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November 2, 2026

An ARF can pass into the surviving spouse's own ARF without income tax at that point. The survivor's ARFs are then combined for the €2m test, so two €1.2m ARFs at 4% can become one €2.4m fund at 6%, roughly €144,000 a year.
Over €2m in your ARF? From that point Revenue's imputed distribution in Ireland jumps from 4% to 6%, and it applies to the whole fund, not just the part above €2m. The better your ARF does, the faster Revenue makes you draw it down. This episode is for anyone approaching or in retirement in Ireland with a large pension, especially if you are within touching distance of the line.
In this episode:
• How the ARF imputed distribution works in Ireland: 4%, 5% and the 6% trigger, valued on 30 November and tested per person
• What 6% really costs after tax, with a fictional couple on 2027 rates, and why the extra income can be taxed at roughly 48%
• Why €2m in your pension is not €2m in your ARF, and the quiet ways people end up over the line, from growth to the death of a spouse
• What you can do about it: phasing PRSAs, two names rather than one, minding 30 November and starting drawdown earlier
If you're near the €2m line, on your own or between you, it is worth a look before the next 30 November.
🎙️ Full podcast episode and 📖 Blog: https://www.informeddecisions.ie/post/arf-2m-cliff-imputed-distribution-ireland
📊 Want to check where you are? Try our free 10-minute Retirement Readiness Scorecard: https://www.informeddecisions.ie/pension-calculator
📅 Find out how we work: https://www.informeddecisions.ie/our-process
ARF withdrawals attract Class S PRSI, currently 4.35%, for people born after 1 January 1958 until they are awarded the State Pension (Contributory) or reach 70, whichever comes first. Once you are drawing the State Pension (Contributory), ARF income is no longer subject to PRSI.
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