FAQs

If you have any queries about the tax you’ve paid, or if you think you have paid too much tax, you can contact HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC).

If your employer is using the ‘net pay arrangement’ method where your contributions are taken from your pay before tax, you’ll get your full tax relief straightaway.

The gross tax basis means contributions are deducted from your employees’ wages before tax is taken.

If your employer takes your contributions before tax (known as a net pay arrangement), you only pay tax on what’s left.

There are two reasons you might not be able to see tax relief on your online account.

If your pension contributions have been deducted from net pay (after tax has been deducted) and you’re a higher rate taxpayer (eg paying 40% tax), you can claim your tax back in two ways.

If your earnings are below the annual income tax personal allowance, because your employer deducts contributions before tax, you’ll receive a payment to your bank account from HMRC.

Yes - contributions to a registered pension scheme by an employer are allowable as a deduction in their trade profits for tax purposes.

"How do I query the tax I’ve paid on my lump sum?"

"How long does it take to get the tax relief from HMRC?"

"What’s the gross tax basis?"

"I live in Scotland, how do I receive tax relief on my contributions?"

"Why can’t I see any tax relief on my online account?"

"How do I claim higher rate tax relief on my contributions?"

"My statement doesn't show any tax relief. Do I need to claim this back from HMRC?"

"If I don’t earn enough to pay income tax, how do I claim tax relief on my contributions?"

"Can employers claim the contributions they pay into pensions back as a tax-deductible expense? "