Starter plan

Self-Employed Pension Calculator UK 2025/26

Find your optimal SIPP contribution, see exactly how much HMRC subsidises it, and project your retirement pot across three growth scenarios.

Optimise my pension

Included in Starter (£7/mo) and Pro (£12/mo) plans.

Tax relief by marginal rate

For every £100 in your pension, HMRC contributes the difference.

20% relief

Basic rate taxpayer

You pay £80

Pension receives £100

40% relief

Higher rate taxpayer

You pay £60

Pension receives £100

45% relief

Additional rate taxpayer

You pay £55

Pension receives £100

Sample projection

Illustrative — age 35, profits £55,000, contributing £500/month, retiring at 65.

Retirement Pot Projection

Annual contribution (net cost at 40%)£6,000/yr (you pay £3,600)
Investment horizon30 years
Low growth (3.5% p.a.)£348,000
Medium growth (5.5% p.a.)£499,000
High growth (7.5% p.a.)£726,000

Projections are illustrative. Past performance is not a guide to future returns. Confidence: MEDIUM. Source: ITTOIA 2005 s188.

Common questions

What is a SIPP and why should self-employed people use one?

A Self-Invested Personal Pension (SIPP) is a tax wrapper that lets you invest for retirement and claim tax relief on contributions. Unlike employees who get employer contributions, self-employed people must fund their own pension — a SIPP gives you full flexibility on where you invest.

How much can I contribute to a SIPP each year?

You can contribute up to 100% of your UK earnings or £60,000 per year (the Annual Allowance for 2025/26), whichever is lower. High earners may have a tapered Annual Allowance reducing this limit.

When can I access my SIPP?

Under current rules (subject to change) you can access your SIPP from age 57 (rising from 55 in 2028). You can take up to 25% as a tax-free lump sum; the remainder is taxed as income when withdrawn.

Should I contribute via my limited company or personally?

Company contributions avoid Employer NI (13.8%) and reduce Corporation Tax, making them highly tax-efficient. Personal contributions receive income tax relief but no NI advantage. FFCC's optimiser compares both routes for your situation.

Your future self needs a pension. Start optimising today.

Starter plan — £7/month, cancel anytime.

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