Self employed without a pension? Here’s what you need to know
Paying into a pension should be one of your top priorities
Nafeesa Zaman
Fidelity International
28 November 2023
Generation Self-Employed
Self-employment can give you the freedom to be your own boss, a better work-life balance and more control over your work. But do you have more control over your finances? We look at the benefits gap between the employed and the self-employed and how you can bridge that gap.
Managing your finances as a self-employed person can take up a lot of your time. There might be invoices to chase, timesheets to complete, suppliers and/or staff to pay, nevermind sorting out your tax affairs. All of which gives little time to consider planning for your retirement.
No wonder then that our research has found that 62% of self-employed people currently have no form of pension savings. Indeed, 28% of self-employed people aren't saving for anything at all. Whilst those who work for employers are beginning to feel the benefits of the government's auto-enrolment scheme, our research has shown that self-employed people are getting left behind when it comes to pensions and savings.
Our report looks to address this. It aims to empower Generation Self-Employed to take the best care of their finances. Download the report, watch our video and have a look at some of our articles to help you become the boss of your financial future.
Self-employed people
62%have no pension savings
Self-employed people
28%are currently not saving for anything
Source: Fidelity International & ComRes, Generation Self-Employed Survey, January 2019.
Unlock your financial future - view our Generation Self-Employed video
Looking to save more for your future?
Let us help you. An ISA and a Self-Invested Personal Pension (SIPP) are tax-efficient accounts that can help you save for your future.
ISAs
- A tax-efficient way to save your money and pay no income tax or capital gains tax on your returns.
- The annual ISA allowance for the 2024/25 tax year is £20,000, and you have until 5 April 2025 to take advantage of it.
- With a Stocks and Shares ISA you can invest your allowance in company shares, mutual funds, investment trusts and ETFs with help from our range of guidance tools.
SIPPs
- A SIPP is a pension which you manage yourself. You choose what it’s invested in, how much is paid in and when.
- Contributions can be through lump sums, or regular savings plans. The minimum age you can normally access your pension savings is currently 55, and is due to rise to 57 on 6 April 2028, unless you have a lower protected pension age.
- The government (HMRC) will give you 20% tax relief on anything paid into a pension (up to a specific limit, depending on your circumstances)*.
The value of investments can go down as well as up so you may get back less than you invest. Tax treatment depends on individual circumstances and all tax rules may change in the future. The minimum age you can normally access your pension savings is currently 55, and is due to rise to 57 on 6 April 2028, unless you have a lower protected pension age.
*To pay in a total of £1,000 to your SIPP, you would only need to contribute £800, and the government would pay the other £200. If you pay income tax at above the basic rate, you can claim even more tax relief through your tax return or by writing to HMRC.
Self-employed pensions
Don't get caught out when you retire. Find out how being self-employed doesn't mean you shouldn't contribute to a pension.
Related articles
This information is not a personal recommendation for any particular product or service. If you are unsure about the suitability of these products and services you should speak to an authorised financial adviser.
