Severance Package
These are being more commonly offered as a cash lump sum which will be based on your years of service with the company. This payment can be made as a lump sum payment or you may be given the option to take this in instalment payment sums which will be made over a period of time. The second option means it is more like continuing to draw a salary. Both these options have pros and cons you will need to look at them to decide which the better option is
Lump Sum
- This will be taxed as it is considered income
- It can be deferred to the next financial year but will still affect your tax
- You can repay major debts i.e. mortgage to reduce the interest you need to pay on that.
- You will need to consider if you think the company is going to go into insolvency if it is best to receive the lump sum before they go.
Instalments
- You will still be taxed on these small payment however they will be lower
- If you want and find another job you may be able to transfer your pension plan across and continue contributing to it
- You may believe that the company will be able to honour the payments over the years as they are a multinational corporation who are unlikely to fold.
