Overview
Tax relief on pension contributions is subject to earnings, annual allowance and other rules. The standard annual allowance can be reduced for people with high income or who have flexibly accessed money purchase pensions. Unused allowance from earlier years may sometimes be carried forward.
Who this applies to
Individuals, company directors and employers considering pension contributions.
Key points
- The standard annual allowance is generally £60,000, subject to the detailed rules.
- The minimum tapered annual allowance and the money purchase annual allowance are £10,000 for 2026/27.
- Personal tax relief is limited by relevant earnings and contribution method.
- Employer contributions follow different tests and should be commercially justifiable.
Important dates and deadlines
Contributions and elections are generally assessed by tax year. Evidence should be obtained before the year end where a contribution is intended to affect that year.
Practical checklist
- Obtain pension input statements.
- Check unused allowance for the previous three years.
- Identify flexible access and high-income taper issues.
- Confirm contribution ownership and payment date.
- Coordinate company and personal tax advice.
Frequently asked questions
Can a company contribute more than the director's salary?
Potentially, but the company deduction, pension allowance and commercial purpose need review.
Is carry forward automatic?
It does not require a standalone claim, but eligibility and calculations should be documented.
How Accountants4All can help
Support matched to your circumstances
Accountants4All can assess the business and tax records around proposed contributions and coordinate with the client’s regulated pension adviser.
Official sources and further reading
This page is general guidance and does not create an adviser/client relationship. Tax rules and official guidance can change. Use the official sources above and obtain advice based on your circumstances.
Read the full tax disclaimer