Answers · UK 2025/26
How much can I pay into a pension each year in the UK?
You can pay up to £60,000 per year into pensions and receive tax relief — or 100% of your earnings if lower. The £60,000 Annual Allowance tapers down to £10,000 for very high earners (adjusted income above £260,000).
Full answer
The standard Annual Allowance for 2025/26 is £60,000, covering combined personal and employer contributions across all your pensions. You receive tax relief at your marginal rate — basic-rate taxpayers automatically get 20% relief; higher and additional rate taxpayers claim the extra 20%/25% via Self Assessment or by writing to HMRC. The Tapered Annual Allowance reduces the £60,000 by £1 for every £2 of "adjusted income" above £260,000, with a minimum allowance of £10,000 at £360,000+ income. The Money Purchase Annual Allowance (MPAA) of £10,000 applies if you have already flexibly accessed a defined contribution pension. Unused allowance can be "carried forward" up to 3 tax years if you have a pension scheme in each of those years. Contributions above your allowance are taxed at your marginal Income Tax rate.
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This answer is informational only and does not constitute financial, tax or legal advice. Figures are for the 2025/26 UK tax year. See our methodology and sources.