How much can you still pay into your pension?
The annual allowance caps tax-efficient pension saving at £60,000 a year - but carry forward, the high-earner taper and the MPAA mean your real limit could be very different. Our free calculator works it out in minutes.
The Numbers That Matter
Standard annual allowance for 2026/27
Across all your pensions, including employer contributions
Of unused allowance can be carried forward
Potentially allowing well over £60,000 in one year
The reduced limit that can catch people out
The taper floor for high earners - and the MPAA after flexible access
Four Rules That Decide Your Real Pension Limit
Whether you're catching up on pension funding, managing a large bonus, or have already taken benefits, these are the rules that determine how much you can contribute tax-efficiently.
The £60,000 Annual Allowance
Everything paid into your pensions in a tax year counts - your own contributions (gross of tax relief), employer contributions and, for final salary schemes, the growth in your promised benefits. Exceed your allowance and the excess is added to your taxable income as an annual allowance charge.
Carry Forward: Three Years of Headroom
Unused allowance from the previous three tax years can be added to this year's £60,000 - provided you were a pension scheme member in those years. It's used oldest year first, and each 6 April the oldest year drops out of the window, so large contributions are often time-sensitive.
The Taper for High Earners
If your income before pension savings is over £200,000 and your income including pension savings is over £260,000, your allowance shrinks by £1 for every £2 above £260,000 - down to a floor of £10,000. Bonuses, share awards and one-off income can trigger it unexpectedly.
The MPAA After Flexible Access
Once you take flexible income from a pension - drawdown income or a taxable lump sum - the money purchase annual allowance caps defined contribution savings at £10,000 a year, permanently, with no carry forward. Taking only tax-free cash doesn't trigger it, so the order you access benefits matters.
Who Should Check Their Allowance?
A five-minute check now can prevent an expensive tax surprise later - or reveal thousands of pounds of unused tax relief.
High earners and bonus recipients
Income over £200,000 - including one-off spikes from bonuses, share vesting or redundancy - can taper your allowance to as little as £10,000, often without you realising until the tax bill arrives.
People catching up on pension funding
Business owners, the recently self-employed and anyone with a lump sum to invest may be able to contribute far more than £60,000 this year using carry forward - but the oldest year's allowance disappears every 6 April.
Anyone who has taken pension benefits
If you've dipped into a pension while still working, the MPAA may already cap your contributions at £10,000 - including your employer's. Many people trigger it without knowing.
*Based on current legislation which may be subject to change. Professional advice should be sought for your specific circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about the pension annual allowance and carry forward
Important Notice
This website provides general information only and does not constitute financial, tax, or legal advice. Pension and tax rules depend on individual circumstances and may change. Calculator results are estimates. You should always seek independent professional advice from qualified specialists before making any financial decisions.
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