What is the Pension Carry Forward & Annual Allowance Calculator?
The Pension Carry Forward & Annual Allowance Calculator helps you understand how much you can contribute to your pension today by combining your annual allowance with any unused allowances from the previous three tax years. It shows your total available allowance, potential tax relief and how different contribution levels could grow your pension over time.
How the Calculator Works?
You enter your income, current year’s pension contributions and any contributions made in the previous three tax years. The calculator checks your annual allowance, applies tapering rules where relevant and then works out how much unused allowance you can carry forward. You can then test contribution amounts to see the immediate tax relief available and how your pot may grow over time with a chosen investment return.
Step One: Enter Your Income and Pension History
Add your current income, this year’s contributions and amounts you contributed in each of the last three tax years. This determines both your annual allowance and available carry forward.
Step Two: Review Your Total Allowance and Tax Relief
The calculator totals your current annual allowance plus any unused allowances from previous years. It then shows how much tax relief you could claim based on your income band.
Step Three: Compare Contribution Scenarios Over Time
Test different contribution amounts and see how they change the value of your pension over time using a fixed growth assumption. Adjust contributions to find a level that aligns with your long-term goals.
Disclaimer: This calculator provides illustrative guidance only and should not be taken as financial or tax advice. Pension rules, allowances and tax bands can change. Speak with a qualified adviser before making large pension contributions.
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What is the Pension Carry Forward & Annual Allowance Calculator?
It is a UK pension-planning tool that calculates your total available pension allowance using current and previous tax years, including tapered rules and tax relief, and shows how different contribution strategies affect future pot growth.
What is pension carry forward?
Carry forward allows you to use any unused pension annual allowance from the last three tax years, provided you were a member of a UK pension scheme during those years.
How does the calculator work out my available allowance?
It checks the current year’s allowance, applies tapering where applicable and then adds any unused allowance from the previous three tax years to calculate your total available contribution.
Does this include tax relief?
Yes. The calculator shows the tax relief available based on your income and the size of your pension contribution.
What income do I need to enter?
Enter your total taxable income for the current tax year. This determines whether the tapered annual allowance applies.
Does this calculator factor in employer contributions?
Yes. You should include employer and employee contributions when entering historic and current inputs, as all contributions count toward your limit.
Can I exceed my adjusted income allowance?
If your income triggers the tapered annual allowance, your tax-efficient allowance may be significantly lower. The calculator highlights this and adjusts your available allowance accordingly.
How accurate are the growth projections?
They are illustrations based on your chosen rate of growth. Actual investment returns will vary.
Is my information stored?
No. All calculations run locally in your browser and are not saved or transmitted.