Powering up your pension

Paying a lump sum into a pension can be a particularly effective way to save for your future. If you have accumulated extra money from a windfall, work bonus or through saving, now could be the ideal time to power up your pension with a single contribution. 

Above and beyond 

One-off pension payments are permitted at any time, with the government encouraging people to do so through tax incentives. Making a single contribution basically enables people to go above and beyond their regular commitments, and thereby move closer to achieving their ultimate pension saving goals. 

Tax efficiency 

Tax relief is available on contributions up to a maximum of £3,600 a year or 100% of earnings, whichever is greater, with the level of relief dependent on a person’s marginal rate of Income Tax. For instance, a £1,000 lump sum contribution could effectively cost a higher rate taxpayer just £600, after receiving £200 basic rate tax relief from the government and claiming £200 in additional relief from HMRC. 

Allowances 

For 2023/24, the annual contribution limit for tax relief purposes is 100% of a person’s salary or £60,000, whichever is lower, although unused allowance from the previous three tax years can be carried forward. If you want to make the most of your available allowance(s), get in touch and we’ll help you power up your pension. 

The value of investments can go down as well as up and you may not get back the full amount you invested. The past is not a guide to future performance and past performance may not necessarily be repeated.