Pension Magazine Budget 2011

Life

Talking Pensions

Newretirementoption for

employees

How will the Budget affect me?

Up to 41% pension tax relief still available

...it’s your retirement

Issue 2 • Winter 2010

1Talking Pensions - Bank of Ireland Life

Contents Introduction to Pension Changes 2

I am an employee 4

- Customer Example

I am self-employed 6

- Customer Example

I am a public sector worker 8

- Customer Example

I am a company director 10

- Customer Example

I am approaching retirement 12

Useful Pension Resources

New Ireland Assurance Company plc trading as Bank of Ireland Life is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland and is a member of the Bank of Ireland Group. Bank of Ireland Insurance & Investments Limited and Bank of Ireland are regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland and are tied agents of New Ireland Assurance Company plc.

* Lines are open from 8.00am to 6.00pm, Monday to Friday. To ensure that the quality of the service that we provide is of a consistently high standard, all calls may be recorded and monitored. Call charges may vary depending on your service provider.

Talk to us todayCall 1890 309 309*

Summary2011of Budget

Changes for 2011 include:

Pre-Retirement• No change to maximum 41% income

tax relief on pension contributions

• Removal of PRSI and Health relief on pension contributions for employees

• Reduction of annual earnings cap for purposes of personal pension contribution tax relief to €115,000

Post Retirement• Introduction of ARF (Approved

Retirement Fund) flexible option for employees of defined contribution pension schemes

• New ARF minimum income rules

• New retirement tax-free lump sum cap of €200,000

• Reduction of Income Tax exemptions for those over 65 years to €36,000 p.a. for a married couple

• Reduction in Pension Standard Fund Threshold to €2.3 million.

Following the announcement of the Finance Budget 2011 there are a number of changes to the area of retirement savings which may affect you depending on:

• your personal financial circumstances

• your employment category

• your term to retirement

Reminder: Depending on your circumstances these changes may or may not affect your retirement savings plans for the future.


Saving for your retirement is more important than ever…Our population is ageing and living longer…

n In the last 5-years alone our population over 65 years has increased by 50,500 people and the cost of providing a State Pension has increased by 70%.1

n By 2021, the population aged 65 or over will increase by 238,000.2

n By 2050, it is estimated that 50% of the population will be aged 65 or over.2

n We are also living longer, which means more pensioners will be in receipt of a State Pension over an extended period of time.1

Our resources are decreasing...

n It is estimated that there will be just 2 workers to support every pensioner in 2050, down from 6 workers today.2

n The National Pensions Reserve Fund, originally set up to partly prefund public service and State Pensions from 2025 onwards, is likely to be partly used for other purposes by the Government.1

We all need to save for our retirement...

n The State Pension is currently just €230 per week.4

n The Government recommend a target retirement income of half your final salary, including the State Pension.3

1 National Recovery Plan 2011-20142 Central Statistics Office 20103 National Pensions Framework 20104 As at December 2010

With a qualified specialist pension adviser available in every Bank of Ireland branch, we can take the time to review where you are today and tailor a pension savings plan that works for you.

Your retirement savings plan is the most important savings plan you will ever contribute to. It will provide you with the security of a regular income to provide for a comfortable standard of living for the rest of your days.

Following the recent Finance Budget for 2011, the tax benefits of saving into a Pension have changed to varying degrees for those in different employment categories. Over the following pages of this booklet, we have outlined a number of examples detailing how these changes may affect you.

Pension advice has never been more important. Many significant tax benefits remain and a Pension is still the best value savings plan available today. You now have a window of opportunity to take full advantage of the attractive tax benefits of saving into a pension in 2011.

Act now, book a meeting with a pension specialist in your local Bank of Ireland branch today.

Introduction to Pension Changes

2 Talking Pensions - Bank of Ireland Life

Introduction

Pensions still make sensen For the self-employedn For employeesn For public sector workersn For company directorsn For those approaching retirement

4 Talking Pensions - Bank of Ireland Life 5Talking Pensions - Bank of Ireland Life

I am an employee

Check out our online Pension Predictor Calculator on www.bankofirelandlife.ie/pension-zone to see the kind of income you can expect in retirement.

For advice on how to make the most of your retirement savings now, why not book a meeting with one of our pension experts in your local branch.

Check out our new online Bulletin Board and have an expert answer your pensions questions at www.bankofirelandlife.ie/pension-zone

I am an employee

Customer Example

The recent Finance Budget announcements for 2011 will have a direct impact on your pension planning. To maximise your pension savings, it is important that you seek professional pension advice tailored to your personal circumstances now.

