UK Pension Tax Relief Calculator 2026/27

See the tax relief on UK pension contributions in 2026/27: the 20% the provider adds, the higher-rate relief to claim, the 60% trap and the annual allowance.

Total tax relief

β€”Gross contribution
β€”Basic relief added by the provider
β€”Extra relief to claim (Self Assessment)
β€”Relief rate
β€”Personal Allowance after the contribution
β€”Annual allowance

Relief at source (personal pensions, SIPPs and many workplace schemes): the provider adds 20%, and higher or additional rate taxpayers claim the rest on a Self Assessment return or by asking HMRC. In Scotland the claim is for the rates above 20%. Annual allowance £60,000, tapered to £10,000 above £260,000 of adjusted income.

What it does

Pension contributions get tax relief at your highest rate of income tax. With relief at source you pay 80% and the provider claims the basic 20% from the government; if you pay 40% or 45%, your basic rate band is extended by the gross contribution and you claim the difference. The calculator shows both parts and what the contribution really costs.

How to use it

  1. Choose where you pay income tax and type your salary for the year.
  2. Type what you pay into the pension yourself (the net amount) and what your employer pays.
  3. See the gross contribution, the relief added and to claim, and the annual allowance.

The arithmetic runs in your browser. Nothing you type is sent anywhere and nothing is stored, so you can use these with real numbers.

Frequently asked questions

How much tax relief do I get on pension contributions?
Your rate of income tax. On a £60,000 salary, paying £8,000 puts £10,000 in the pension: £2,000 is added by the provider and £1,946 comes back through Self Assessment, so it costs £6,054.

How do I claim higher rate tax relief on my pension?
On your Self Assessment tax return, or by writing to HMRC if you do not file one. The basic rate band is extended by the gross contribution, so income that was taxed at 40% is taxed at 20%.

How can pension contributions avoid the 60% tax trap?
Between £100,000 and £125,140 you lose £1 of Personal Allowance for every £2. On £110,000, a £10,000 gross contribution restores the full £12,570 and the relief is £6,000, 60%.

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