Tax on your private pension contributions

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Overview

Your private pension contributions are tax-free up to certain limits.

This applies to most private pension schemes, for example:

  • workplace pensions
  • personal and stakeholder pensions
  • overseas pension schemes that qualify for UK tax relief - ask your provider if it’s a ‘qualifying overseas pension scheme’

Pension schemes must be registered with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to qualify for tax relief. Check with your pension provider if you’re unsure if your scheme is registered or not.

You pay tax when you take money out of a pension.

Limits to your tax-free contributions

You usually pay tax if savings in your pension pots go above:

You also pay tax on contributions if your pension provider:

  • is not registered for tax relief with HMRC
  • does not invest your pension pot according to HMRC’s rules