Even with the recent changes to the net cost of saving for retirement, a Pension is still the best long-term savings solution for you.

Half-your-age Rule: You should be saving about half of your current age as a percentage of your income. So if you’re age 30, you should be saving 15% of your annual income. For someone earning €40,000 that’s about €500 a month but could actually only cost you €295 after higher rate tax relief.

Early Retirement: If you want to retire at age 60, you could have a gap of up to 8 years before you are eligible for the State Pension.* You could bridge this gap by topping-up your pension now.

Employer Pension: Check whether your employer has established a pension scheme. You could be missing the opportunity to have 3 sources help you save for retirement (your employer, the government and you) into a plan with only 1 beneficiary – you!

Check Employer & previous Pension Arrangements: What benefits, if any, will you receive from your current or previous employers at retirement?

Pension Checklist

Mary is 40 years old and is an employee in a graphic design company, earning €50,000 a year.

Mary is a member of her employer’s company pension scheme. Her employer contributes 5% of her monthly salary to her pension, while Mary also contributes 5% of her monthly salary to her pension.

Mary should also consider making Additional Voluntary Contributions (AVCs) to take advantage of income tax relief of up to 41% on her savings.

2011

Mary’s monthly pension contribution €208

Tax Relief €85

Net Cost to Mary €123

Following Budget 2011, Mary will continue to benefit from: n 41% income tax relief on her pension savingsn Tax-free growth on her savings n Tax-free lump sum on her retirementn No Benefit-in-kind (BIK) liability on her employer’s

pension contributions.

If for example, Mary had a final pension Fund of €320,000 when she retired at age 65, she could choose to take her retirement benefits as follows:

Mary’s Final Pension Fund €320,000Mary’s final salary at age 65 €110,000Mary’s Tax Free Lump Sum (final salary X 1.5) €165,000Balance to buy an Annuity Pension or invest in an Approved Retirement Fund (ARF)* €155,000* With the passing of the Finance Bill Mary will also

have the option to take 25% of her final pension fund tax-free and invest the balance in an ARF

Depending on the level of both Mary’s and her spouse’s other income in retirement they may be able to take their annuity pension income tax free. Current tax rules allow a married couple over 65 years to have an annual income of €36,000 per annum tax-free.

How doesBudget 2011 affect me?n Tax Relief on Pension Contributions: No

change to maximum 41% income tax relief on pension contributions for 2011. Removal of 4% PRSI and 4% Health Levy relief on pension contributions.

n Earnings Cap Reduction: A maximum earnings threshold of €115,000 per annum will qualify for tax relief on pension contributions. Contributions paid before the self-assessment deadline of 31October 2011 to be offset against 2010 must be in line with the new earnings cap.

n New retirement tax-free lump sum cap of €200,000.

n Introduction of ARF (Approved Retirement Fund) flexible retirement option for employees of defined contribution pension schemes with new minimum income rules.

How might theBudget 2011 affect me?

* National Pensions Framework 2010





Customer Example

The recent Finance Budget announcements for 2011 may have a direct impact on your pension planning. To maximise your pension savings, it is important that you seek professional pension advice tailored to your personal circumstances now.

The good news is that tax relief on your pension contributions is still allowable at your marginal rate of tax (max 41%).

However, as part of the National Recovery Plan 2011-2014, there are proposed changes to pension tax relief in the future, so make the most of the current tax relief allowable by starting or topping up your pension now.

State Pension: The age at which you will qualify for the State Pension is likely to increase. All those aged 50 and under today, may not be able to receive the State Pension (€230 per week)* until age 68. A private pension could help bridge the gap if you want to retire earlier.

Late Starter: Depending on your age, you can save up to 40% of your personal income into a pension and get full tax relief so even if you’re starting your pension late, there’s still time to catch-up!

Half-your-age Rule: You should be saving about half of your current age as a percentage of your income. So if you’re age 30, you should be saving 15% of your annual income. For someone earning €40,000 that’s about €500 a month but could actually only cost you €295 after higher rate tax relief.

Early Retirement: If you want to retire at age 60, you could have a gap of up to 8 years before you are eligible for the State Pension.** You could bridge this gap by topping-up your pension now.

Pension Checklist

John is 48 years old and works as a self-employed Business Consultant. He estimates his total annual earnings will be €130,000 for 2010. The maximum earnings that John can claim pension tax relief on in 2011 is 25% of €115,000.

