RPSM05102100 - Technical Pages: Contributions and tax relief: Employer contributions: Over what period will tax relief be spread?

Over what period will tax relief be spread?

[s197(4 – 5)]

The period over which tax relief will be spread depends on the size of the relevant excess contribution. Tax relief on the excess contribution will be spread as follows

Amount of relevant excess contributionsPeriod of spreading of tax relief
£500,000 or more but less than £1,000,000.2 years

The relevant excess contribution is to be treated as being split equally (1/2) over the current chargeable period and the next chargeable period.
£1,000,000 or more but less than £2,000,000.3 years

The relevant excess contribution is to be treated as being split equally (1/3) over the current chargeable period and the next two chargeable periods.
£2,000,000 or more.4 years

The relevant excess contribution is to be treated as being split equally (1/4) over the current chargeable period and the next three chargeable periods.

See RPSM05102110 for an example.

Once a spread of tax relief has been determined it will not be changed unless the employer ceases to carry on business – see RPSM05102120.

Glossary ( RPSM20000000)