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Pensions

Planning for the future doesn’t have to be complicated (or stressful!).

If you’re self-employed, saving for retirement is entirely your responsibility, as you don’t have an employer.

The good news is there are flexible, tax-efficient pension options designed specifically for the self-employed (sole traders).

In this section, we cover the best pension plans for the self-employed, how much you can contribute, and how to make the most of the tax breaks available.

Popular guides

  • Should you pay into a pension or an ISA if you’re self-employed?
  • Self-employed and the State Pension – NI rules, rates and gaps explained
  • How much do you need to save for retirement if you’re self-employed?
  • It’s never too late to start saving for a pension if you’re self-employed
  • How do pensions work if you’re a sole trader?
  • Simple guide to SIPPs for the self-employed
auto enrolment sole trader limited

Pension auto enrolment: does it apply to sole traders and limited companies?

February 1, 2026
Automatic enrolment is the UK’s mandatory workplace pension system. Find out why sole traders (without employees) and many small companies are exempt.
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pension tax relief self employed

How pension tax relief works for the self-employed

August 27, 2025
Learn how pension tax relief works for sole traders. Understand allowances, limits and how self-employed pensions differ from limited company directors.
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pension isa sole trader which is best

Should you pay into a pension or an ISA if you’re self-employed?

August 22, 2025
Pension or ISA if you’re self-employed - which is best? Compare tax relief, access rules and allowances, plus how SIPPs and ISAs can work together.
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pension encouragement social market foundation

New report urges ‘nudge’ reforms to boost self-employed pensions

August 12, 2025
Social Market Foundation warns just 22% of self-employed save into a pension. New report calls for ‘nudges’ from banks and HMRC to boost retirement savings.
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state pension sole trader gaps

Self-employed and the State Pension – NI rules, rates and gaps explained

August 11, 2025
How the State Pension works if you’re self-employed, including NI rates, qualifying years, how to fill gaps, and why you may need extra retirement savings.
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how much save pension self employed

How much do you need to save for retirement if you’re self-employed?

July 21, 2025
For most people in traditional employment, pensions are set up automatically. You’re enrolled, your employer adds a percentage, and you’re reminded from time to time to check your balance. But…
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Pensions Commission self employed

Pensions Commission relaunched as millions of self-employed fall behind

July 21, 2025
The Government has revived the Pensions Commission to tackle a looming retirement crisis, with self-employed workers among the worst affected.
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not too late pension self employed

It’s never too late to start saving for a pension if you’re self-employed

July 6, 2025
Left it late to start a pension? If you’re self-employed, here’s how to catch up, claim tax relief, and build a pot from scratch.
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pension inheritance tax 2027

What the 2027 Inheritance Tax changes mean for your pension

July 6, 2025
If you’re self-employed and saving into a pension, some big changes are coming from April 2027 that could affect what happens to your pension when you die.
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sole trader pensions

How do pensions work if you’re a sole trader?

March 24, 2025
Starting a pension to save for your retirement is fairly straightforward. Here’s what you need to know about setting up a pension if you’re a sole trader.
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Brand new ByteStart guides
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  • Setting up accounts if you’re self-employed – a beginner’s guide



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