I’m in a tricky spot. I have money in the US that I need to transfer here

September 13, 2026 — 5:00am

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I’m originally from the UK. Prior to coming to Australia 16 years ago (I’m now a citizen), I worked in the USA for four years where I received a company pension which had a balance of $US70,000 the last time I checked it some years ago. I also paid into a 401K scheme that had an element of matching from my employer, the current balance of which is approximately $US239,000. I’m at an age where I can access both without penalty, and I believe they can both be paid as lump sums, which is my preference.

However, I cannot find any advice on how best to access the monies, what the full tax implications may be on both ends, and how to transfer them in a tax-efficient way.

Yes, this is a really tricky spot to be in. Australian-based financial planners’ licences and professional indemnity insurance won’t allow them to give advice on US schemes, so........

© The Sydney Morning Herald