Pension Premiums

There is no financial limit on the amount that may be contributed to a registered pension scheme. The maximum amount on which an individual can claim tax relief in any tax year is the greater of the individual's UK relevant earnings or £3,600.

If total pension input exceeds the annual allowance of £255,000 there is a tax charge at 40% on the excess. This limit does not apply in the year that full pension benefits are taken.

Maximum age for tax relief	74
Minimum age for taking benefits	55
Lifetime allowance charge – lump sum paid	55%
Lifetime allowance charge – monies retained	25%
on cumulative benefits exceeding	£1,800,000
Maximum tax-free lump sum	25%*

*Subject to transitional protection for excess amount.

A charge may apply in respect of contributions where an individual has relevant income of £130,000 or more.

Note - Total pension input is the increase in value of the aggregate of all the individual's pension savings. The pension input period is usually the year to the anniversary date which falls within the relevant tax year.