When it comes to retirement, your pension pot is your golden goose. It’s what you’ve toiled for all those years, and now it’s time to reap the benefits. But like any golden goose, you’ve got to be smart about how you use it, especially when it comes to withdrawing tax-free cash. Interactive Investor published a guide on making the most of your pension without giving the taxman more than you need to.
What’s The Deal With Tax-Free Pension Cash?
Once you hit 55 (which will bump up to 57 come 2028) you can grab a quarter of your pension pot tax-free. That’s right, 25% of your hard-earned savings can go straight into your pocket with no tax strings attached. This is known as the pension commencement lump sum (PCLS).
Now, the cap on this tax-free withdrawal is £268,275, which is a quarter of the current lifetime allowance. But if you’ve been savvy and protected your allowance, you might be able to take out even more without the tax bite.
For those in a defined benefit (DB) scheme, things can get a bit trickier, so you’ll want to speak to your scheme provider.
How to Take Your Tax-Free Cash
You’ve got options here. You could take the whole 25% in one go, or spread it out over time with what the pension experts call an ‘uncrystallised funds pension lump sum’ (UFPLS). This means every time you withdraw, 25% is tax-free, and the rest gets taxed at your current income tax rate.
Or maybe you’re eyeing up a swanky new kitchen and need £20,000. If your pension pot is a whopping £500,000, you could shift £80,000 into a drawdown, take £20,000 tax-free for your kitchen, and decide what to do with the rest later.
What Do People Usually Do With Their Lump Sums?
Turns out, most folks (39% according to a survey) park their cash in bank or savings accounts. It’s a safe play, but with the stock market often outperforming cash savings over the long haul, it’s worth asking if this is the best move. Plus, don’t forget, if your interest ticks over £1,000, the taxman comes knocking.
How Should You Handle Your Lump Sum?
Here’s a quick checklist for when that lump sum is burning a hole in your pocket:
- Clear Debts, Buy Necessities: Squash those debts first. Credit cards, loans, mortgages – get them out of the way. Need something big, like a car? Now could be the perfect time to buy.
- Stash Some Cash: It’s wise to have a cash buffer, especially if you’re investing elsewhere. A good rule of thumb is having enough cash to cover two to three years of expenses.
- Invest Wisely: Leaving it all in the bank might be easy, but it’s not always smart, especially if inflation is chipping away at your savings. Consider investing in a Stocks and Shares ISA for tax-free growth or income.
- Splash or Gift: If you’re comfy and your pension’s more cream than necessary, why not treat yourself or help out the family? Just be mindful of inheritance tax rules if you’re gifting.
Other Key Considerations
- Mind the Money Purchase Annual Allowance (MPAA): Taking a lump sum can reduce how much you can contribute to your pension yearly from £60,000 to £10,000 if you’re not careful.
- Inheritance Tax (IHT) Impacts: Your pension is usually out of reach of IHT, but this changes if you pass away after 75. Any withdrawals your heirs make are taxed according to their income tax rate.
Drawing from your pension pot is a major decision, and it’s not just about the tax-free cash. It’s about making your retirement as comfortable and as worry-free as possible. So, consider your options, think about the future, and maybe chat with an independent financial advisor to make sure you’re making the most of your retirement savings. After all, you’ve earned it!