Pension Premiums

  2005/06
  % Limit of net relevant earnings
Age at 6 April 2005 Personal Pensions Retirement Annuities
35 or under 17.5 17.5
36-45 20 17.5
46-50 25 17.5
51-55 30 20
56-60 35 22.5
61-74 40 27.5
Subject to maximum earnings £105,600 No limit
Stakeholder - qualifying individuals can contribute up to £3,600 gross (£2,808 net) in 2005/06.


Notes

  1. The contribution limits for personal pensions are calculated as a percentage of net relevant earnings with an earnings cap of £105,600.
  2. The contribution limits for retirement annuities are calculated as a percentage of net relevant earnings with no earnings cap.
  3. Where both types of policy are held, special rules apply.
  4. Premiums on personal pension and stakeholder pension policies are payable net of basic rate tax relief at source. Higher rate relief, where available, is obtained via a claim on the self assessment tax return.
  5. Personal pension premium earnings caps for earlier years are:
1989/90 £60,000
1990/91 £64,800
1991/92 £71,400
1992/93 £75,000
1993/94 £75,000
1994/95 £76,800
1995/96 £78,600
1996/97 £82,200
1997/98 £84,000
1998/99 £87,600
1999/00 £90,600
2000/01 £91,800
2001/02 £95,400
2002/03 £97,200
2003/04 £99,000
2004/05 £102,000


  1. Additional Voluntary Contributions for members of occupational pension schemes (Free standing AVCs and AVCs) allow members of occupational schemes to provide for greater financial security in retirement.
  2. Total contributions to the occupational scheme and any free-standing scheme may be up to 15% of current-year remuneration, subject to the same cap on earnings as at (5) above.