All articles · 2026-01-02 · Pension
Pension planning for entrepreneurs: the right choices at the right time
Pension accrual seems simple, but returns are determined by timing, structure, and consistency. Especially for entrepreneurs, it's important to…
By Jan Hermans, CEO & founder of Lyff.
The classic pension saving (third pillar) is private and legally limited. You cannot contribute unlimited amounts, nor can you catch up if you start late. Those who start too late can no longer fully compensate for lost returns.
For self-employed individuals, there are other, more powerful levers: VAPZ (Vrij Aanvullend Pensioen voor Zelfstandigen - Free Supplementary Pension for the Self-Employed) and IPT (Individuele Pensioentoezegging - Individual Pension Commitment). These are part of a broader pension plan and *do* allow for higher contributions, within legal limits. Especially with an IPT, the accrual can be aligned with your income, your career, and your desired pension amount.
Timing remains crucial. Those who start early benefit most from compound growth. But even those who start later can still optimize a lot through pension planning, as long as the structure is right.
In addition, the investment choice plays an important role. Your pension assets can be invested defensively or more dynamically. Younger entrepreneurs often opt for more market-oriented solutions (such as investing via a TAK 23 structure), while approaching retirement age, investments are usually scaled back to less volatile options. This is not an all-or-nothing story: you can adjust this strategy along the way as your situation changes.
The most important insight: pension accrual never stands alone. It must fit within your cash flow, your salary strategy, and your long-term goals. Loose contributions without a plan rarely yield the best results.
For many self-employed individuals, pension is the biggest financial risk they ignore. Pension planning works, but only if it is consciously built up, with the right formula at the right time, and as part of a larger financial whole. A simple simulation often immediately shows where you are currently losing money. Make an appointment with our experts if you want to discuss your situation without obligation.
The VAPZ and IPT as a foundation
At Lyff., we often see the VAPZ (Vrij Aanvullend Pensioen voor Zelfstandigen) as the first euro you put into your pension machine. It's a powerful basic leverage because a contribution not only reduces your taxable professional income but also tempers your social contributions for the future. Depending on your income, the total net benefit can amount to almost 60 percent. However, the VAPZ is limited. For real leverage, we look at the Individual Pension Commitment (IPT - Individuele Pensioentoezegging). This instrument allows the company to contribute premiums that are privately acquired, while remaining tax-deductible for the company as a business expense.
An essential mechanism here is the 80 percent rule. This is a fiscal safety rail that determines that your total pension payout may not exceed 80 percent of your last normal gross annual salary. In my book, I explain that pension and remuneration are communicating vessels. Those who minimize their salary for years to save taxes unknowingly reduce their pension space. A sensible salary strategy is therefore the foundation for healthy pension accrual.
- Salary and benefits in kind form the basis for your pension calculation.
- Dividends do not count towards the 80 percent rule.
- Backservice allows you to fiscally catch up on missed years from the past.
Financing real estate with your pension plan
A shortcut that is often overlooked is the use of your pension reserve for real estate. Instead of waiting until you are 67, you can already take an advance today or pledge your contract for the purchase, construction, or renovation of real estate within the European Union. This allows you to support your private real estate with gross money from the company.
Suppose you buy an apartment. Instead of repaying capital with net salary that is already heavily taxed, you privately only pay the interest. The actual capital accrual happens via the IPT (Individuele Pensioentoezegging) premiums paid by your company. This significantly reduces the pressure on your private cash flow and ensures that your assets grow faster through the fiscal leverage. For more details on these mechanisms, you can refer to our expertise in fiscale-optimalisatie.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens to my IPT (Individuele Pensioentoezegging) during a tax audit?
The tax authorities mainly check whether the 80 percent rule has been respected and whether there is a normal, regular remuneration. Sudden salary jumps just before the retirement date to maximize deductibility can raise questions. Consistency in your salary policy is the best protection.
Can I invest in my pension plan without capital loss?
Yes, through a TAK 21 structure, you have capital guarantee and a guaranteed interest rate. For those seeking more growth, TAK 23 is interesting, where you invest in funds. In my book Fiscale Shortcuts voor managementvennootschappen, I describe how you can combine these two depending on your horizon.