Tax relief on Pension contributions. Did I lose out?..Is it possible to reclaim?

miserable_ol_so_n_so

In 2005, I started contributing to a Stakeholder Pension. Because of me not quite understanding how tax relief was to be obtained, I am not at all sure if the tax relief that I ought to have had has been given.
I have looked back at my tax returns, where I now realise there is a section to do with claiming tax relief on pension contributions and it is left blank. I was self employed at the time.
If this is the way to get tax relief on personal pension contributions, then clearly I have not received this relief.
Is it now possible to reclaim this, after all this time?
I am retired and have been for the last 5 years.
The amount involved is not that great, but I sure could use it better than the Government.

PeacefulWaters

If you paid basic rate tax you almost certainly got tax relief at source and paid into your fund.

dunstonh

I have looked back at my tax returns, where I now realise there is a section to do with claiming tax relief on pension contributions and it is left blank. I was self employed at the time.

That is for higher rate taxpayers to get the higher rate relief. Were you a higher rate taxpayer?

If this is the way to get tax relief on personal pension contributions, then clearly I have not received this relief.

You get basic rate relief at source. Its only higher rate that needs HMRC to be told.

miserable_ol_so_n_so

PeacefulWaters wrote: »

If you paid basic rate tax you almost certainly got tax relief at source and paid into your fund.

Thank you for your comment. I was self employed and no one deducted any tax from any payments they made to me. I had to fill in the tax return, declare all income, deduct legitimate expenses and pay tax and NI from my income.

miserable_ol_so_n_so

dunstonh wrote: »

You get basic rate relief at source. Its only higher rate that needs HMRC to be told.

When you say you get basic rate relief at source, do you mean the plan administrator adds the basic rate tax relief to my contribution? If so, then I have not lost out.
I was not a higher rate taxpayer.

Dunnit

Yes that is what is meant - the pension company reclaims basic tax for you and adds it to your pension without your intervention.

miserable_ol_so_n_so

Dunnit wrote: »

Yes that is what is meant - the pension company reclaims basic tax for you and adds it to your pension without your intervention.

Thank you so much for your clarification. I can now relax and enjoy my first Scotch of the day, looking out onto a bleak, blustery and desolate looking landscape.....but it has its own characteristic charm nevertheless.

zagfles

miserable_ol_so_n_so wrote: »

When you say you get basic rate relief at source, do you mean the plan administrator adds the basic rate tax relief to my contribution? If so, then I have not lost out.
I was not a higher rate taxpayer.

Unless perhaps you were over 65 when contributing and were in the age allowance withdrawal band?