+44 (0) 1908 774320
   
Roger Eddowes

Essendon Accounts & Tax

Home of the Business Godparent ...

Evidence Needed For Every Pension Tax Relief Claim From September 2025

Roger Eddowes

CREATED BY ROGER EDDOWES

Published: 11/09/2025 @ 09:00AM

#pensiontaxreliefclaim #UKtax #pensions #PAYE #HMRC #taxrelief

As of 1st of September 2025, every Pension Tax Relief claim now needs evidence and can't be made by phone. Claims must be made online or by post, with self-assessment via the return. Here's what to provide and who can claim, in plain English ...

Pension tax relief claim, Evidence now needed, Retirement awaits

Pension tax relief claim, Evidence now needed, Retirement awaits

Everyone likes clarity, and the latest update makes it plain that a Pension Tax Relief claim now needs documentary support and a specific claiming route.HMRC will only accept claims made online or by post, not by telephone.

Anyone hoping to resolve issues quickly will need
to change tack and follow the new process!

The rules remain familiar on who can claim: those paying Income Tax above the basic rate, such as higher rate taxpayers in the rest of the UK and intermediate rate taxpayers in Scotland, can ask HMRC to top up relief not given at source.

Basic rate taxpayers can also claim in certain situations, such as where a workplace scheme hasn't given relief through payroll or when a lump sum goes into a personal or workplace plan that operates on a relief‑at‑source basis rather than a net pay arrangement.

Self-Assessment filers must continue to claim in their tax return, while those outside Self-Assessment will see any successful claim adjust their PAYE tax code so the relief feeds through their pay packets.

The big change is evidence for every year being claimed, and HMRC guidance now expects a letter or statement from the pension provider or a payslip from the employer that shows the claimant's full name, the amounts contributed, the tax year covered, and, for workplace schemes, confirmation that 20% relief was given automatically by the employer.

In practice, that means gathering payroll evidence or provider statements before starting the form, because missing data will stall the claim and slow any tax code change.It is also wise to check pension scheme rules to confirm whether the plan runs relief at source or net pay, since that determines whether extra relief is due and prevents duplicate requests.

The removal of phone claims should help
standardise tax compliance!

However, this also puts the onus on individuals to retain clean records and on UK employers to ensure payslips and communications clearly display the information HMRC needs.Those planning multiple years should also assemble one piece of evidence per tax year, because HMRC will not accept a single catch‑all document that doesn't specify each period precisely.

A little preparation goes a long way, and anyone starting a Pension Tax Relief claim now can save time by lining up the correct documents, checking the scheme type, and using the online route.

This will give you the quickest turnaround.

Until next time ...


ROGER EDDOWES
Join our mailing list! Click here and be one of the first to know when we publish a new blog post!


Would you like to know more?

If anything I've written in my blog post resonates with you and you'd like to discover more of my thoughts about how to do a Pension Tax Relief claim now, then do call me on 01908 774320 and let's see how I can help you.

Don't forget to stay updated with our daily social media posts on Facebook.

Share the blog love ...

Share this to FacebookBuffer
Share this to FacebookFacebook
Share this to TwitterTwitter
Share this to Linkedin (popup window)Linkedin
Share this to Pinterest (popup window)Pinterest
Share this to WhatsApp (popup window)WhatsApp

#pensiontaxreliefclaim #UKtax #pensions #PAYE #HMRC #taxrelief

About Roger Eddowes ...

Roger Eddowes 

Roger trained at Edward Thomas Peirson & Sons in Market Harborough before working at Hartwell & Co, followed by Chancery, as a partner. He started Essendon Accounts and Tax with Helen Beaumont in 2014 as a general practitioner with a hands-on approach.

Roger loves getting his hands dirty, working with emerging, small-to-medium and family businesses to ensure they receive the best possible accountancy advice. Roger utilises an extensive network of business contacts to leverage the best guidance and practical solutions.

More blog posts for you to enjoy ...

