How much can I contribute to my pension?

For the 2026/27 tax year, the standard pension Annual Allowance is £60,000, although different rules can apply depending on your circumstances.

Higher earners may need to consider the tapered Annual Allowance, while people who have previously made lower contributions may be able to use unused allowance from earlier tax years.

This is an area where individual circumstances matter.

Could pension carry-forward help me?

Potentially. Unused pension allowance from the previous three tax years may be available, subject to the relevant rules.

For someone making a significant pension contribution, checking previous years can therefore be worthwhile.

What is pension tapering?

Higher earners may have a reduced Annual Allowance.

The rules can be complicated, particularly where income and pension contributions are substantial. If you are a higher earner, it is worth checking your position before making a large pension contribution.

Should I consolidate my pensions?

Not necessarily. Having several pensions does not automatically mean they should all be combined.

The important questions are what each pension offers, what it costs, how it is invested and whether it remains suitable for your objectives.

How should my pension provide an income in retirement?

Your pension needs to work differently once you stop working.

The right approach may involve taking income gradually, combining pension income with investments and other assets, or using a mixture of different sources. A retirement income plan can help you understand the options.