Pension Annual Allowance Calculator UK — How Much Can You Contribute?
Calculate your pension annual allowance and check if you exceed the limit. Understand carry forward rules and tapered allowance for high earners.
The pension annual allowance is the maximum amount of tax-relieved pension savings you can make in a year currently £60000 (including employer contributions). Exceeding this triggers an annual allowance charge at your marginal tax rate on the excess. However unused allowance from the previous 3 years can be carried forward providing up to £180000 in total allowance if you have not used it all previously.
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Key Information
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Standard Annual Allowance | £60000 |
| Tapered Allowance (high earners) | £10000 minimum (adjusted income £260000+) |
| Carry Forward | Up to 3 years unused allowance |
| Tax Charge on Excess | At your marginal income tax rate |
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Use Calculator NowFrequently Asked Questions
What is the pension annual allowance 2026?
The standard annual allowance is £60000 including all contributions (yours and employer). This covers total pension input from all sources in the tax year. If you contribute £5000 personally and your employer contributes £3000 your total pension input is £8000 leaving £52000 unused. If your adjusted income exceeds £260000 the allowance tapers down to a minimum of £10000.
How does pension carry forward work?
You can use unused annual allowance from the previous 3 tax years. Example: if you contributed £20000 in each of the last 3 years you have £40000 unused per year x 3 = £120000 carry forward plus £60000 current year = £180000 total available. This is useful if you receive a large bonus or sell a business and want to shelter the income in your pension.
What happens if I exceed the annual allowance?
You must pay the annual allowance charge on the excess at your marginal income tax rate. If you exceed by £10000 and are a 40% taxpayer you owe £4000. The charge is reported on your self-assessment tax return. Your pension scheme can pay the charge from your pension pot (scheme pays) if the excess is over £2000. Always check your total pension contributions across all schemes to avoid surprises.
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Last updated: March 2026