What is the FAD vs UFPLS vs Annuity Comparison Calculator?
The FAD vs UFPLS vs Annuity Comparison Tool helps you understand how three common UK pension withdrawal methods compare. By modelling your pension pot, tax position and withdrawal choices, it shows how income, tax and remaining pot value differ under each method. This helps you make clearer decisions about how to take money from your defined contribution pension.
How does the Calculator work?
This calculator models your pension pot year by year and compares outcomes under Flexi Access Drawdown, UFPLS and annuity purchase. It applies your inputs on real investment returns, fees, State Pension and other taxable income, then calculates tax and net income using UK or Scottish tax bands. Each strategy starts from the same pension pot so the comparison is fair and consistent.
Step One: Enter your profile and starting pot
Add your current age, the age you want to model until and your starting pension pot.
Choose your expected real investment return, annual fees, State Pension and other income so the tool can calculate tax and growth accurately.
Step Two: Choose FAD, UFPLS and annuity settings
Decide whether to take a tax free lump sum under FAD, select fixed or sustainable withdrawals for both FAD and UFPLS, and choose what percentage of your pot goes into an annuity.
The calculator then applies the correct tax treatment to each method.
Step Three: Compare your results
Review lifetime income, total tax, final pot value and any depletion age for each strategy.
Use the charts and year by year tables to understand how each method behaves over time.
Disclaimer: This calculator provides illustrative projections only and should not be taken as financial advice. Individual circumstances vary, so consider speaking with a qualified financial adviser before making major financial decisions.
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What is the FAD vs UFPLS vs Annuity Comparison Calculator?
This section answers common questions about how the calculator works, what it includes and how to use the results. It is designed to give quick clarity without needing to understand the underlying code or tax rules.
What does this calculator do?
It compares Flexi Access Drawdown, UFPLS and buying an annuity using the same pension pot and tax assumptions. This shows how each method affects income, tax and remaining capital over time.
How does it work?
The model runs year by year, applying real growth, fees, tax bands and State Pension based on your inputs. It then calculates taxable income, tax, net income and remaining pot size for each strategy.
What information do I need?
You will need your pension pot value, expected real return, annual fees, State Pension amount, other income and your preferred withdrawal settings for FAD, UFPLS and annuity.
Does the calculator include UK tax rules?
Yes. It uses the correct personal allowance and applies UK or Scottish income tax bands to pension withdrawals, State Pension and other taxable income.
Does it follow UK pension rules?
Yes. Withdrawals only begin from age 57 and tax free elements are applied correctly to FAD, UFPLS and annuity calculations.
How accurate are the results?
The tool provides a consistent comparison using your assumptions. It cannot predict future investment returns or tax changes, but it accurately applies current rules and modelling logic.
Is my information stored?
No. All calculations run locally in your browser and are not saved or transmitted.
Is this financial advice?
No. It is an educational and planning tool only.