Pension Scheme

One method to look at reducing your tax bill at this late stage would be a qualifying contribution to a pension scheme.

Pensions are a great way to save for your retirement with the added bonus of being tax-efficient. When you pay into a pension scheme the net cost to you is lower than you would initially think as the Government provide tax relief at your highest rate of tax. This tax relief is available to employees, self-employed and company owner / directors.

Revenue allow pension contributions made to October 31 2016,  or to November 10 2016 where online returns are filed and paid in full by this date, to count in calculating your 2015 tax liability.

The maximum amounts on which tax relief may be claimed depend on your age and Net Relevant Earnings. The rates are as follows:

 

Age	Maximum contribution (% Net Relevant Earnings)
Up to 30 years	15%
30 but less than 40	20%
40 but less than 50	25%
50 but less than 55	30%
55 but less than 60	35%
60 years or over	40%

 

The maximum Net Relevant Earnings considered for tax relief is capped at €115,000.

As an example, take an employee aged 37 on a salary of €45,000. The maximum pension contribution is 20% of the taxable salary or €9,000. If the employee maximises this contribution it would offer a tax saving of €3,600 

For the self-employed person aged 54 with business profits of €80,000 the maximum pension contribution is 30% of Net Relevant Earnings or €24,000. If the pension contribution is maximised it would offer a tax saving of €9,600.

 

 

Date published 4 Nov 2016

This article is intended to inform rather than advise and is based on legislation and practice at the time. Taxpayer’s circumstances do vary and if you feel that the information provided is beneficial it is important that you contact us before implementation. If you take, or do not take action as a result of reading this article, before receiving our written endorsement, we will accept no responsibility for any financial loss incurred.