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tims949(Newbie)Newbie
21 Mar 2024

I am trying to work out when I can afford to retire when I reach the age of 60 in October 2024. I am a dual national UK and Australian Citizen and have been living permanently in Australia since August 2009.

I have multiple personal pensions with varying values in the UK. These mature when I reach. Each of the UK pensions will only pay out the entire amount as a lump sum when they are claimed and will not offer the option to take out a regular pension payment, say fortnightly.

I have been in contact with the Pension companies and they say that TAX will be deducted when the money is paid out according to the UK tax laws.

The UK Inland Revenue (UKIR) advise that a form can be completed “Application for relief at source from UK Income Tax and claim for repayment of UK Income Tax”, which is based on the United Kingdom/Australia Double Taxation Convention. This form is to be submitted to the ATO. From what I can make out the form details the amount paid as a lump sum and the tax deducted by the UK Inland Revenue.

I have superannuation in Australia which would pay me approximately $20K per full tax year, if I retire at 60. I would have no other taxable income at that time although there would be approx. $35K gross earnings from employment between July 1, 2024 and the date I retire.

For example in the Tax year 2024/25.

Gross Income (employment Australia)                                           $35,000

Pension from Australian Superannuation (pro rata)                    $15,000

Gross Lump Sum Payment UK Pension                                            $120,000             

Emergency Tax deduction on UK Pension by UKIR                         $39,880

Assuming that I do not draw any additional funds in the UK i.e no additional taxable income in the UK, I believe that at the end of the UK Tax year March 31st 2025, I will be eligible for a refund of approx. $25,140 as this is the personal allowance in the UK, but I am not sure about this. Therefore the final UK tax deduction should be approx. $14,740 not $39,880.

UK Tax deduction on UK Pension with personal allowance          $14,740

I would like to know how to calculate what tax deductions I would have from the ATO (if any) in addition to the tax deducted by the UK Inland Revenue.

2,745 views
3 replies
2,745 views
3 replies

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Most helpful reply

Deb_ATO(Community Support)Community Support
27 Mar 2024

Hi @tims949


This is a bit tricky for us to work out how much tax you'll pay. It'll depend on your situation at the time and rules could change for the 2024/2025 financial year.


What I can tell you is your pension is likely taxable here, but you may be entitled to a deduction if your pension has an undeducted purchase price or UPP. If you've paid tax overseas you may also be entitled to a foreign income tax offset.


Have a look at the current tax return instructions about foreign pensions and annuities, you can read more about the above info. We've also had a similar question before that you can check out although the figures are different but it may give you an idea.


All replies

Most helpful reply

Deb_ATO(Community Support)Community Support
27 Mar 2024

Hi @tims949


This is a bit tricky for us to work out how much tax you'll pay. It'll depend on your situation at the time and rules could change for the 2024/2025 financial year.


What I can tell you is your pension is likely taxable here, but you may be entitled to a deduction if your pension has an undeducted purchase price or UPP. If you've paid tax overseas you may also be entitled to a foreign income tax offset.


Have a look at the current tax return instructions about foreign pensions and annuities, you can read more about the above info. We've also had a similar question before that you can check out although the figures are different but it may give you an idea.


tims949(Newbie)Newbie
27 Mar 2024

Thanks Deb,

As we are not sure what the tax rules will be for 24/25 can we apply the tax rules as they were 23/24? I am only looking for an indication. Assume the figures I gave before are for the financial year 23/24. The UK Pension will not have a UPP.

Is there a calculator tool that I can use to simulate these workings? Where would I put my UK pension amount in the calculator tool?

DanielleATO(Community Support)Community Support
7 Apr 2024

Hey @tims949,


Yeah, I understand that you'd like to have some idea what to expect. 😊


There's an income tax estimator calculator that you can have a look at. But when having a play with it myself, there isn't a spot for foreign pension. It could be a limitation of the calculator.


If you're planning on lodging your tax return online through your myGov account. When you enter the details in the return, it does give you a tax estimate before you lodge. But the tax return won't be available to do that with until the 1st of July.

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