UK Pension Tax Relief Calculator
See the tax relief added to your pension and the extra you can claim as a higher-rate taxpayer.
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How to do it
- 1Fill in the boxes
Type your numbers or pick the options you need.
- 2See the result
The answer updates right away as you change a value.
- 3Use it
Copy the result or note it down. Nothing is sent anywhere.
About this tool
Enter your salary and the amount you pay into a personal pension each month. A provider adds basic-rate relief of 20 percent. Higher-rate taxpayers can claim more through Self Assessment, and the tool shows the total relief and your real cost. Rates and thresholds are for the 2026-27 tax year and can change. A guide only, check gov.uk for the official figures.
How relief works
If you pay £80 into a personal pension, the provider adds £20 to make £100. That is basic-rate relief at source. If part of your income is taxed at 40 percent, you can claim another 20 percent on the gross contribution above the higher-rate threshold, and 25 percent in the additional band.
Example
On £60,000 pay and £400 net a month, the gross yearly contribution is £6,000. About £1,200 is added automatically and about £1,200 more can be claimed because the pay is above £50,270.
Limits
The annual allowance is normally £60,000 or 100 percent of earnings, and tapers for very high incomes. Workplace schemes taking pay before tax work differently.
Frequently asked questions
What is relief at source?
The pension provider claims 20 percent basic-rate tax back from HMRC and adds it to your pot.
Do I get extra relief at 40 percent?
Yes, by claiming it on your tax return or by asking HMRC to change your tax code.
Is there a limit?
The annual allowance is normally £60,000, or 100 percent of your earnings if lower.
Is this the same as salary sacrifice?
No. Salary sacrifice also saves National Insurance. This tool covers personal pensions with relief at source.