Blocking period for lump-sum withdrawals from the pension fund explained in detail

The legislator enables the purchase into the 2nd pillar so that a pension gap can be closed. To make the payments attractive, the purchase amount can be deducted from taxable income. To prevent “tax avoidance”, the legislator has introduced a blocking period of three years. During this period, no pension assets may be withdrawn in the form of capital.

The duration is exactly three years. It begins on the day of purchase and ends three years later to the day. If payments are made during the year, the lock-up period also expires during the year, three years later.

The retention period applies regardless of the reason for the payout or the motive. It also applies to lump-sum payments as a result of taking up self-employment, moving abroad or for advance withdrawals to promote home ownership (WEF). The Federal Supreme Court has confirmed several times that there is no exception to the rule.

The vesting period covers not only the sum of the purchases made, but the entire savings balance of the pension fund.

If the blocking period is not observed and a capital withdrawal is made during this period, the tax authorities will initiate subsequent tax proceedings. The tax deduction of the voluntary purchase at the time is subsequently offset.

An exception to the retention period is the closing of a divorce gap.

After the repurchase to close a divorce gap, there is no retention period. Capital withdrawals in the three subsequent years are possible.