Taxation of Foreign Pensions in Ireland – Walking the Tricky Tightrope

Volume 8 No 5    /    Read Article

By Lisa Cantillon (Guest Author)

As more individuals relocate to Ireland, the taxation of assets brought with them takes on importance once Irish tax residence is established. Of special concern are pension products that individuals accumulate while living and working outside of Ireland. The taxation of lump sum payments from foreign pensions is a complex affair. Under Irish law, most foreign pensions schemes are considered nonqualifying overseas pension plans. Consequently, lump sum payments from such pension plans should not be taxable in Ireland because no domestic legislation exists to tax lump sums. Lisa Cantillon, a Director in the Dublin office of KTA, explains all, but cautions that the Irish Revenue have a different view, notwithstanding the absence of statutory support.   See more →