
Pension Paperwork Overload? What IORPS II Really Means for Your Pension Retirement Options
What IORPS II Really Means for Your Pension Retirement Options
Read MoreLooking To Access Your Pension? You May Need Advice On How To:
Make sure you maximise your tax-free lump sum, and then choose whether an Annuity or an Approved Retirement Fund (ARF) is the best fit for you.

When accessing your pension you are entitled to a lump sum, and with the remainder of the fund you have to choose between an Annuity or an Approved Retirement Fund (ARF).
The tax-free lump sum entitlement can be calculated in one of 2 ways (depending on the type of pension you have). These are as follows:
In both cases, the tax-free lump sum is capped at €200,000. Any lump sum over €200,000 is taxed at 20%.
After getting your Tax Free Lump Sum, you will then have to choose what to do with the remainder of your pension fund.
An Approved Retirement Fund (ARF) is a personal retirement fund whereby after taking your tax-free lump sum from your pension, you can keep your money invested after retirement (in much the same way you had your pension invested). You can withdraw from it regularly to give yourself an income, on which you may pay income tax, PRSI, and Universal Social Charge (USC). You retain ownership of the ARF Fund.
An annuity is a financial product whereby after taking your tax-free lump sum from your pension fund you elect to allow the insurance provider to retain ownership of your remaining pension fund, and in return, they will give you a guaranteed income for the rest of your life, on which you may pay income tax and Universal Social Charge (USC).

Drawing down my Pension was a big financial decision and I was very happy I chose Guardian Wealth. Michael clearly explained my options to me and dealt with my insurance company to make sure it went smoothly. I now meet with Michael every year to make sure my retirement plans are on track. I have no hesitation in recommending Guardian Wealth.
I have been receiving advice from Jim Doyle in Guardian Wealth for 3 years. I was advised by a friend to use Guardian Wealth and so I contacted them when the time came to access my pension. Jim has been very good to me and has given me great advice over the years. He keeps in touch to give me updates on my pension and he is always available by phone if I have any questions. I am delighted that I am dealing with Guardian Wealth. They are a professional outfit and very straightforward to deal with.
ARF Ireland managed to achieve a good return on my ARF investments without me having to take too much risk. They continue to update me on the progress of my ARF and I now see them as a very important to my financial planning needs.
I had a number of pensions that I was ready to drawdown but I was very confused as to how I should do this, and what I needed to do. ARF Ireland took control of the process for me and dealt with my existing pension providers to get me my tax free lump sum from the pension, and also set up my ARF & AMRF.
ARF Ireland differentiated themselves from the competition early on. They listened to me and tailored a plan suited to my needs. By engaging with them I was able to build an ARF investment strategy that I feel comfortable with and also kept fees to a minimum. I have also found them to be very client focused and willing to go the extra mile for me.
Many thanks for all your help in making my drawdown so seamless. I have to say I thought you did an excellent job and I am lucky to have landed on your website when I first started looking for someone to help me on this.
As a conservative investors, ARF Ireland created an ARF investment portfolio for me that gives the potential for reasonable growth during periods of financial market highs but also protects me from periods of market turmoil…they have also always fulfilled their initial promise to me to review my ARF with me on a regular basis.
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.

Pension, Tax & Investment Specialist

Owner &
Director

Communications Manager

Financial
Advisor

Financial Administrator
Setting up an ARF doesn’t always stop you from making future pension contributions. You can’t add money to the ARF, but you may be able to make new contributions into a separate pension (such as a PRSA or Executive Pension), subject to normal age and income limits.
You control your ARF. The insurance company holds the fund, but you choose how much income to take, when to take it, and how the money is invested (with advice). You retain ownership and control.
Yes. You can transfer your ARF to another provider or financial broker at any stage. It’s a straightforward process and normally does not trigger any tax, as long as the funds remain in an ARF. However, in some cases, you may face “exit or penalty” charges; it is important to find this information out and ask the correct questions.

What IORPS II Really Means for Your Pension Retirement Options
Read More
ARF Ireland is now live at www.arfireland.ie. ARF Ireland is a plain‑English guide for individuals about to access…
Read More
How much can I withdraw from my ARF, and how is it taxed? An ARF is the term for…
Read More