PensionReclaimPensionReclaim

Nest Pensions: claiming higher rate tax relief

The largest UK auto-enrolment provider. Always uses Relief at Source.

Example: a Nest Pensions member earning £65,000 paying in £2,600 a year (£3,250 gross) is owed £650 for 2025/26 alone - about £2,600 over four years - none of which HMRC pays without a claim.

Getting the evidence HMRC needs

Log in to your NEST online account, open "Contributions" and download the contribution history for each tax year (6 April to 5 April). NEST members' contributions are usually calculated on qualifying earnings (£6,240-£50,270), not full salary - check the amounts rather than assuming a percentage.

Our £99 claim pack turns your figures into the correctly worded HMRC letter, the year-by-year calculation and the evidence checklist - covered by a money-back guarantee if HMRC rejects it for eligibility reasons.

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Enter your salary to see if you're owed money

Nest Pensions tax relief questions

Does Nest Pensions claim higher rate tax relief for me?
No. Nest Pensions operates Relief at Source: it reclaims basic rate relief (20%) from HMRC and adds it to your pot. If you pay tax at 40% or 45% (42%, 45% or 48% in Scotland) the rest is only paid if you claim it from HMRC yourself.
How do I know if my scheme is Relief at Source?
Look at a payslip. If the pension appears in the deductions column next to Tax and NI and your taxable pay is NOT reduced by it, it is Relief at Source. If taxable pay is reduced, or the payslip says "salary sacrifice", "salary exchange" or "SMART", full relief is already given and there is nothing to claim.
How far back can I claim?
Four complete tax years (2022/23, 2023/24, 2024/25, 2025/26). The oldest, 2022/23, can be claimed until 5 April 2027.
What evidence does HMRC need?
Since 1 September 2025 HMRC requires a statement from your provider showing your contributions for each tax year, with every claim. Log in to your NEST online account, open "Contributions" and download the contribution history for each tax year (6 April to 5 April). NEST members' contributions are usually calculated on qualifying earnings (£6,240-£50,270), not full salary - check the amounts rather than assuming a percentage.
Do I claim on my Self Assessment return or by letter?
If you filed a return for the year, enter the gross contribution in the "relief at source" box on that return (or amend it within 12 months of the filing deadline). Otherwise you claim in writing to HMRC or through HMRC's online service, enclosing the evidence.
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