Introduction to Pensions
With so many Pension options on the market today, it can be frustrating trying to choose the right option for you. We can help you through this vital life decision. Whether you are starting your first pension, wish to top-up your current pension or transferring an existing pension plan, we have many options available to choose from.
Personal Pensions
Self Employed Pensions
Aimed towards the Self-employed or company directors, or a person whose employer does not offer a pension. Our Personal Pensions gives you important tax breaks.
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Employee Pensions
A PRSA (Personal Retirement Savings Account) is personally owned. It lets you save for retirement on your own terms. It includes fully flexible contributions & tax relief.
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Transfer Your Pensions
Transfer your pension to avail of reduced fees & charges, better plan options, additional flexibility and higher tax-free cash amounts, or if simply changing your job.
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Considering Retirement Soon?
Annuities, ARF, AMRF, PRSA & Your tax free lump sum explained.
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Top-up Your Pension
You can Top-up your Pension using Additional Voluntary Contributions. These are extra contributions you can make in addition to your existing pension.
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Unlocking Your Pension Early
Learn how to unlock your Pension early by transferring your Defined Benefit Pension to a Personal Retirement Bond.
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Early Retirement & Ill Health
Your current health may make it impossible for you to continue working. Learn how you can obtain early retirement.
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Review Your Current Pension
Our Financial Advisors will ensure your current Pension is on track to meet your retirement goals.
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Reduce your Income Tax Bill with a Pension
Tax relief reduces the actual cost of your pension. You do not have to pay tax on money that you put into a personal pension (This falls within the limits set out below). This is calculated at the highest rate of tax you pay (Currently 20% / 40%)
Example 1:
Monthly contribution = €100
Tax Relief (40%) = €40
Cost to you = €60
Example 2:
An employee who is aged 42 and earns €40,000pa
can get tax relief on annual pension contributions up to €10,000.
There are no limits on the total amount you can pay into your pension, but tax relief is only available on the percentage amounts of your income and age outlined below.Â
Age during the year
Percentage of earnings
Under 30
15%
30 to 39
20%
40 to 49
25%
50 to 54
30%
55 to 59
35%
60 +
40%
*Data according to Aviva & Zurich Pensions Dec 2019. Percentages shown are of earnings up to €115,000. If you’re a professional athlete, your limit will be 30% of earnings. These figures are subject to change in the future.
Your Questions Answered
Most frequently asked questions and answers
An pension plan is a longterm investment savings plan that helps you put something aside for your retirement. A pension plan enables you to pay regular tax-friendly installments or move one-off lump sums into a fund available to you on retirement. The amounts saved into your pension are called ‘contributions’
We’re living longer than previous generations. Upon retirement, on average we will have 20-30 years of retirement. A pension plan will make sure you’re financially sound for these years. Whether you wish to travel, retire to the country, or spend time with your children & grandchildren.
As soon as possible. The money that you pay into your pension grows over time. It’s quite simply Time x Money. The sooner you start paying in; the more money will be available to you upon retirement.
The amount you will receive per month entirely depends on how much you’re willing to pay per month, the length of time you’ve been making contributions, the type of pension plan and its investment return. You can also choose to receive a lump sum upon retirement or not.
As of today, the State Contributory Pension is about €240 per week. For most people, during their 20-30 years of retirement, this simply isn’t enough. When you pay into a pension plan, you will receive both the state pension (If available to you) and your Pension Plan.
Tax relief reduces the actual cost of your pension. You do not have to pay tax on money that you put into a personal pension (This falls within the limits set out below). This is calculated at the highest rate of tax you pay (Currently 20% / 40%)
Example:
Monthly contribution = €100
Tax Relief (40%) = €40
Cost to you = €60
If you have to retire because of medical reasons and you get Revenue approval, you can receive your benefits from your Pension immediately.
If you unfortunately pass away before you retire, your Pension will be paid to your estate.
Pension Calculator
Our Irish Pension Calculator can help you properly plan for retirement and will show you how much you need to put away for later in life.
We also provide a Pension Inheritance Tax Calculator, which will calculate what your pension contribution will cost after tax relief.
Letter of Authority Scanner
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Complete Zurich LOA
If your current Pension is with Zurich and haven’t received or signed a Letter of Authority yet – Securely sign online now using Docusign.Â
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Not sure what Pension Product suits your needs?
You can call our Pension Advice Team for free. Someone is always available to take your call and discuss all your options. Or you can schedule a call-back for a time that suits you best.