Pension contributions if unemployed

If you are unemployed, i believe you can pay in £2880 to a private pension and the government tops this up to £3,600. Could you pay in more than £2880 as long as you pay a pension charge via self assessment? For example, could you contribute £10,000 (which is topped up to £12,500) and then pay £1,720 as a pension charge via self assessment?

Hi

No. the pension tax charge applies when you exceed the annual allowance and that is not the case for your scenario.

Thank you

Thanks - so what happens if you do pay more than £2880? How can you repay/address the overpayment?

Hi TaxNewbie2024

You would first check with your pension company to tell them and they may issue the charge.if not, you will need to write in with details to HMRC.

Thanks