What could your pension contribution really cost?
See the money you pay upfront, the pension provider’s top-up and the further tax saving you may need to claim.
2026/27 · England, Wales and Northern Ireland · personal pensions using relief at source
What goes into your pension—and what it costs you
Select “Show my pension saving” to see your estimate.
You need the upfront payment available. The personal tax saving comes back to you through a refund, tax-code adjustment or smaller tax bill. It does not go into your pension and must not be counted twice. National Insurance is unchanged by this personal contribution.
Your tax computation
SA302-style planning breakdown—not an HMRC SA302, proof of income or a tax return. Income tax liability is shown before PAYE already paid and other credits.
The allowance effect is calculated first, then the band extension. The split is an explanation of the combined saving, not two separate claims. Figures use unrounded calculations and display to the nearest penny.
Your figures, explained in plain English
Prefer a worked story? Read Joe’s pension example: a software engineer in Haywards Heath.
An illustrative Haywards Heath employee example based on the calculator above—not a real client case study or testimonial.
Calculate your estimate above to see your own payment, tax savings and final cost explained here.
Before making a contribution
Check your actual income, existing contributions, available pension allowances and the scheme’s relief method first. Money paid into a pension is normally locked away until the permitted pension-access age; investments can fall in value and withdrawals may be taxable.
For help reviewing the tax calculation and claim, speak to Digivolve’s accountants in Haywards Heath. For salary and dividends, see our salary and dividend tax calculator.
Scope and important limits
This calculator assumes a UK-resident employee under age 75, eligible UK earnings, a registered relief-at-source pension and no other income, pension contributions, Gift Aid or special reliefs. It does not cover Scottish rates, salary sacrifice or net-pay arrangements. It calculates income tax effects only, not investment growth, retirement income or student-loan deductions.
The usual annual allowance is £60,000 across pension schemes, including employer contributions and relevant defined-benefit pension growth. A lower allowance can apply after flexible pension access or at high incomes. Carry forward and annual-allowance tax charges are not calculated. The tool limits the modelled gross contribution to £60,000 and employment income, but these limits do not establish your individual entitlement.
Looking for salary after PAYE deductions? Use our 2026/27 net pay and take-home salary calculator to estimate income tax, National Insurance, workplace pension and student-loan deductions.