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Pensions

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

The good news is that there are flexible and tax-efficient pension options designed specifically for sole traders.

In this section we explain how self-employed pensions work, how much you can contribute, the tax relief available, and how to plan properly for retirement.

Popular guides

  • How do pensions work if you’re a sole trader?
  • Simple guide to SIPPs for the self-employed
  • Should you pay into a pension or an ISA if you’re self-employed?

Planning your retirement

  • How much do you need to save for retirement if you’re self-employed?
  • Is it too late to start saving for a pension?

State pension and NI

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

Other pension guidance

  • How pension tax relief works for the self-employed
  • Auto enrolment rules for small businesses
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.
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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

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Brand new ByteStart guides
  • Can sole traders give to charity and get tax relief?
  • What National Insurance do self-employed people pay in 2026/27?
  • How tax works if you’re self-employed (2026/27)



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