Pension contribution calculator 2026/27
Work out how much you can pay into your pension this tax year without breaching the annual allowance — including any unused allowance you can carry forward from the previous three tax years and, for higher earners, the tapered annual allowance.
How much can you pay into your pension?
Work through the last four tax years to see your annual allowance for each — including any taper for higher earners — and the total contribution scope carry forward gives you for 2026/27.
A couple of things first
These affect which limits apply to you before we look at the year-by-year figures.
For example, taking taxable income from flexi-access drawdown or a lump sum (UFPLS) from a pension pot. Taking only tax-free cash, or income from a final salary pension or an annuity, doesn't usually count.
Broadly salary, bonus and self-employed profits. Dividends, rental income, interest and pension income don't count. This caps how much you can personally contribute with tax relief — employer contributions aren't limited by your earnings.
Who this calculator is for
Anyone planning a large pension contribution — self-employed savers making a lump-sum payment before year end, business owners making an employer contribution, higher earners caught by the taper, and people who've had a good year and want to sweep unused allowance from earlier years into their pension.
The 2026/27 rules it uses
- Standard annual allowance of £60,000 for 2026/27.
- Tapered annual allowance: reduces by £1 for every £2 of adjusted income above £260,000, down to a minimum of £10,000.
- Carry forward from the three previous tax years (2023/24, 2024/25, 2025/26), oldest year used first.
- Tax relief limited to 100% of your relevant UK earnings (£3,600 gross minimum for non-earners).
- Money purchase annual allowance (MPAA) of £10,000 if you've flexibly accessed a defined contribution pension.
Frequently asked questions
What is carry forward?
Carry forward lets you use annual allowance you didn't use in the three previous tax years, as long as you were a member of a registered pension scheme in each of those years. You must use this year's allowance first, then the oldest year available.
How does the tapered annual allowance work?
If your adjusted income is above £260,000, your annual allowance is reduced by £1 for every £2 above that threshold, down to a minimum of £10,000. The calculator applies this automatically once you enter your income figures.
Educational estimate, not financial advice. Pension rules are complex and personal — speak to a regulated adviser before making a large contribution.