Contributions and tax
Paying into a pension is not just about how much you contribute. Your invitation to join communication will help you find out how much you will contribute, and if those contributions will increase in the future. You will also get tax relief from the government on anything you pay in. All of this means that it’s easier than you think to build up your savings.
Your contributions are deducted in a method known as ‘net pay’.
Net pay
Civil Service will take your regular contribution from your salary before tax and pass them on to us, along with any additional amount that they’re paying in for you.
This means that you’ll benefit from full tax relief straight away.
If you don’t pay income tax because your earnings are below the income tax threshold, you will not benefit from the tax relief that a taxpayer would receive.
Tax limits
When you’re thinking of how much to contribute, you should bear in mind that there is a limited amount you can pay without incurring a tax charge.
Generally, you can pay in the equivalent of your entire annual salary each year (or up to £3,600 if this is more) and get tax relief. However, the government has put in place an annual allowance which includes any money that you pay in and any money that an employer pays in on your behalf, to this plan or any other pension plans you may have. If you exceed the annual allowance you will pay tax on any amount paid above it.
These allowances can change with each new tax year, depending on what the government sets out. Our Tax Year Rates and Allowances booklet will keep you up to date on what these allowances are, and how they could affect you.