Self Assessment 2025/26: Claim Your Pension Tax Relief
There are now fewer than 100 days to file your 2025/26 Self Assessment tax return. If you pay higher-rate tax and pay into a personal pension, your return could also be where you claim back extra tax relief.
Here's what HMRC has announced, the key dates and the pension point many people miss.
First, The Basics: The Key Dates
HMRC says around 12 million people are expected to file a return by 31 January 2027 (HMRC: Self Assessment deadline incoming – 100 days to go, 23 October 2026).
For the 2025/26 tax year (gov.uk: Self Assessment deadlines):
Paper returns: must reach HMRC by 31 October 2026.
Online returns: must be filed by 31 January 2027, and any tax owed paid by then.
Paying through your tax code: if you have PAYE income, such as a salary or pension, file online by 30 December 2026 and HMRC can collect what you owe through your tax code.
1. Claim Your Extra Pension Tax Relief
With most personal pensions, your provider adds basic-rate tax relief of 20% for you. This is called "relief at source". If you pay tax at a higher rate, you can claim the rest yourself through your tax return (gov.uk: Tax on your private pension – tax relief).
In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, you can claim:
An extra 20% on contributions up to the amount of income you paid 40% tax on.
An extra 25% on contributions up to the amount of income you paid 45% tax on.
Scotland has different Income Tax rates and bands, so the extra relief works differently there. The gov.uk page above explains the Scottish rules.
HMRC's own example: someone earning £60,270 who paid £12,000 into a relief at source pension could claim an extra 20% on £10,000. That's the amount of their income taxed at 40%. They get no extra relief on the other £2,000. This example uses 2024/25 figures, so check the bands for 2025/26 before relying on it.
Tax relief is generally limited to contributions worth up to 100% of your annual earnings. Other limits, such as the annual allowance, may also apply.
2. Winter Fuel Payment: Check Your Return
If you received a Winter Fuel Payment (or Pension Age Winter Heating Payment in Scotland) and you're in Self Assessment, HMRC says it should be pre-filled in your online 2025/26 return where possible. If your total income is over £35,000, you'll pay it back through your tax bill. If it isn't shown, add it yourself.
3. Watch Out For Scams
HMRC warns that criminals often pretend to be HMRC to steal money or personal details. Take time to stop and think, don't click links in unexpected messages and never share your HMRC sign-in details. You can check and report suspicious contact on gov.uk (gov.uk: Report suspicious HMRC emails, texts and calls).
Case Study: David's Missed Relief (Illustrative)
Names and details are illustrative.
David, 52, runs a small business near Ellesmere Port. He paid regularly into a personal pension but didn't realise his provider only added 20% relief.
When he reviewed his finances with an Independent Financial Adviser (IFA), he found he could claim extra relief through his tax return as a higher-rate taxpayer. He made sure his pension contributions were included before filing.
Key lessons:
Relief at source is only part of the story: higher-rate relief usually has to be claimed.
Keep your pension statements handy: you'll need your gross contribution figures for your return.
Don't leave it late: filing early gives you time to check everything.
Are You Getting All The Tax Relief You're Entitled To?
Filing early means less stress and time to spot anything you've missed. If you're unsure how pension contributions fit into your wider plans, a review can help you see the bigger picture.
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This article is for general information only and is not personal financial or tax advice. The value of investments can fall as well as rise, and you may get back less than you invest. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Tax rules can change, and their effect depends on your individual circumstances. The Financial Conduct Authority does not regulate tax planning. Information correct as at 26 October 2026 for the 2025/26 tax year, based on the official sources linked above. BlackBear Financial Group Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, FRN 788252.
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