Pension limits have become a major concern for hospital doctors, primarily due to recent changes in salary and tax implications. The final FEMPI salary cut reversal, resulting from a 2018 High Court win, has had unintended consequences. It has inadvertently caused higher tax liabilities for doctors upon drawing down their pensions due to the 2014 reduction in pension limits.
The attached article from the Irish Medical Times Pension-Limits-A-major-concern-for-Hospital-Doctors was published in 2021. The article highlights the concerns of HSE hospital consultants regarding pension limits and their entitlements. It also provides information on recent developments and options available to mitigate tax liability.
Here are some key points from the article:
• The 2018 High Court win resulted in the reinstatement of pre-2010 and 2013 salary cuts for Health Service Executive (HSE) hospital doctors. However, the knock-on effect of this was the potential for a significant tax bill at retirement due to the 2014 reduction in pension limits.
• An Ombudsman ruling against a large Dublin city hospital is a significant win for those with a tax liability. The hospital tried to force the consultant to repay the tax on her pension benefits over a 10-year period. The Ombudsman upheld the complaint against the hospital and, in a legally binding ruling, determined that the consultant can write-off her tax liability over a 20-year period.
• Revenue has advised that those individuals who have been issued with a Personal Fund Threshold (PFT) Certificate in January 2014 may be eligible to reapply for a revised PFT at a higher limit.
• Avoiding Double Taxation: Proper advice and retirement planning are crucial for doctors to prevent double taxation.
Conclusion:
Hospital doctors face complex pension challenges due to recent legal and regulatory changes. While potential tax liabilities have risen, multiple strategies can help mitigate these burdens. Expert advice tailored to HSE pension intricacies is paramount for doctors to navigate their retirement planning effectively.