Guides

Pension Tax Relief Guides 2026/27

In-depth guides to UK pension tax relief, annual allowance, carry forward and contribution strategies for 2026/27.

Claiming relief

How to Claim Higher Rate Pension Tax Relief

How to claim extra pension tax relief through Self Assessment if you're a higher-rate taxpayer.

Self Assessment

Pension Tax Relief and Self Assessment

Reporting pension contributions on Self Assessment to claim higher and additional rate relief.

High earners

Pension Relief Over £100,000 Income

How pension contributions can restore the personal allowance if income exceeds £100,000.

Annual allowance

Tapered Annual Allowance

How the annual allowance tapers from £60,000 to £10,000 for very high earners.

MPAA

Money Purchase Annual Allowance (MPAA)

The £10,000 MPAA that applies after flexibly accessing a defined contribution pension.

Contributions

Gross vs Net Pension Contributions

The difference between what you pay and what your pension receives — gross vs net explained.

Carry forward

Pension Carry Forward

Using unused annual allowance from previous three years to make larger pension contributions.

Net pay

Net Pay Arrangement and Low Earners

Why the net pay arrangement can leave low earners worse off — and what HMRC does about it.

Contributions

Pension Contribution Net Cost

What a pension contribution really costs you after tax relief is applied.

Self-employed

Pension Tax Relief for the Self-Employed

Pension tax relief for sole traders and self-employed people via SIPP contributions.

All guides cover the 2026/27 tax year · Estimates only — not financial or tax advice · GOV.UK pension tax relief