27/06/2025
Using pensions to tackle to ‘60% tax’ bracket.
For most individuals, their first £12,570 of taxable income falls within the ‘personal allowance’. This is the 0% tax band.
For individuals earning over £100,000, they lose their personal allowance at a rate of £1 for every £2 of earnings over £100,000.
For those who make personal pension contributions, their basic rate tax band is extended by the size of their gross pension contribution.
Scenario 1: John has a salary of £125,140 and makes no pension contributions. He pays the following income tax:
- Personal Allowance: £0
- First £37,700: 20% x £7,540 (basic rate)
- Remaining £87,440 x 40% = £34,976 (higher rate)
- Total tax paid: £42,516
Scenario 2: John makes a £20,112 net pension contribution, which is grossed up instantly to £25,140.
- First £12,570 x 0% = £0 (Personal Allowance)
- Next £62,840*: 20% x £12,568 (basic rate)
- Remaining £49,730 x 40% = £19,892 (higher rate)
- Total tax paid: £32,460
*basic rate tax band extended by size of gross pension contribution (£25,140).
Following self-assessment, John receives an income tax refund cheque from HMRC of (£42,516 - £32,460) £10,056.
In this example, it has cost John (£20,112 - £10,056) £10,056 to make a £25,140 pension contribution.
Furthermore, all investment growth in the pension will be tax free.
Why pay the taxman when you can pay your future self instead?
https://www.vouchedfor.co.uk/financial-advisor-ifa/oxted/036412-andy-norrington