Pension Tax Relief Calculator (2026/27)
Enter your pay and what goes into your pension. See your tax relief, what it really costs you, and whether you need to claim extra.
What we noticed
Year by year
How this calculator works
When you pay into a pension, the government adds tax relief at the rate you pay tax. Basic rate taxpayers get 20%. Higher rate taxpayers get 40% on the part of their pay in the higher band, and additional rate taxpayers get 45%.
We work out your income tax with and without the pension contribution and the difference is your relief. If your pension is paid from your bank account and the provider adds 20% (relief at source), higher and additional rate taxpayers have to claim the extra themselves.
We use the England, Wales and Northern Ireland tax bands for 2026/27. Scottish tax rates differ. National Insurance and student loans are not included. This is an estimate, not tax advice.
Income tax bands, 2026/27
| Personal Allowance | £12,570 (reduced above £100,000) |
|---|---|
| Basic rate, 20% | £12,571 to £50,270 |
| Higher rate, 40% | £50,271 to £125,140 |
| Additional rate, 45% | Over £125,140 |
| Annual allowance | £60,000 (lower for very high earners) |
Sources: GOV.UK: Tax relief on pension contributions, GOV.UK: Income Tax rates and bands, GOV.UK: Pension annual allowance
Frequently asked questions
How much tax relief do I get on a pension?
You get relief at the highest rate you pay tax: 20%, 40% or 45%. Basic rate relief of 20% is added to your pension for you if your provider uses relief at source. Higher rate relief is extra on top.
What is relief at source?
You pay into your pension from your bank account and your provider claims 20% from the government and adds it to your pot. If you pay tax at 40% or 45%, you can claim the extra through Self Assessment.
What is net pay?
Your employer takes the contribution from your pay before tax, so you get all your relief automatically through your payslip.
Is there a limit on tax relief?
You can get tax relief on contributions up to 100% of your yearly earnings. There is also an annual allowance of £60,000 for most people, which counts your employer's contributions too and is lower for very high earners. Going over it can mean a tax charge.
Why can relief be 60% for some people?
If you earn between £100,000 and £125,140, you lose £1 of Personal Allowance for every £2 you earn above £100,000. A pension contribution lowers your income, so you save the 40% tax plus the tax on the allowance you get back.