Supporting the self-employed – since 2004
Skip to content
ByteStart ByteStart

Start a business as a Sole Trader or Limited Company

qdos small business insurance
  • Go Self Employed
  • Tax & HMRC
  • Accounts
  • Banking
  • Insurance
  • Protection
  • Pensions
  • News & Insights
  • Limited Company
qdos small business insurance

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
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.
Read More
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.
Read More
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.
Read More
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…
Read More
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.
Read More
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.
Read More
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.
Read More
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.
Read More
sipp self employed sole trader

Simple guide to SIPPs for the self-employed

February 11, 2025
A Self-Invested Personal Pension (SIPP) is a popular way of saving for retirement for the self employed. Read our simple summary to find out more.
Read More
self employed pension IFS

55% of self employed will have no private pension savings at retirement if trends continue

September 10, 2024
A new study by the Institute of Fiscal Studies (IFS) reveals a startling difference in pension saving patterns between the self employed and employees.
Read More
Tide Bank Account – £50 Cashback
Tide business bank account

Free account + £50 cashback via ByteStart

Open a Tide account

Brand new ByteStart guides
  • What is the £120,000 FSCS and does it apply to business bank accounts?
  • Small company owners hit hard by April 2026 dividend tax increase
  • Autumn Budget ’25 – Chancellor hammers small business owners again



About Us | Cookies | Privacy | Terms | Site Map

©Contract Eye Limited 2004-25 - All rights reserved.
Registered Address: 71-75 Shelton Street, London WC2H 9JQ
Scroll to Top