John plans to retire at age 60 and estimates he will have built up a pension fund of approximately €850,000.

2011

John’s pension contribution €28,750

Tax Relief €11,787

Net Cost to John €16,963

Following Budget 2011, John will continue to benefit from: n 41% income tax relief on his pension savingsn Tax-free growth on his savings n Tax-free lump sum at retirement

If for example, John had a final Pension Fund of €850,000 when he retired at age 60, he could choose to take his retirement benefits as follows:

John’s Retirement Lump Sum (25% of final pension fund) €212,500John’s Tax-Free Lump Sum allowance €200,000John’s Taxable Lump Sum €12,500Tax Paid (20%) by John on his Lump Sum €2,500Balance to buy an Annuity Pension Or invest in Approved Retirement Fund (ARF) €635,000

Depending on the level of both John’s and his spouses’ income in retirement, they may be able to take an an-nuity pension tax-free. Current tax rules allow a mar-ried couple over 65 years to have an annual income of €36,000 per annum tax-free.

I am self-employed

I am self-employed


change to maximum 41% income tax relief on pension contributions.


n Introduction of tax-free lump sum cap of €200,000 at retirement.

n New ARF (Approved Retirement Fund) minimum income rules.* As at December 2010

** National Pensions Frawmework 2010

I am a public sector worker The recent Finance Budget announcements for 2011 will have a direct impact on your pension planning. To maximise your pension savings, it is important that you seek professional pension advice tailored to your personal circumstances now.






Customer ExampleJane is 44 years old and is a nurse, earning €40,000 a year.

Jane has earnings from her overtime which are not pensionable under her main pension scheme so she is making additional provision for her retirement by contributing €150 per month to an AVC PRSA Plan.

However with the Government Finance Budget 2011, changes, she is now wondering if she should continue saving into her AVC Plan since she will no longer receive PRSI and Health Levy relief on her pension contributions.

2011

Jane’s monthly pension contribution €150

Tax Relief €61

Net Cost to Jane €88

Following Budget 2011 Jane will continue to benefit from: n 41% income tax relief on her pension savingsn Tax-free growth on her savings n Tax-free lump sum on her retirement at age 65

If for example, if Jane had an AVC fund of €48,000 when she retired at age 60, and had non pensionable earnings of €25,000 with 20 years service, she could take her retirement benefits as follows:Jane’s final Pension Fund €48,000Jane’s Tax Free Lump Sum from AVC (€25,000 X 1.5) €37,500Balance to buy an Annuity Pension Or invest in an Approved Retirement Fund (ARF) €10,500

Depending on the level of Jane’s and her spouse’s other income in retirement they may be able to take the balance tax efficiently. Current tax rules allow a married couple over 65 years to have an annual income of €36,000 per annum tax-free.

I am a public sector worker

Check your Expected Pension Income: What level of pension and lump sum can you currently expect at retirement? Will this be enough money to last you for up to 20 years in retirement?

Bridge the Gap: At the moment the absolute maximum pension you can get from your public sector pension scheme is half your grade salary and that’s if you work / are credited with at least 40 full years service.

But you can maximise your pension benefits at retirement by topping up your pension with an AVC (Additional Voluntary Contribution) Plan if:

• You won’t have full service at retirement (job share/ late entrant)

• You have earnings which are not pensionable under your main pension scheme

• You want to retire early• You want to increase your pension

benefits up to 2/3rds your final income• You want to increase your tax free lump

sum• You want to invest some of your

pension benefits in an ARF (Approved Retirement Fund)

• You want to provide for a bigger spouses pension at retirement

Tax Relief: Depending on your age, you can save up to 40% of your personal income into a pension and get full tax relief.

Pension Checklist


change to maximum 41% income tax relief on pension contributions. Removal of 4% PRSI and 4% Health Levy relief on pension contributions.



n New ARF (Approved Retirement Fund) minimum income rules.

I am a company director





Customer ExampleMichael is 50 years old and draws salary of €150,000 a year out of his company.

Michael has been drawing salary from the company for 10 years but the company has just started contributing 20% of his salary into an Executive Pension for him and the retirement age set out in the plan is 65.

Michael is wondering how the recent changes regarding tax relief on employee pension contributions would affect a lump sum AVC of €10,000 that he is considering investing in the Plan.

