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U.S. Tax Treatment of UK Pension Distributions

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by John Anthony Castro, J.D., LL.M.


Introduction - Is a UK Pension Lump Sum Taxable In The US?

In summary, U.S. citizens and residents are subject to tax on their worldwide income including UK pensions. However, if you make a proper election to apply the benefits of the US-UK Income Tax Treaty, any pension exemption in one country is recognized in the other. Therefore, for individuals in the U.S. receiving a UK pension distribution, that means that the U.S. is legally obliged to honor the 25% tax-free lump sum amount, which is formally known in the UK as the Pension Commencement Lump Sum or PCLS for short that allows you to extract the first 25% tax-free. However, the default rule is that it's taxable in the U.S. unless and until you affirmatively elect to claim the benefits of the treaty.

The Pension Commencement Lump Sum is available to individuals who have reached the minimum pension age, which is currently set at 55 years old. It allows pension holders to withdraw a portion of their pension pot as a tax-free lump sum, while the remaining funds continue to be invested or used to provide a regular income.

Benefits Of Pension Commencement Lump Sum

One of the key advantages of the PCLS is its tax-free nature. This means that the lump sum is not subject to income tax, making it an attractive option for individuals looking to access a significant amount of money without incurring additional tax liabilities. However, it's important to note that any amount taken as a PCLS may affect the taxable income received from the remaining pension funds.

The flexibility of the UK Pension Lump Sump allows individuals to use the lump sum as they see fit. Some may choose to pay off debts, invest in property, or fund a specific project or purchase. Others may use it to supplement their income during retirement or to cover unexpected expenses. The choice is entirely up to the pension holder.

Watch Mr. Castro Explain Why Your 25% Pension Commencement Lump Sum Should Not Be Taxed By The IRS

If you do not disclose the treaty position correctly on your U.S. federal income tax return, the IRS will impose both tax and penalties. At Castro & Co., we offer free, no-cost, no-risk, open-ended consultations. Just contact us so we can chat. You don't have to pay us anything. But it's critical we chat to set you on the right path. We're a transparent and honest law firm; hence, these articles giving away knowledge of the law for free.


Contact Castro & Co. online or call (833) 227-8761 to schedule a free consultation with international tax lawyers.
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Background

The general rule is that U.S. tax residents are subject to tax on their worldwide income from any source, including U.K. pension. The good news, however, is that treaties can be utilized to change this general rule.

Whenever U.S. taxpayers are confronted with an international tax issue, they need to know that there are two separate and distinct bodies of law that could potentially apply to their issue. First, there is domestic U.S. tax law; Title 26 of the United States Code, which is known as the Internal Revenue Code. Second, there is international treaty law; the Convention Between the Government on the United States of America and the Government of Great Britain and Northern Ireland for the Avoidance of Double Taxation, which is more commonly known as the U.S.-U.K. Income Tax Treaty. Domestic U.S. tax law applies by default unless a taxpayer specifically elects to apply the treaty. If a U.S. taxpayer applies the benefits of a treaty, it supersedes domestic law.

UK Pensions

Under domestic U.S. tax law, income within and distributions from a U.K. pension are subject to U.S. taxation just like any other pension income.

Under the U.S.-U.K. Income Tax Treaty, however, there is an opportunity to lawfully avoid U.S. taxation on the 25% Pension Commencement Lump Sum (PCLS) portion under Article 17, Paragraph 1(b) of the U.S.-U.K. Income Tax Treaty. Article 17(1)(b) is referred to as the "reciprocal pension exemption." It basically holds that, if a particular type of pension distribution would be exempt from tax by Country A, then Country B is legally bound to recognize that exemption.

Thus, for example, the UK exempts the first 25% lump withdrawal, so the U.S. is legally obligated to recognize that exemption. Likewise, distributions from a U.S. Roth Individual Retirement Account is exempt from tax in the U.S., so the U.K. is legally obligated to recognize the exemption.

Moreover, Article 1, Paragraph 5(a), specifically exempts the Article 17(1)(b) reciprocal pension exemption treaty benefit from the saving clause, so even U.S. citizens can claim this benefit.

Lastly, the 25% Pension Commencement "Lump Sum" benefit under UK tax law is a misnomer because it's a partial distribution. If both the U.S. and a treaty partner were members of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (“OECD”) when a treaty was drafted, U.S. courts are legally bound to mandatorily refer to OECD commentary, which is published every four years, to interpret terms in that income tax treaty. See Podd v. C.I.R., 76 T.C.M. 906 (1998) (citing U.S. v. A.L. Burbank & Co., 525 F.2d 9, 15 (2d Cir. 1975); North W. Life Assurance Co. of Canada v. C.I.R., 107 T.C. 363 (1996); Taisei Fire & Marine Ins. Co. v. C.I.R., 104 T.C. 535, 546 (1995). The OECD has clarified that a lump sum distribution is anything other than "periodic payments." See 2014 OECD Commentary, Art. 18, ¶ 5. Just because the UK called their domestic benefit a "lump sum" doesn't change the reality that it's a partial distribution of a quarter of the pension. The oft-cited IRS Information Letter applying the Saving Clause to a lump sum distribution from a UK pension was referring to an actual 100% lump sum liquidation of an account. There was no need to add clarifying language to the treaty because the plain meaning of lump sum means 100%. Anyone who says otherwise is a dangerous fool you should avoid unless you want to voluntarily pay more tax to the IRS.

Compliance

It is important to note that there are highly technical requirements to taking a legal position under an income tax treaty. First, it must absolutely be disclosed on your U.S. federal income tax return to avoid penalties. Second, it must be accompanied by a full and complete legal explanation of the position. Third, without the legal explanation, the IRS will likely challenge the position, assess tax on all of the historical gains in the pension, and impose a 20% tax penalty with interest thereon.

By having our firm handle the return, you can rest assured there will be no inadvertent errors that could lead to a staggering tax bill and penalties.

Solution

Tax Return Preparation. You can have our firm handle the return preparation as well as ensure treaty benefits are properly claimed. Having our firm submit the return will put the IRS on notice that you’re represented by our firm, and they’re very well aware of our firm’s well-developed position on this matter. Please watch our law firm’s video on Private Individual Tax Planning by clicking here. The video explains everything about our firm, our process, and our fees, so it’s absolutely critical that you take a minute to watch it.

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Conclusion

Our team of international tax attorneys and CPAs can handle the submission of the federal income tax return to ensure everything is properly reported in accordance with the treaty to lawfully avoid taxation on the tax-free lump-sum distribution. Contact our firm today to request a free case evaluation with experienced international tax attorneys today.

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Contact Castro & Co. by calling (833) 277-8761 to schedule a free consultation. Our international tax attorneys are ready to help!

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