
Should I take a lump sum from my pension? 4 reasons why you should think twice
It is common for those reaching age 55 to withdraw the maximum 25 per cent tax-free cash lump sum from their pension.
Many do so in order to splurge on the holiday of a lifetime, make home improvements, pay off a mortgage or help out children or grandchildren.
However, the question should be asked: would people be better off leaving that money invested and withdrawing their pension gradually over a longer period instead?
Here are 4 instances where the answer to that question might be “yes”.
1) There is no specific purpose for the money
There is no real point in simply withdrawing the money from your pension and then depositing it into a low-interest savings account, just because you can.
Doing so will mean that your funds are going to be eroded by inflation.
In addition, if you decide to reinvest the money once you have withdrawn it from your pension, any gains or income will potentially be liable to tax.
However, if the money stays invested within your pension, both gains and income will accrue free from tax.
2) If your estate is likely to be subject to inheritance tax
With the UK inheritance tax nil rate band and residence nil rate band now frozen until 6th April 2026 at £325,000 and £175,000 respectively, more and more people are finding that there is a potential IHT liability on their estate.
Unnecessarily taking money from a pension only increases the potential IHT burden.
However, by leaving your money in a pension, it can be passed on to beneficiaries free from UK inheritance tax.
In some cases, it can make more sense to spend non-pension assets first, leaving the pension fund and tax-free cash entitlement to grow in a tax-efficient environment until it is actually needed.
3) You need or want to maximise your income in retirement
Obviously, if you take 25% as a lump sum from your SIPP or personal pension as soon as you can, then the amount of income that you can subsequently draw from that pension is going to be greatly reduced.
The same applies with a final salary/defined benefit pension. If you don’t take the lump sum then the pension income that you receive will be higher (this income will also be index-linked for the rest of your life).
4) You live in a country that taxes pension lump sum payments.
While most people use terms such as “tax-free cash” or “tax-free lump sum”, I prefer the term “Pension Commencement Lump Sum”.
This is because, when taken outside of the UK, these payments are not always tax-free.
Whether it is or not, depends on the double taxation treaty between the country that you are tax resident in when drawing the money and the UK (or if your pension is a QROPS, the country that the QROPS is registered in, e.g. Malta).
For example, in France, the concept of a Pension Commencement Lump Sum does not exist.
As a result, all pension payments are subject to French tax and social security. [There are some rather interesting pension tax mitigation tools that can be used by those resident in France. However, that is a subject for another day.]
The same applies in Sweden, where pension lump sums and pension income are taxed in the same way.
However, there are also countries, like Poland, where the tax treaty clearly states that the lump sum should be taxed in the UK, and is therefore tax-free.
Conclusion
Inevitably, the decision on whether or not to take your pension commencement lump sum/tax-free cash will depend on your personal circumstances and preferences.
As always, knowing the facts and planning intentionally is the best route to an optimal outcome.
💬 Frequently Asked Questions
Should I take my pension lump sum as soon as I turn 55?
Not necessarily. While it’s tempting to take the 25% tax-free lump sum at 55, it may not be the best financial decision depending on your goals, tax situation, and long-term planning strategy.
Is the 25% pension lump sum always tax-free?
In the UK, it is considered tax-free. However, if you live abroad, it may be taxed locally depending on the country and its double taxation agreement with the UK.
Can leaving money in my pension help reduce inheritance tax?
Yes. Pension funds are typically outside of your estate for IHT purposes. Leaving money in your pension rather than withdrawing it can help reduce potential inheritance tax liabilities.
What happens if I withdraw the lump sum but don’t need the cash?
If you move the withdrawn lump sum into a savings account or reinvest it, you may lose the tax advantages pensions provide. Any growth or income could be taxable outside the pension wrapper.
Does taking the lump sum reduce future pension income?
Yes. Withdrawing the lump sum will reduce the remaining fund available to generate income, potentially lowering your retirement income long-term.
Will my lump sum be taxed in France?
Yes. France does not recognise the UK’s tax-free lump sum concept. Pension withdrawals, including lump sums, are subject to French tax and social charges.
Is the lump sum taxable in Poland?
No, under the UK-Poland tax treaty, the lump sum is taxed in the UK. Since it’s tax-free in the UK, it’s also tax-free for Polish residents.
What if I plan to give the lump sum to my children?
While gifting can be part of estate planning, removing the funds from your pension may bring them into your estate and increase potential IHT exposure. Keep the money in the pension if inheritance efficiency is the goal.
Can I take smaller portions of my lump sum over time?
Yes. You can use drawdown or Uncrystallised Funds Pension Lump Sum (UFPLS) to take portions of your lump sum over time, which can be more tax-efficient than taking it all at once.
Is there a deadline to take the lump sum?
There is no deadline, but it must be taken before age 75 to benefit from current IHT and tax rules. Delaying it can provide flexibility and preserve tax benefits.

Ross is a qualified Chartered Financial Planner and Pension Transfer Specialist.
He has been a cross-border financial adviser for 25 years and specialises in helping British expats manage their finances with clarity and peace of mind.
If you would like to have a no strings chat with him, please get in touch.