Free UK Calculator
Pension Tax Relief Calculator
See basic, higher and additional-rate tax relief on your UK pension or SIPP contributions. Based on 2025/26 HMRC tax bands (England, Wales & Northern Ireland).
Your details
Gross contribution: £10,000
The pension provider adds £2000 of basic-rate relief automatically. Higher and additional-rate relief is claimed via Self Assessment.
The pension provider adds £2000 of basic-rate relief automatically. Higher and additional-rate relief is claimed via Self Assessment.
Total tax relief on this contribution
£4,000
40% effective
Basic-rate relief at source
£2,000
added by the pension provider
Higher / additional-rate relief
£2,000
claimed via Self Assessment
What the contribution really costs you
Net cost after all relief is reclaimed£6,000
You pay £8,000 into the pension. The provider adds £2,000 basic-rate relief at source ( £10,000 total in your pension). If you're a higher / additional-rate taxpayer, you can reclaim a further £2,000 via Self Assessment — making the real cost £6,000.
Educational information only — not regulated financial advice. Uses 2025/26 UK tax bands for England, Wales and Northern Ireland; Scottish taxpayers have different bands. Assumes relief-at-source (the most common SIPP method). Salary sacrifice and net-pay schemes work differently.
Common pension relief questions
How is pension tax relief calculated?
Every £80 you pay in becomes £100 thanks to basic-rate (20%) relief added at source. If you're a higher (40%) or additional-rate (45%) taxpayer, you can claim further relief on contributions sitting in those bands via Self Assessment.
How do I claim higher-rate pension relief?
Usually through Self Assessment — declare your gross pension contributions in the pensions section. HMRC will either refund you or adjust your tax code.
How much can I pay into a pension?
Most people can contribute up to 100% of UK relevant earnings, capped at the £60,000 annual allowance for 2025/26. High earners and those who have flexibly accessed pensions may have lower limits.
Does this work for SIPPs and workplace pensions?
This calculator assumes relief-at-source — the standard method for SIPPs and most personal pensions. Net-pay workplace schemes apply relief differently (contributions taken before tax), so the maths is similar but the timing differs.