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Pension Tax Relief Calculator
Free pension tax relief calculator: relief at source, net pay and salary sacrifice, the extra relief higher-rate payers claim back, National Insurance savings and the £60,000 annual allowance. Scotland included.
Your pension contribution
It really costs you
£3,054
| Going into your pension | £5,000 |
| Provider adds (20% basic rate) | £1,000 |
| Extra relief to claim on your tax return | £946 |
| Total relief | £1,946 |
| Relief as % of the contribution | 38.9% |
Higher and additional-rate taxpayers must claim the extra relief through Self Assessment (or by asking HMRC to change your tax code). It isn't added automatically.
| Annual allowance | £60,000 |
| After taking pension income flexibly (MPAA) | £10,000 |
The allowance tapers down for very high incomes (adjusted income over £260,000). You can't get relief on more than your earnings. From April 2029 the National Insurance saving on salary sacrifice is planned to be capped at £2,000 a year.
Rules last checked October 2026. Assumes salary is your only income. Not legal, tax or financial advice. 🔒 Everything stays on your device.
✅ Rules last checked:
📚 Official sources: GOV.UK: pension tax relief
We build every tool from the official rules and re-check them when they change. Always confirm with the official source before you rely on a result.
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Questions people ask
How much tax relief do I get on pension contributions?+
Your top rate of income tax: 20% basic, 40% higher, 45% additional. Between £100,000 and £125,140 it can be 60% because you win back your personal allowance.
Do I need to claim higher-rate relief?+
Yes, for a personal pension or SIPP (relief at source). The provider adds 20%; you claim the rest through Self Assessment.
Is salary sacrifice better?+
It also saves National Insurance (8% for most employees, 2% above £50,270), so the same contribution costs you less.