Pension Scheme Contacts and reference numbers FAQs

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Who do I contact if I need assistance?

If you need assistance with any of our online services and cannot find what you are looking for on our website, contact our Online Services Helpdesk.

What is a Pension Scheme Tax Reference (PSTR) and when will I need to use it?

The Pension Scheme Tax Reference (PSTR) is the unique reference allocated by HMRC when your scheme has been successfully registered for tax relief and exemptions. It contains 10 characters made up of eight numbers followed by two letters. You need to make a note of this reference number and quote it whenever you contact us.

Where can I find my Pension Scheme Tax Reference (PSTR)?

Your PSTR will be notified online and and/or by post as follows.

  • If the pension scheme was successfully registered for tax relief and exemptions on or after 6 April 2006 or as a Scheme Administrator you made declaration of a deferred annuity contract made on or after that date, the PSTR notification will be available to view online. Notification of the PSTR will also be placed on your Pensions Noticeboard. If you requested paper notices and reminders as well as over the Internet, notification will also be sent by post.
  • • If the pension scheme was set up before 6 April 2006 and the application for approval was processed before 31 March 2006, we will have sent you an approval letter by post. This letter contains the Superannuation Fund (SF) reference number, which lets you use the Pension Schemes Online service to add yourself as Scheme Administrator, start an Accounting for Tax Return and Event Report. The Scheme Administrator and/or authorised Practitioner can then obtain the PSTR online by selecting 'View all schemes' from their welcome page.
  • If the scheme was set up before 6 April 2006 but the application for approval was processed on or after 31 March 2006, you will be sent an approval letter including the PSTR by post.