How much can I pay into my pension each year and still get tax relief in 2026/27?

Full answer

For 2026/27 the standard pension annual allowance is GBP 60,000. This is the maximum total that can go into your pensions in one tax year with tax relief, counting your own contributions, employer contributions and the basic-rate tax relief added by HMRC. You are also limited to relief on contributions up to 100% of your relevant UK earnings. Worked example: you earn GBP 70,000 and pay GBP 40,000 net into a personal pension. HMRC adds 20% basic-rate relief, grossing this up to GBP 50,000. Your employer adds GBP 8,000. Total input is GBP 58,000, which is within the GBP 60,000 allowance, so no charge applies. As a higher-rate taxpayer you can also claim a further 20% (GBP 10,000) through self assessment. If total contributions exceed GBP 60,000 you may be able to use carry forward of unused allowance from the previous three tax years, provided you were a pension scheme member in those years. High earners can have the allowance tapered down, and anyone who has flexibly accessed a pension may instead be limited by the Money Purchase Annual Allowance. Use the pension calculator to model contributions and the tax relief due, and the salary sacrifice calculator if your employer offers that route. Higher and additional-rate relief is given through your tax return rather than automatically. For tapering thresholds, carry forward rules and how to report any annual allowance charge, check the current guidance at gov.uk.

Try the calculator