How does pension carry forward work?

You can use unused annual allowance from the 3 previous tax years to make a larger pension contribution in the current year. Current year allowance must be used first. You must have been a member of a registered pension scheme in each year you carry forward from.

How much can I carry forward from previous years?

For 2024/25: current year £60,000 + unused 2023/24 + unused 2022/23 + unused 2021/22. Maximum possible contribution: up to £200,000+ depending on past contributions. But must not exceed 100% of earnings in the contribution year.

When is carry forward most useful?

Large bonus: contribute bonus + carry forward allowance to pension for full higher rate relief. Property sale: crystallise carry forward before proceeds are invested. Business sale: use carry forward for a one-off large pension contribution, sheltering significant proceeds.

UK Pension Annual Allowance Carry Forward Calculator

Calculate pension carry forward allowance for UK taxpayers. Unused allowance from the previous 3 tax years can be added to the current year allowance. Must have been a member of a registered pension scheme. Useful for bonus or windfall pension contributions.

Current Annual Allowance (£)

Unused Year 1 (£)

Unused Year 2 (£)

Unused Year 3 (£)

Relevant UK Earnings (£)

Carry forward: Unused annual allowance from the previous three tax years can be added to the current year's allowance, but total contributions cannot exceed your relevant UK earnings. Results are illustrative and not financial or tax advice.

How It Works

Each component has a specific meaning:

Previous 3 tax years can be added — The previous 3 tax years can be added recorded for the scenario being assessed.

Note: Interpret the pension carry forward result against the thresholds and context described above.

How to Use

Enter the previous 3 tax years can be added for the scenario you are assessing. Calculate pension carry forward allowance for UK taxpayers. Unused allowance from the previous 3 tax years can be added to the current year allowance. Must have been a member of a registered pension scheme. Useful for bonus or windfall pension contributions. Use the pension carry forward result to inform your calculation.

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