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Ready to Retire

Deciding when to retire is an important financial decision and can be an exciting one too. Before you step into that next chapter of your life, there are several important steps you need to take to complete the retirement process. KCPERS helps provide step by step guidance on how to apply for retirement and plan ahead with the retirement checklist.

The first step in the retirement process is to pick the date you want to retire. There are several factors to consider when making this decision, so the first thing you will want to do is contact the Retirement System staff to assist you in choosing the most beneficial date for you. Staff will walk you through your options, the impact your potential date has on your pension and the timing of your first pension payment to help you make the best decision for yourself.

In order to officially start the retirement process, you must complete your official retirement application with the Personnel Records section of the Police Department. 

Begin to gather and make copies of the required documents you'll need to submit to the Retirement System. All necessary documents described in the retirement checklist must be submitted to KCPERS before your effective retirement date. Failure to complete and submit the necessary forms or documents may delay your or your survivors pension payments.

Your pension is taxable at the Federal and State level. The Retirement System staff are not qualified tax advisors, so it is recommended that you speak with your tax advisor or visit the IRS website and utilize the calculator to assist you in determining the appropriate level of withholding for your tax liability prior to your Retirement System appointment. This will allow you to more accurately complete your tax withholding forms according to your needs.

Once you have received your separation clearance form and collected your documenation, you will want to contact the Retirement System staff to schedule an appointment to complete your pension paperwork. Appointments are important to ensure that your paperwork is ready for you upon arrival and that a staff member will be available to assist you.

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