Retirement income and ARF drawdown advice
Moving from saving to spending your pension is one of the biggest financial decisions you will make. We help you choose between an ARF and an annuity, manage ARF drawdown, withdrawals and tax, and plan around the Standard Fund Threshold (SFT), so your fund can provide a sustainable income.
Free first call, fees explained upfront.
Authorised by the Central Bank of Ireland.
From building your fund to living on it
You’ve spent decades building your retirement fund. Now the focus shifts, and we help you choose the path that suits your lifestyle.
Approved Retirement Fund (ARF)
Keep your money invested and stay in control while drawing an income.
- Flexibility: adjust your income as your needs change
- Investment growth: your money stays invested, with market risk
- Inheritance: any remaining fund can pass to your family
- Rules: you must meet income conditions to qualify, and a minimum yearly amount is taxed as income
The annuity option
Exchange part of your fund for a guaranteed income for life.
- Certainty: a set income, whatever the markets do
- Simplicity: no ongoing investment decisions
- Longevity cover: you cannot outlive the income
- Trade-off: usually little or no value left for your estate, unless you add a guarantee period or spouse’s pension
Which one is right for you? It doesn’t have to be one or the other. Many people use an annuity to secure a base level of guaranteed income, and keep the rest in an ARF for flexibility and to leave something to their family. We help you find the balance that fits your needs and your comfort with risk.
How much could my pension provide?
Enter your pension pot to see an illustration of your tax-free lump sum and the income your remaining fund might provide.
Disclaimer: Illustrative only, before tax. ARF and annuity figures are based on the 75% of your fund left after a 25% lump sum. The ARF figure is the 4% minimum Revenue treats you as drawing each year, and you can draw more. Annuity rates depend on your age, health, provider and options. Your lump sum limit is a lifetime limit across all your pensions. You also need to meet Revenue’s conditions to choose an ARF. For a personal projection, speak to a Financial Health advisor.
Which option suits me?
Your “retirement personality” shows whether you lean towards the security of an annuity or the flexibility of an ARF.
1. When you think about your pension fund, what’s your main concern?
2. How do you feel about the stock market during retirement?
3. How important is leaving a financial legacy?
Talk through your retirement options
Many retirement choices can’t be undone. We stress-test your plan with you to help your money last as long as you do. The first call is free.
Post-retirement and ARF FAQ
What is an ARF and how does drawdown work?
An Approved Retirement Fund (ARF) is a personal investment account that your pension can be moved into when you retire. You stay invested and choose how much to draw and how often, as long as you at least meet the yearly minimum. Drawing more means more tax and a fund that runs down faster, so a good plan balances today’s spending against how long your money needs to last. Any remaining fund can pass to your family.
What are the ARF rules in Ireland?
To choose an ARF you generally need guaranteed pension income of at least €12,700 a year, or you must put €63,500 into an AMRF or an annuity first. Revenue then treats you as drawing at least 4% of your fund each year from age 61, rising to 5% from age 71, and 6% where your fund is over €2 million. That amount is taxed as income whether or not you take it.
What is the tax on ARF withdrawals?
Money you draw from an ARF is taxed as income, so Income Tax and USC apply at your rates. Your ARF provider usually deducts tax before paying you, and your final bill depends on your other income and tax credits, so you may owe more or be due a refund at year end. We help you time withdrawals to make the most of your lower tax bands.
How is my pension taxed at retirement?
You can usually take up to 25% of your fund as a lump sum. The first €200,000 is tax-free (a lifetime limit across all your pensions), the next €300,000 is taxed at 20%, and anything above €500,000 at your marginal rate. Money you then draw from an ARF or annuity is taxed as income, and PRSI may apply in some cases.
Will the Standard Fund Threshold (SFT) affect me?
The SFT is the most you can build up across all your pensions before extra tax applies. It is €2.2 million in 2026 and is due to rise by €200,000 a year to €2.8 million in 2029. Benefits above your threshold face a 40% tax charge on the excess. If you are close to the limit, we can help you plan around it.
What happens to my ARF when I die?
It depends on who inherits it. A spouse or civil partner can generally take it over without a tax charge at that point. For children, the tax treatment depends on their age, with a higher rate generally applying to adult children. Rules can change, so we check the current position with you.
Do you offer ARF management?
Yes. We help you choose how your ARF is invested, set a sustainable withdrawal rate, and review the plan regularly as markets and your circumstances change. Our aim is to provide the highest level of technical advice at an affordable and fair cost, and we explain our fees upfront.