calculators.ieAll calculators

Pension tax relief calculator

2026 and 2027 rates

See how much income tax your pension contributions save, the most you can get relief on at your age, and what the contribution really costs you.

Tax year
Contribution as
Tax status
Tax relief a year 
Cost to you a year
 
Cost to you a month
 
Most you can get relief on
 
Higher rate relief on up to
 
Your contribution and its cost

This is an estimate for general information, based on the rates and rules described on this page. It is not financial, tax or legal advice and does not take account of your full circumstances. Check your own position with Revenue or a qualified financial adviser before making a decision. Terms of use.

Illustration for the pension tax relief calculator

Worked example

Age 42, single, €60,000 salary, 10% contribution, 2026. The contribution is €6,000. At 42 the limit is 25% of earnings, €15,000, so all of it gets relief. €16,000 of this salary is taxed at 40%, more than the contribution, so the whole €6,000 saves 40%: €2,400 of income tax. Take-home pay falls by €3,600, or €300.00 a month.

On €35,000, a 10% contribution of €3,500 saves €700 at 20%, and costs €2,800.

On €50,000, a contribution of €8,000 saves 40% on the first €6,000 (the income above the €44,000 band) and 20% on the rest: €2,800 in total.

How pension tax relief is calculated

Your contributions are taken off your salary before income tax, so they save tax at your highest rate. Contributions that only bring your income down within the standard rate band save 20%. USC and PRSI are charged on your salary before the contribution, so they are not reduced.

The calculator works out your take-home pay with and without the contribution, using the same income tax, USC and PRSI rules as the take-home pay calculator. The difference is the real cost of the contribution. Tax relief is the contribution less that cost.

Limits by age

AgeShare of earningsAt the €115,000 cap
Under 3015%€17,250
30 to 3920%€23,000
40 to 4925%€28,750
50 to 5430%€34,500
55 to 5935%€40,250
60 or over40%€46,000

The limit covers your own contributions to an occupational scheme (including AVCs), PRSAs and personal pensions together. Earnings above €115,000 are not counted.

Sources

Rates last checked 10 October 2026. Every figure is listed on rates and sources.

Figures marked as announced come from Budget 2027 and are not law until the Finance Act 2026 is signed.

Questions

How much pension tax relief do I get?
Relief is at your highest rate of income tax: 40% if part of your income is taxed at the higher rate, 20% if not. A €100 contribution costs a higher rate taxpayer €60 and a standard rate taxpayer €80. USC and PRSI are still charged on the full salary.
What are the age limits for pension tax relief?
You can get relief on contributions up to a percentage of your earnings that rises with age: 15% under 30, 20% from 30 to 39, 25% from 40 to 49, 30% from 50 to 54, 35% from 55 to 59, 40% from 60. Earnings over €115,000 are ignored.
What happens if I pay in more than the limit?
Contributions above the limit get no relief that year, but they are carried forward and can get relief in a later year, within that year's limit.
Do employer contributions count towards my limit?
No. Your employer's contributions to an occupational pension scheme do not count towards your limit and are not taxed as a benefit in kind. Employer contributions to a PRSA are free of BIK only up to 100% of your salary from that employer.
Can I claim back pension relief for last year?
If you pay an AVC or a personal pension contribution by 31 October, you can elect to have it treated as paid in the previous tax year, on your Income Tax Return. Contributions through payroll get relief straight away and need no claim.
Does auto-enrolment get tax relief?
No. Auto-enrolment (My Future Fund) contributions get no tax relief. Instead the State adds a top-up, and your employer matches your contribution. This calculator covers workplace pensions, AVCs, PRSAs and personal pensions.
Is there a limit on the size of my pension pot?
Yes. The standard fund threshold limits the total value of pension savings that can be drawn down without an extra tax charge. Budget 2027 announced a change to how defined benefit pensions are valued for this limit from 1 January 2027.

Related calculators