advice

We compare the whole market and tailor recommendations based on your financial goals, age, and tax situation.

04.

Regulated Advisors

ARF Ireland is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.

05.

Clear, Simple Explanations

No jargon, just straightforward guidance on how your ARF works, how withdrawals are taxed, and how long your fund is likely to last.

06.

Tax-Efficient Withdrawal Planning

We help structure your income for maximum tax efficiency.

07.

Ongoing Support

Regular communication, pension reviews, and tax advice to help you adapt to the ongoing changing Revenue rules for pension funds.

08.

Investment Strategy Built For Retirement

We design a suitable ARF investment plan balancing growth, risk control, and your long-term income needs.

Good To Know

The value of your Approved Retirement Fund (ARF) or Vested PRSA may fall as well as rise.
Past performance is not a reliable guide to future performance of your funds.
There is no guarantee that the accumulated retirement fund will provide any specific level of retirement income.
Our trusted experts

Our Team Members

We know that planning to access your pension is a very important, if not one of the most important, and personal decisions you’ll ever make. We’re passionate about keeping our approach clear and concise and giving our clients the support and guidance they need when it comes to Pension Access and Tax Advice. 

Michael Coburn

Pension, Tax & Investment Specialist

Jim
Doyle

Owner &
Director

Joanne Fenelon

Communications Manager

Kelly
Keane

Financial
Advisor

Evan Rowan

Financial Administrator

Things We Get Asked

Questions and Answers

Yes, it will always make sense to take your tax-free lump sum when setting up an ARF.

Yes, you can hold multiple ARFs with different insurance companies or consolidate them into one. Many people consolidate to get lower fees or for simpler management and less paperwork. You will need advice from an advisor like us to ensure the existing pension structure allows you to do this.

The minimum amount to set up an ARF will vary.  Your adviser will be able to let you know, depending on which insurance company you are investing with.

news

Latest Articles

Would you like A simple, obligation-free call to understand your options clearly?

Talk to an ARF Specialist today