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How Pension Tax Relief Works in Ireland (And Why High Earners Miss Thousands)

May 11, 2026

Most Irish high earners are claiming roughly half the pension tax relief available to them — not because the rules are complicated, but because the contribution percentage set years ago has simply never been revised.

In this episode, Paddy walks through the age-related contribution limits (15% to 40%), the €115,000 earnings cap and what it actually means in practice, and a real worked example of a director, age 56, on €180k — who could be claiming €16,100 in tax relief every year but isn't.

He also covers the year-end October timing window (you can still reduce last year's tax bill with one decision), five common mistakes that quietly cost high earners thousands, and why the personal contribution question and the structural question — PRSA versus company pension — really need to be looked at together.

There's a full written version with the age-related table, the worked example, and year-end timing details on the blog at informeddecisions.ie.

If this episode raised questions about where you sit on the age-related table or whether your current contribution strategy is going to get you where you want to go, that's exactly what we work through with clients.

Read the full blog post at www.informeddecisions.ie

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The content of this site including blogs and podcasts is for information purposes only. Everybody’s financial situation is different and the content we share on our site and through podcasts may not be applicable to you. 

The articles, blogs and podcasts are not investment advice. They do not take account of your individual circumstances, including your knowledge and experience and attitude to risk. Informed Decisions can’t be held responsible for the consequences if you pursue a course of action based on the information we share

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