Piggy bank

Stoke-on-Trent independent financial adviser, Becky Hammonds of Willow Financial Solutions, looks at the tax benefits of saving into a pension for the self-employed.

You need a pension if you want to live comfortably in retirement, but it’s often one of the last things you think about when you are self-employed.

As of December 2022, there were 4.3m self-employed workers in the UK and four out of five of these self-employed people don’t have a pension plan.

Why is it important to have a pension if you’re self-employed?

  • A pension will maximise the tax benefits.
  • Self-employed workers are entitled to all the same tax reliefs on pension contributions as employed people.
  • You get a tax top-up when you contribute to your retirement pot, at the rate of 20%, 40% or 45%, depending on your tax bracket.

So, for example, every £800 paid in by a basic-rate taxpayer will automatically turn into £1,000.

Higher-rate taxpayers can claim back an additional £200 through a self-assessment form, boosting their return even more.

This means your money can grow tax-free for decades. Self-employed people are estimated to be missing out on £1 billion in pension tax relief every single year.

For pensions and investment advice contact Becky Hammonds on 07969 269677 or email becky@willowfs.co.uk

By Published On: 26 April 2023Categories: PensionsComments Off on Tax Benefits of Saving into a Pension for the Self-employed