Retirement
Are you leaving pension tax relief unclaimed?
See the extra relief higher-rate taxpayers are entitled to but rarely claim.
Pension tax relief calculator
See the extra relief higher and additional-rate taxpayers can claim back
The actual amount that left your pocket — not the grossed-up figure.
Grossed-up contribution
£5,000
what actually lands in your pension
Extra relief you can claim
£1,000
at your 40% marginal rate
Total relief (basic + extra)
£2,000
Assumes contributions made via relief at source (the most common method for personal and many workplace pensions). If your pension uses salary sacrifice or net pay instead, the mechanics differ — the 20% is typically already reflected before it reaches your payslip. Not tax advice — check your specific scheme's method before claiming.
When you pay into a workplace or personal pension via relief at source, your provider automatically claims 20% basic-rate relief and adds it to your pot — so a £80 payment from your pocket becomes £100 in your pension. If you pay tax at 40% or 45% (or Scotland's equivalent higher bands), you're entitled to the rest of the relief too — but unlike the basic 20%, this extra portion doesn't happen automatically. You have to claim it yourself through Self Assessment, or by writing to HMRC if you don't normally file a return. Many higher earners never claim this and simply leave it unclaimed.
Frequently asked questions
How much pension tax relief can higher-rate taxpayers claim?
Basic-rate relief (20%) is added automatically, but higher and additional-rate taxpayers can claim the rest — up to 40% or 45% total — through Self Assessment.
Is pension tax relief automatic?
Only the basic 20% is automatic under relief at source — any extra relief for higher earners has to be actively claimed.