Every year, thousands of Irish taxpayers overpay their income tax, not because they earn too much, but because they don’t take full advantage of pension tax relief.

If you’re filing your 2024 Form 11 this November, there’s still time to make a pension contribution and reduce the tax you owe for last year.

We’ve even put together a short video guide that explains exactly how it works. Watch it below, or keep reading for the key points.

🎥 Watch: How Pension Contributions Reduce Your Tax Bill

 

 

🧾 Why pensions matter at tax time

When you contribute to an approved personal pension, PRSA, or occupational scheme, the amount you invest is deducted from your taxable income.
That means you get tax relief at your top rate of up to 40 % for higher-rate taxpayers.

So if you earn €60,000 and make a €3,000 contribution before filing:

You could save €1,200 in tax (€3,000 × 40 %).

That’s money you keep while also saving for your future.

⏰ You can still act after the year ends

Here’s the part most people don’t realise:
You can make a pension contribution up to the day you file your return and still claim it against the previous tax year.

So, even though 2024 is over, a contribution made now (before the 19 November online deadline) can still reduce your 2024 tax liability.

FastTax.ie automatically prompts you to include any qualifying contributions when you file — no complex calculations needed.

📊 How much can you contribute?

Revenue sets age-based limits for the amount you can get tax relief on:

Age Maximum % of net relevant earnings*
Under 30 15 %
30–39 20 %
40–49 25 %
50–54 30 %
55–59 35 %
60 + 40 %

* Up to a maximum of €115,000 in earnings.

If you’re unsure what this means for you, our free Pension Calculator shows exactly how much you can contribute — and what you could save — in seconds.

💬 What our tax experts say

“Many people think pension planning is only for retirement. In reality, it’s one of the most effective ways to cut your tax bill today.”
— Barry Maxwell, Director of Tax at FastTax.ie

The calm way to finish tax season

There’s still time to:
✅ Make a final pension contribution for 2024
✅ Claim the full tax relief you’re entitled to
✅ File your Form 11 quickly and accurately

FastTax.ie guides you step-by-step so you can file — and save — with confidence.

👉 Try the Pension Calculator to see your potential savings, then file your return with FastTax.ie today.

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