Can I make pension contributions through my limited company?
Picture of crunch software on mobile

Professional Bio Templates & Examples

Create a compelling professional narrative for a proper, attention-grabbing introduction.
Website bios
Speaker intros
Professional Profile

Note: This article was updated in May 2024 and is up-to-date as of the Spring Budget. The Autumn Statement is typically in November, so this will be updated in due course to reflect any new changes. Check back for any updates.

Pension contributions are one of the few remaining tax breaks available to limited companies. It makes sense to take advantage of this tax break for you, as a company director, and your employees if you have any.

By law, you already need to contribute certain amounts to your employee’s pension fund as part of the government’s auto-enrolment arrangements. However, there are good reasons why you might want to contribute more than the minimum amount.

10 online business ideas for the modern entrepreneur

Making pension contributions through your limited company

Paying pension contributions is tax-efficient because you’ll reduce your company’s taxable profits and, therefore, your Corporation Tax liability. Making the contribution through your limited company is usually more tax-efficient than making the contribution from your own funds.

Because of the complex nature of pension schemes, we strongly recommend you take specialist advice from an independent financial advisor before making any contributions into an employee pension scheme (including your own).

Our Crunch accountants cannot provide such advice, but we have an Investments and Pensions service which can refer you to Hargreaves Lansdown, who can help you with this type of specialised financial advice – and even offer a free consultation.

{{ltd-guide}}

How much tax can I save on pension contributions?

In 2023, the government scrapped a flat corporation tax rate. Now you will pay corporation tax based on how much your company makes. For businesses with profit above £250,000, corporate tax is 25%. For companies profiting £50,000 or less, corporation tax is 19%, and for those in between these two brackets (£50,001-£249,999), corporation tax is at the main rate plus marginal tax relief. 

So, if your business profits over £250,000, for every £100 your company earns as profit, you’ll pay corporation tax of £25, reducing the amount you can take from your company as a dividend to £75.

Paying £100 into an employee’s pension fund effectively costs the company only £75 due to the reduction in Corporation Tax payable, and, over time, the £100 investment can hopefully grow within the pension fund.

For further information on corporation tax rates, take a look at our ‘tax year changes’ article.

When can I start withdrawing from my pension fund?

Generally, you can start withdrawing from your pension fund at the age of 55. This can be used to help you retire early or to top up your income if you are still working. Again, you should take specialist advice on this, particularly if you plan to keep working while drawing a pension.

How much can I contribute to my employee’s pension scheme?

You can pay as much into your employee’s pension scheme as you like, subject to HMRC’s contribution limits and rules.

Your contributions will be tax-free as long as they do not exceed the annual allowance, which is currently capped at £60,000 (for the 2024/25 tax year). The amount that you pay must not exceed your company’s income for the year, as this could raise questions from HM Revenue and Customs as to whether the amount has actually come from your company’s trading.

Your annual allowance may be lower if:

  • You have a high income 
  • You have flexibly accessed your pension pot.

Read more about the tax implications of paying into a pension scheme in this guide

If you have a large amount that you would like to put into your employee pension scheme, then you may be able to take advantage of the carry-forward rule. This allows you to make use of annual allowances that have not been used in the previous three years, provided that the employee was a member of a registered pension scheme. If you would like to carry forward, you must first use your full annual allowance for the current tax year before using any unused allowances from the previous three years.

You should also take into account your lifetime allowance, which is a limit on the amount that can be withdrawn from your pension scheme through either lump sums, or through retirement income, without incurring extra tax. The lifetime allowance is currently £1,073,000 for the 2024/25 tax year.

As stated earlier, you should seek advice from a pensions expert who can properly assess your situation. Crunch has partnered with Hargreaves Lansdown, which offers a range of financial services to support you in making the best decision for your future. 

How can you record company pension contributions in Crunch?

We’ve written a handy knowledge article about making pension contributions through your limited company.