Click here to view this blog post


Rising labour costs, energy bills and late payments are holding businesses back

This pressure is feeding straight into weaker cash flow and tighter margins for everyone. Businesses are finding it harder to plan, price and grow when expenses keep climbing faster than demand. It is a messy combination, and...

Click here to view this blog post


HMRC announces tax simplification changes for employers and businesses

I read with interest an announcement by HMRC about a series of measures designed to simplify the tax system, reduce administrative burdens and make it easier for businesses to meet their tax obligations. While many of the pro...

Click here to view this blog post


Who's going to pay for Burnham's Britain?

Burnham's Britain sounds bold, but the maths still has to work. If taxes rise, borrowing climbs, or spending is squeezed, somebody pays. The tricky part is making the politics add up without breaking the economy ......

Click here to view this blog post


How to spend less and save more without feeling deprived

Want to spend less and save more? My blog post today explains how to spot waste, trim bills, and build better habits without feeling restricted. It also covers budgeting, debt, and practical checks that can quietly improve yo...

Click here to view this blog post


HMRC vs giant marshmallows: are they confectionery or fire-toasting food?

The ongoing giant marshmallow case has finally concluded, with HMRC deciding not to appeal. The VAT dispute hinges on whether these oversized treats are confectionery or fire-toasting food, and the ruling suggests that size a...

Click here to view this blog post


HMRC reminds businesses to register for VAT on time

HMRC is reminding businesses to check whether they need to register for VAT, especially when turnover is close to the VAT threshold. Some firms may still be outside the rules, so it pays to review the facts before acting ......

Click here to view this blog post


Further guidance released on the summer holiday VAT reduction for families

As the temporary 5% VAT rate for children's meals and selected family attractions approaches, HMRC and HM Treasury have issued further guidance to help businesses and families understand how the relief will operate in practic...

Click here to view this blog post


Late Payments Bill gains momentum for small businesses

The Late Payments Bill is progressing through Parliament, and small businesses may finally receive stronger protection against slow payers. It introduces tighter payment terms, firmer enforcement, and greater pressure on larg...

Other bloggers you may like ...

Click here to view this blog post


Get Ahead of the Game with YourPCM's Daily Red List Emails

Posted by Steffi Lewis on https://www.yourpcm.uk

All business owners know the importance of staying organised and on top of their connections. However, with a hectic schedule and a long list of conta ...

Click here to view this blog post


Getting your sole trader clients ready for MTD For Income Tax

Posted by Alison Mead on https://blog.siliconbullet.com

If you're a bookkeeper supporting sole trader clients, you've likely already started receiving questions about Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax ...

Click here to view this blog post


How do we create our subscribers' blog posts?

Posted by Steffi Lewis on https://www.sblogit.com

Many people wonder what steps are required for us to create a blog post for one of our subscribers. I wouldn't say it's simple and straightforward, bu ...

Click here to view this blog post


Why is it never too late to think like an entrepreneur

Posted by Jacky Sherman on https://www.jackysherman.com

Over the past few years, I've noticed a clear shift in how people talk about business, work and financial security. More people than ever are explorin ...

© 2026 by Roger Eddowes

All rights reserved



All content on this blog, including but not limited to text, images, videos and audio, is protected by copyright. No part of this blog may be reproduced, copied, distributed, or otherwise used without the prior written consent of the author. Unauthorised use constitutes a breach of intellectual property rights.

Please note that many elements of this blog have been created using Artificial Intelligence (AI). As such, content may not always reflect verified facts or professional advice. The information provided is for general interest only and should not be relied upon as a sole source for making decisions, financial or otherwise. Readers are strongly advised to seek independent advice from qualified professionals appropriate to their country and situation.

The author of this blog, YourPCM Limited, and its directors, employees, and authorised agents accept no liability for any loss, harm, or consequence arising from the use or interpretation of content found on this site.

The sblogit.com platform is provided on an “as is” basis. By continuing to view or interact with this blog, you acknowledge and accept these terms. If you do not agree with any part of this notice, please cease using this site immediately.

YourPCM Limited is a company registered in the UK and operates exclusively under the jurisdiction of the laws of England and Wales.