Section 73 Policy Savings Plan

Benefits Summary

What is a Section 73 Policy?

A Section 73 Policy Savings Plan is a strategic savings plan designed for individuals who want to pass assets, such as property or cash, to loved ones during their lifetime without leaving them with a heavy tax bill.

Approved under Section 73 of the Capital Acquisitions Tax Consolidation
Act 2003 (CATCA), this policy allows parents, grandparents, or any
individual with a significant estate to save regularly into a tax-efficient
investment plan. This is part of Ireland’s Revenue-approved Section 73
insurance policy framework.

Once the policy has been active for at least eight years, the accumulated
funds can be used to pay the gift tax liability (GTL) that arises when
assets are transferred to a child or beneficiary.

It’s a forward-thinking financial strategy that ensures your generosity
doesn’t come with unintended tax consequences for your family. Many

high-net-worth families use Section 73 investment plans as part of long-
term inheritance tax planning.

A Section 73 Policy

Who Should Consider a Section 73 Policy?

Section 73 policies are particularly suited to:

Parents and grandparents

with significant assets, who want to gift property, cash, or shares during their lifetime. These individuals often seek expert Section 73 investment advice to structure their estate wisely.

Parents and grandparents

With significant assets, who want to gift property, cash, or shares during their lifetime. These individuals often seek expert Section 73 investment advice to structure their estate wisely.

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Estate owners

Who want to minimise the tax impact on the next generation when transferring wealth. This includes those considering Section 73 policy inheritance tax implications.

Estate owners

Who want to minimise the tax impact on the next generation when transferring wealth. This includes those considering Section 73 policy inheritance tax implications.

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Spouses or civil partners

Acting jointly, since the policy must be held by those who are giving the gift, and lives assured must be the same as the policyholders. This ensures compliance under Section 73 Income Tax Act regulations.

Spouses or civil partners

Acting jointly, since the policy must be held by those who are giving the gift, and lives assured must be the same as the policyholders. This ensures compliance under Section 73 Income Tax Act regulations.

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Section 73 Plan vs. Regular Savings Plan

Here’s why a Section 73 savings plan is the smarter, tax-efficient route:

Traditional Savings Plan

Let’s say you save €100,000 and later gift it to your child. If your child’s tax-free lifetime threshold (€335,000) has already been used, they may face a 33% tax liability. That’s €33,000 lost to tax, leaving them with just €67,000.

Section 73 Savings Plan

Save the same €100,000 using a Section 73 investment policy. If you later gift a property worth €350,000, triggering a gift tax bill of €115,000, the full €100,000 from your policy can be used to cover most of the tax liability. Your child receives the property without the financial burden.

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Why It Matters

Giving should feel rewarding, not worrisome. A Section 73 Policy allows you to:

It’s more than a savings plan.

It’s a tool to future-proof your family’s financial well-being — one of the most powerful savings plans in Ireland for intergenerational wealth transfer.

WHAT ARE PUBLIC SECTOR AVCS

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ's)

Q1. What happens if I no longer wish to use the policy for gift tax relief?

Ans: You are under no obligation to use the proceeds of your Aviva Savings Plan policy that has been endorsed under Section 73 of CATCA 2003 for the payment of gift tax. It is simply an option available if all Revenue-qualifying conditions have been complied with.

Q2. What if I act outside of the qualifying conditions of section 73?

Ans: You are under no obligation to use the proceeds of your Aviva Savings Plan policy that has been endorsed under Section 73 of CATCA 2003 for the payment of gift tax. It is simply an option available if all Revenue-qualifying conditions have been complied with.

Q3. Does the exit tax apply to my savings plan endorsed under section 73?

Ans: Yes, the exit tax will apply if there is any investment gain on your
Section 73 policy.

Q4. How long do I have to fund my policy to qualify for section 73 relief?

Ans: You must pay premiums into your policy for a minimum of 8 years. If annual premiums cease to be paid in the first 8 years, the policy will cease to be in a form approved by Revenue for Section 73 relief.

Q5. Once I encash my policy, what happens next?

Ans:  If you wish to use the proceeds of your policy for Section 73 policy inheritance tax relief, you have one year to pay the gift tax liability. The gift should be made as soon as possible after the policy proceeds have been encashed. The proceeds of an Aviva Section 73 Savings Plan policy will not qualify for relief on the payment of inheritance tax.

Q6. Can an existing savings policy become a Section 73 policy?

Ans: No, you must take out a new policy. To qualify for Section 73 policy savings plan relief, the policy must be specifically endorsed under Section 73 of CATCA 2003 from the date of commencement.

Q7. What happens if I die before the minimum 8-year term?

Ans:  If you die before the minimum 8-year term or before the gift tax liability is paid, then the proceeds of the policy will form part of your estate.

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