If you want to make payments to a pension fund through your limited company, then the actual amount you contribute should be recorded. So if you contribute £40,000 into a pension fund from your company, that’s the amount you record as an expense, which reduces the amount of Corporation Tax your company pays. This should be recorded in the Crunch system as an expense under Employee Costs - Pension Scheme Contributions.

Speak to an accounting expert

If you're unsure what level of support you need, our friendly team are on hand to help you pick the right package for you.
Self Assessment tax returns done for you, from just £200 £150+VAT
Take the stress out of Sole Trader Accounting, with our simple online software, so you can look after your accounts anytime, anywhere.
Share this post
Ross Bramble
Content Executive
Updated on
August 28, 2024

Knowledge Hubs

Take control of your accounts, today

Crunch’s effective software package includes being able to talk to an expert client manager and a Chartered Certified Accountant. You can count on Crunch to make you productive and profitable.

Save your seat! Live e-commerce webinar

Register and soak in the wisdom from top industry leader! June 27, 2024 1:30 PM
Dive into e-commerce basics
Expert industry insights
Practical tips and savvy tricks
Pro Tip
Work out the tax you owe in seconds

Discover your true take-home pay with our self-employed tax calculator – see exactly what you’ll keep after tax, National Insurance, and expenses.

Pro Tip
Want to know how much National Insurance you owe?

Find out exactly what you owe on your income in seconds with our free National Insurance calculator.

Pro Tip
Want to know how much mileage you can claim for?

Our free mileage allowance calculator can help you see in seconds what you could get back.

Pro Tip
Want to work out your income tax?

Find out what Income Tax and National Insurance you owe on your earnings with our free tax calculator.

Pro Tip
Want to work out what your Capital Gains Tax bill?

Our free Capital Gains Tax calculator shows what tax you owe on any property, stocks or gifts.

Pro Tip
Want to know how much dividend tax you owe?

Find out exactly what you owe on your investments in seconds with our free dividend tax calculator.

Pro Tip
Want to see what we're currently working on?

Our public roadmap shows what we're working on and what's coming next. You can even vote on what features we work on next!

Pro Tip
Your ultimate guide to stress-free taxes

Tackling taxes can be tough! Get our "Ultimate tax guide for the self-employed" now to make it easier.

Pro Tip
Claim your FREE ecommerce guide today

Curious how great accounting can boost your e-commerce business? Download our guide to discover 8 key ways!

Pro Tip
Unlock the secrets of Ltd company expenses

Don't miss out on potential tax savings - get access to our 'Limited Company Expense' guide today!

Pro Tip
Want to make sure you don't miss any tips?

Sign up to our newsletter for expert insights, tax news and other essential updates that will keep your business thriving. Subscribe now!

Pro Tip
Ready to save big on Ecommerce accounting?

Crush your current accounting and software fees by up to 60%. Put us to the test and watch your savings soar!

Pro Tip
Looking for a dedicated accountant?

Our Enterprise packages offer tailored support for you and your business. You can focus on your business, we'll crunch the numbers.

Pro Tip
Boost your business finances with our Ltd Company packages!

Award-winning software with support from expert accountants

Pro Tip
Take the stress out of Sole Trader Accounting

Real-time insights, expert support—stay on top of your finances with ease.

Pro Tip
Get 25% off your Self Assessment

Get your tax return sorted by experts for only £150+VAT!

Pro Tip
Using cloud-based accountancy software to manage your finances gives any small business a big advantage!

At Crunch we provide affordable cutting-edge, easy-to-use software with real human support from expert chartered accountants. That’s probably why 81% of our clients would recommend Crunch.

Pro Tip
Want access to real expert accountants?

All our accounting packages include free access to Chartered Certified Accountants, so you can make confident business decisions without worrying about extra costs racking up.

Pro Tip
Get 25% off your Tax Return!

Crunch’s Self Assessment service provides an expert accountant to complete, check, and file your Self Assessment for you for just £150 +VAT.

Pro Tip
Did you know - We have a free plan that is great for sole traders and limited companies?

Why not see for yourself? It’s simple and easy to use and 100% free.