Michael should consider paying a lump sum AVC into his pension as he will continue to benefit from: n 41% income tax relief on his pension savingsn Tax-free growth on his savings n Tax-free lump sum on his retirement at age 65n Ability to backdate his personal contribution to 2010 tax year

2011

Michael’s lump sum AVC pension contribution

€10,000

Tax Relief €4,100

Net Cost to Michael €5,900

If for example, Michael had a final Pension Fund of €1,000,000 and final salary of €220,000 when he retired at age 65, he could choose to take his retirement benefits in one of two ways:Option A

Michael’s Retirement Lump Sum (25% of final pension fund) €250,000Michael’s Tax-Free Lump Sum allowance €200,000Michael’s Taxable Lump Sum €50,000Tax Paid by Michael on his Lump Sum €10,000Balance to buy an Annuity Pension or invest in Approved Retirement Fund (ARF) €750,000

Depending on the level of both John’s and his spouses’ income in retirement, they may be able to take some of their pension income tax-free. Current tax rules allow a married couple over 65 years to have an annual income of €36,000 per annum tax-free.

I am a company director

The recent Finance Budget announcements for 2011 will have a direct impact on your pension planning. To maximise your pension savings, it is important that you seek professional pension advice tailored to your personal circumstances now.


Company Directors: Avail of this amazing tax saving opportunity – currently your company could pay up to 4 times your salary income tax-free into your pension, every year until retirement.*

Late Starter: Depending on your age, you can save up to 40% of your personal income into a pension and get full tax relief so even if you’re starting your pension late, there’s still time to catch-up!

Early Retirement: If you want to retire at age 60, you could have a gap of up to 8 years** before you are eligible for the State Pension. You could bridge this gap by topping-up your pension now.

Check your Expected Pension Income: What level of pension and lump sum can you currently expect at retirement? Will this be enough money to last you for up to 25 years in retirement?

Plan your Retirement Date: Recent Government proposals may impact on how you plan to take your retirement benefits, so now is the time to discuss how this will affect your personal situation and decide on any appropriate action.

Pension Checklist


change to maximum 41% income tax relief on personal pension contributions. Removal of 4% PRSI and Health Levy relief on personal pension contributions.

n Earnings Cap Reduction: A maximum earnings threshold of €115,000 per annum will qualify for tax relief on personal pension contributions. Contributions paid before the self-assessment deadline of 31October 2011 to be offset against 2010 must be in line with the new earnings cap.

n New ARF (Approved Retirement Fund) minimum income rules.


n Reduction in Pension Standard Fund Threshold to €2.3 million.

* Based on a married male age 55, retiring at age 60, provided he has no other pension benefits. Applies only to Executive Pension Plans.

** National Pensions Framework 2010

Option B

Michael’s Retirement Lump Sum (1.5 times his final salary) €330,000Michael’s Tax-Free Lump Sum allowance €200,000Michael’s Taxable Lump Sum €130,000Tax Paid by Michael on his Lump Sum €26,000Balance to buy an Annuity Pension €670,000


Revenue limits, terms and conditions apply. It is important to note that tax relief is not automatically granted; you must apply to and satisfy the Revenue requirements. Your benefits at retirement may be subject to tax.

While great care has been taken in its preparation, this booklet is of a general nature and should not be relied on in relation to a specific issue without taking appropriate financial, insurance, investment or other professional advice. The content of this booklet is for information purposes only and does not constitute an offer or recommendation to buy or sell any investment, or to subscribe to any investment management or advisory service. If there is any conflict between this booklet and the policy conditions, the policy conditions will prevail.

The information contained in this booklet is based on our understanding of current and intended legislation, and Revenue practice as at December 2010.

New Ireland Assurance Company plc, trading as Bank of Ireland Life, is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland and is a member of Bank of Ireland Group. Bank of Ireland Insurance and Investments Limited and Bank of Ireland are tied agents of New Ireland Assurance Company plc. Bank of Ireland Insurance and Investments Limited and Bank of Ireland are regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland and are members of the Bank of Ireland Group.

WARNING: THE FIGuRES CoNTAINED IN THIS BooKLET ARE ESTIMATES oNLy. THEy ARE NoT A RELIABLE GuIDE To THE FuTuRE PERFoRMANCE oF youR INVESTMENT.WARNING: THE VALuE oF youR INVESTMENT MAy Go DoWN AS WELL AS uP.WARNING: youR INVESTMENT MAy BE AFFECTED By CHANGES IN CuRRENCyExCHANGE RATES.

