Flexbible Income

Income is flexible and reviewed every three years so, unlike most annuities, the rate at the point of retirement does not determine the income you will receive for life. However like drawdown, the rate can be increased or decreased, depending on the value of the fund and current long-term gilt rates.

Select GAD rates

Unlike drawdown, the rate of income is not linked to Government Actuarial Department (GAD) rates. Whilst GAD rates are low this can be viewed as a strong advantage. Instead, rates are determined by comparing the average of three annuity rates available in the UK.

The member can then select a minimum rate of 50% of the average rate, or up to 120%. For example a client aged 60 with £250,000 in their retirement fund could take drawdown at £12,000 per year. Obviously the more income one takes, the faster the fund value will depreciate.

Inheritance Tax Free

Just like drawdown, any remaining assets can be passed on to the nominated beneficiaries on death. The assets inside the annuity are outside of the estate of the member and may not be subject to UK inheritance tax.

Investments are flexible, members can appoint a Discretionary Investment Manager (DFM), or invest in a range of insurance company portfolio bonds, property, company shares, corporate bonds, unit trusts, and many other options.

Range of Currencies

International annuities are available in a range of currencies which can be altered at any time. It is possible to have one annuity but hold several currencies - particularly important if a member doesn't want to expose all of their pension to one currency.

Annuity Charges

Charges are similar to drawdown but, unlike some annuities fees are unclear as they are built in and there is a mortality subsidy. There is no cross subsidy for international annuities as the insurance company does not retain the fund on death.

Seek Local Tax Advice

The tax treatment of annuity income can be more beneficial to the member compared to drawdown income. Several countries, in particular Spain and Portugal for example, will tax 100% of drawdown income, however only a small fraction of annuity income is subject to tax and the balance is considered to be a return of capital.

Rates and allowances vary significantly from one country to another and it is important that members seek local tax advice when deciding on their retirement income options.