Personal & PRSA Plans
Flexible, portable retirement savings for individuals who wish to build long term wealth.
At SproutPlans, we believe every individual strategy should be built on a deep examination of your personal financial needs. Whether you are self-employed or an employee, your pension is your most effective tool for long-term wealth. It allows you to transform your hard-earned income into a tax-efficient personal fund that stays with you throughout your career.
In the 2026 landscape, having a privately owned plan offers a strategic alternative to the state's default Auto-Enrolment system, providing you with superior investment choice and up to 40% tax relief. To help you build a secure future independent of your employment, there are two primary pathways:
Personal Retirement Savings Account (PRSA)
Flexible, portable retirement savings for everyone, regardless of employment status.
A personally owned pension that moves with you. Whether you are self-employed, an employee, or taking a career break, the PRSA offers total control and significant tax advantages.
What is a PRSA? It is a flexible investment account designed for retirement. Unlike traditional schemes, you own the policy directly. You can start, stop, or change your contributions at any time without penalty.
Portability: If you change jobs or move to a different company, your PRSA stays with you. You don’t need to leave your "pot" behind with a former employer.
Tax Relief & Growth: Contributions qualify for income tax relief at your marginal rate (up to 40%). Furthermore, all investment growth within the fund is tax-free.
Retirement Options: At age 60 (or earlier in specific cases), you can take a 25% tax-lump sum (capped at €500,000), the first €200,000 of which can be drawn tax free and the balance up to €300,000 taxable at just 20%. The balance can be used for an Annuity, an ARF, or kept in a Vested PRSA.
Personal Pension Plan (PPP)
Tailored retirement planning for the self-employed. Also known as a Retirement Annuity Contract (RAC), this is a private plan held in your name. It is the gold standard for individuals who want a wide range of investment choices and personal control.
Who is it for? Primarily suited for the self-employed.
Control & Choice: Unlike standard "one-size-fits-all" plans, a PPP offers a broad spectrum of investment funds, allowing you to match your pension strategy to your specific risk appetite.
Tax Efficiency: You control your contributions and claim relief directly from Revenue. In 2026, for high-rate taxpayers, a €100 contribution could effectively cost you only €60 after tax relief.
Retirement: Access your funds from age 60. Take your 25% lump sum and choose between the security of a guaranteed lifetime Annuity or the flexibility of an Approved Retirement Fund (ARF) or a combination of both.
2026 Tax-Relief Limits
The maximum earnings taken into account for tax relief in 2026 is €115,000.
Age | Max Contribution (% of Earnings) |
Under 30 | 15% |
30 – 39 | 20% |
40 – 49 | 25% |
50 – 54 | 30% |
55 – 59 | 35% |
60+ | 40% |
Our advice is grounded in your unique goals, not a "one-size-fits-all" approach. We recommend an annual review of your PRSA or Personal Pension to ensure it remains aligned with changing Revenue limits and your evolving life stages.