What is the deadline for providing evidence for Pension Tax Relief claims?

As of September 1st, 2025, all Pension Tax Relief claims must include evidence and cannot be made over the phone.

What is the biggest change in the Pension Tax Relief claiming process?

The biggest change is the requirement for evidence to be provided for every year being claimed. This includes a letter or statement from the pension provider or a payslip from the employer.

Evidence Needed For Every Pension Tax Relief Claim From September 2025

Q: How can Pension Tax Relief claims be made?

Claims can be made online or by post, with self-assessment via the return.

Q: Who is eligible to make a Pension Tax Relief 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 claim. Basic rate taxpayers may also be eligible in certain situations.

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

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 ...

Buffer

Facebook

Twitter

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

About 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 ...

		2025/26 company car taxable benefits: what drivers and employers need to know What are the company car taxable benefits for 2025/26? Well, with CO2 bands, list price rules, and future rate rises, this is a clear, upbeat take on HMRC changes. Use it to plan your company cars and electric vehicles with c...
		How AI can help you prepare your tax return this year AI speeds up data capture and checks, while accountants provide guardrails. Use both to prepare your tax return with fewer errors and less hassle. It's efficient, affordable, and grounded in human oversight ......
		What Reeves' pre-budget speech didn't say and what it could mean for you I'm uneasy after Reeves' pre-budget speech because tax rises are definitely on the agenda now. So what might change - from Income Tax to frozen thresholds - and why? If you've a payslip or a mortgage, or even just a weekly fo...
		Why you should check simple assessments for accuracy Here's why you should check simple assessments and how to do it with confidence. Spot errors, fix them fast, and avoid overpaying. You'll know when to contact HMRC and what to do next ......
		Autumn Budget 2025: levelling the tax playing field for a fairer economy The Autumn Budget 2025 could rebalance taxes without denting pay packets. If the Chancellor implements sensible reforms, they could raise revenue, boost growth and increase overall business confidence. It's a pragmatic path t...
		How the HMRC R&D tax relief tool can streamline claims Curious about the HMRC R&D tax relief tool? Here's how it clarifies eligibility, reduces risk, and supports better claims. It's a pragmatic boost for research and development ......
		Unlocking sustainable economic growth through smarter, steadier government Here's a clear path to sustainable economic growth: stable rules, simpler taxes, and targeted investment. It shows how government policy can unlock business growth. It's optimistic, practical, and focused on outcomes ......
		Do you need to file a self-assessment tax return this year? Wondering if you need to file a self-assessment tax return for 2024/25? Here's what's changed, who must file, and when to act. Stay ahead, avoid penalties, and keep things simple ......

Other bloggers you may like ...

		Relocating To Milton Keynes? Short Stay : MK Can Accommodate You! Posted by Emily Freeman on https://blog.shortstay-mk.co.uk Considering Relocating To Milton Keynes? Short Stay: MK offers flexible accommodation solutions, making your transition easy while you explore your ne ...
		Finding your career summit: how to identify your core values for decision making Posted by Dave Cordle on https://blog.davecordle.co.uk Imagine setting out on a mountain climb without a map or destination in mind. The path feels uncertain, the terrain unfriendly, and doubts creep in at ...
		Six subtle ways small businesses waste time and how a VA fixes it Posted by Sarah Hannaford on https://blog.sarahpasolutions.co.uk Here's how small businesses waste time without even noticing, and how a Virtual Assistant fixes it. Expect calm inboxes, smoother workflows, and bette ...
		5 Challenges Consultants Face Setting Up Their Own Business Posted by Jacky Sherman on https://www.jackysherman.com I recall a fellow attendee at my first sales training course, when I was preparing for my own transition from employee to consultant. She confided in ...

Evidence Needed For Every Pension Tax Relief Claim From September 2025

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

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 removal of phone claims should helpstandardise tax compliance!

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

The removal of phone claims should help
standardise tax compliance!