Approaching Retirement

The recent Finance Budget announcements for 2011 will have a direct impact on your pension planning. To maximise both your pension savings before retirement and your pension benefits in retirement, it is important that you seek professional pension advice tailored to your personal circumstances now.

For example, the Finance Budget announcements may change the way in which you save into a pension plan and the way you plan to take your retirement benefits. So now is the time to discuss how this will affect your personal situation and decide on any appropriate action.

Approaching retirement

Check your Expected Pension Income: What level of pension and lump sum can you currently expect at retirement? People are living longer – will this be enough money to last you for up to 20 years in retirement?

Plan your Retirement Date: Recent Government proposals may impact on how you plan to take your retirement benefits, so now is the time to discuss how this will affect your personal situation and decide on any appropriate action.

Maximise your tax-free Pension Savings: Now is a good time to meet with your Financial Adviser to ensure your pension fund is on track. Depending on your age you can save up to 40% of your income into a pension and get full tax relief!

Top-up Pension Payments: Do you need to increase your AVC contributions for the next 5 to 10 years to reach your expected retirement fund?

Early Retirement: If you want to retire at age 60, you could have a gap of up to 8 years before you are eligible for the State Pension.* Why not bridge this gap by topping-up your private pension with Bank of Ireland Life today so that you can choose your retirement date.

Company Directors: Avail of this amazing tax saving opportunity – currently your company could pay up to 4 times your salary income tax-free into your pension, every year until retirement.**

Check your Pension Fund: Now is also a good time to review your fund choice, especially if you are considering opting for an Approved Retirement Fund (ARF) at retirement.

Check Employer & previous Pension Arrangements: What benefits, if any, will you receive from your current or previous employers at retirement?

Tax-free Pension Benefits: Establish what portion of your pension pot will be tax-free and what is likely to be taxed. This may influence your chosen retirement date given the Budget 2011 announcement to tax an individual’s retirement lump sum if greater than €200,000.

Spouse Pension Income: Do you need to provide an income in retirement for your spouse too? Do you need to make additional pension preparations to fund this extra pension income arrangement for your spouse?

Pension Checklist

Budget 2011Key Changes:1 Pre-Retirement: Employee PRSI (4%) and

Health Levy (4%) relief on pension contributions has been abolished.

2 Pre-Retirement: Annual Earnings Cap reduced to €115,000 for pension contribution tax relief.

3 Post-Retirement: Tax-Free Lump Sum at retirement now capped at €200,000.

4 Post-Retirement: Employees of defined contribution pension schemes will gain access to the Approved Retirement Fund (ARF) flexible retirement option upon the passing of the 2011 Finance Bill.

5 Post-Retirement: The income tax Age Exemption Limit has been reduced to €36,000 per annum for a married couple.

6 Post-Retirement: The maximum allowable pension fund on retirement for tax purposes (known as the Standard Fund Threshold), has been set at €2.3 million. This includes any benefits taken since December 2005.

7 Post-Retirement: The mandatory income to be taken from an ARF has increased to 5% per annum.

* National Pensions Framework 2010** Based on a married male age 55, retiring at age 60, provided he has no other pension benefits. Applies only to Executive Pension Plans.

I am

14

1890 309 309* www.bankofirelandlife.ie

Pension experts are available in every Bank of Ireland branch. So, feel free to pop in for a chat and they’ll come up with a solution that best matches your finances.

* Lines are open from 8.00am to 6.00pm, Monday to Friday. To ensure that the quality of the service that we provide is of a consistently high standard, all calls may be recorded and monitored. Call charges may vary depending on your service provider.

useful Pension Resources

Bank of Ireland Life – Pensions Zonewww.bankofirelandlife.ie/pension-zone.aspx

National Pensions Framework www.pensionsgreenpaper.ie/downloads/NationalPensionsFramework.pdf

Department of Social Protectionwww.welfare.ie

The Pensions Board www.pensionsboard.ie

Irish Financial Services Regulatory Authority www.financialregulator.ie

Irish Financial Services Regulatory Authority - Consumer Sitewww.itsyourmoney.ie

Revenue Commissioners www.revenue.ie

The Pensions Ombudsman www.pensionsombudsman.ie

Irish Association of Pension Funds (IAPF) www.iapf.ie

Irish Institute of Pension Managers (IIPM) www.iipm.ie

Retirement Planning Council www.rpc.ie

Association of Pension Lawyers in Ireland www.apli.ie

Documents

Pension Magazine Budget 2011