Calculate∑ What your result means
Under relief-at-source pensions, the amount you pay from your take-home pay is automatically topped up by basic-rate tax relief, and higher and additional-rate taxpayers can claim further relief through Self Assessment.
Pension Tax Relief & Contribution Calculator
See how much tax relief is added to your pension contributions.
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Verified for 2026-27Methodology 2026-27.1 · reviewed 2026-08-08 · review by 2027-03-01
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Change annual gross salary to see the effect on your result.
Understand your result
Clear context for the values above.
Annual gross salary
Annual gross salary is included so you can interpret this estimate and make a better-informed comparison.
Pension contribution
Pension contribution is included so you can interpret this estimate and make a better-informed comparison.
Employer contribution
Employer contribution is included so you can interpret this estimate and make a better-informed comparison.
Contribution method
Contribution method is included so you can interpret this estimate and make a better-informed comparison.
How to use this calculator
- 1Enter your current annual gross salary, pension contribution (net, from your pay), employer contribution, contribution method.
- 2Review the headline added to your pension (after basic-rate relief) and the supporting figures beside it.
- 3Change one input at a time to see which assumption has the biggest effect.
- 4Confirm current UK rates and thresholds with an official source before acting.
Explore this calculator
What your result means →The headline added to your pension (after basic-rate relief) is based on the inputs currently shown above.Key terms explained →Review the assumptions, applicable rules, timing and real-world fees before making a decision.How to use this calculator →Enter your figures, review the live result, compare scenarios, then save or print your estimate.The calculation formula →The calculation follows the standard relationship between the displayed inputs. Results update whenever an input changes.Worked example →Using the current values produces £5,088.Assumptions and limitations →Review the assumptions, applicable rules, timing and real-world fees before making a decision.Costs or factors not included →Review the assumptions, applicable rules, timing and real-world fees before making a decision.Frequently asked questions →How accurate is this estimate? What should I check before relying on it? Can I save or share the result?
▦ How this calculator works
The net amount you contribute is grossed up by basic-rate relief (adding 25% of the net amount, equivalent to 20% of the gross figure) to find what actually lands in your pension. If your salary is in the higher or additional-rate band, an estimate of the further relief you can claim back is shown separately.
◇ Assumptions and what's not included
This assumes a relief-at-source scheme (common for personal and many workplace pensions); salary-sacrifice and net-pay schemes give relief differently, and the annual allowance (usually £60,000) caps how much can receive tax relief each year.
▤ What to do next
If you're a higher or additional-rate taxpayer, remember to claim your extra relief through Self Assessment or by contacting HMRC — it isn't added automatically.
UK-specific contextFigures use GBP and current published rates and thresholds.
Reviewed for clarityUpdated 3 August 2026.
ImportantFor planning and educational use — not tax, legal or financial advice.
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Frequently asked questions
Do I need to claim the 20% basic-rate relief myself?+
No, that portion is added automatically by your pension provider under relief-at-source — you don't need to do anything for the basic-rate top-up.
How do I get higher-rate relief?+
You need to claim it yourself, usually through a Self Assessment tax return or by writing to HMRC, since providers only apply the basic-rate top-up automatically.
What if my scheme uses salary sacrifice instead?+
Salary sacrifice reduces your gross salary before tax and National Insurance are calculated, which works differently to relief-at-source — this calculator assumes relief-at-source.
Is there a limit to how much tax relief I can get?+
Yes, tax relief is generally capped by the annual allowance (usually £60,000, tapered for very high earners) and you can't get relief on contributions above your UK relevant earnings.
Official references
Rules and thresholds used by this calculator are labelled for 2026–27 or formula-labelled period. Review the primary guidance before making a filing, borrowing, benefit or investment decision.
Last source review: 3 August 2026. Calculator results are estimates and may exclude circumstances described in the methodology.