United States · https://decisionscalc.com/tools/ireland-pension-tax-relief-calculator/
Pension tax relief and AVC calculator
A higher-rate taxpayer gets 40% back on every euro paid into a pension, up to a limit of 15% to 40% of earnings depending on age, on earnings up to €115,000. See your limit, the tax you save, what a contribution really costs you and how much more you can add this year.
Income tax you save
How it is worked out
Your limit is a percentage of your earnings from the job, by age, on earnings up to €115,000:
| Age | Limit | On €60,000 | Most possible |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 30 | 15% | €9,000 | €17,250 |
| 30 to 39 | 20% | €12,000 | €23,000 |
| 40 to 49 | 25% | €15,000 | €28,750 |
| 50 to 54 | 30% | €18,000 | €34,500 |
| 55 to 59 | 35% | €21,000 | €40,250 |
| 60 or over | 40% | €24,000 | €46,000 |
- The relief: income tax at your marginal rate on contributions within the limit: 40% on the part of your income above the standard rate band, 20% below it. No relief from USC or PRSI.
- The real cost: what you pay in minus the tax you save. Your employer’s contributions are on top and do not use up your limit.
- Claiming: if your employer deducts the contributions from your pay, relief is given through payroll. Otherwise claim it in your Income Tax Return in myAccount (employees) or ROS (self-employed), with the AVC certificate.
Frequently asked questions
How much can I put into my pension tax-free in Ireland?
You get income tax relief on your own contributions up to a percentage of your earnings that rises with age: under 30 15%, 30 to 39 20%, 40 to 49 25%, 50 to 54 30%, 55 to 59 35%, 60 or over 40%. Earnings above €115,000 a year do not count, so the most anyone can get relief on in a year is €46,000 (at 60 or over).
Do I get USC or PRSI relief on pension contributions?
No. Relief is income tax only, at your marginal rate (20% or 40%). USC and PRSI are still charged on the money you put in.
Do employer contributions count towards my limit?
No. Revenue does not count your employer’s contributions when it works out your limit.
What is an AVC?
An Additional Voluntary Contribution: an extra payment on top of your scheme contributions, into your workplace scheme or a PRSA. It gets the same relief, within the same age-related limit.
Can I claim relief for last year?
Yes. A contribution paid by 31 October can be relieved in the previous tax year if you elect to do so by that date (Revenue Pensions Manual). The deadline is extended when you pay and file online through ROS or myAccount.
Related
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- MyFutureFund (auto-enrolment) calculator · State Pension calculator
- Where should my money go?: pension against deposits, State Savings and ETFs after tax.
- Budget 2027 take-home pay · State Pension guide · Landlord tax calculator
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