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Do You Pay Tax on Your State Pension?
The State Pension is paid without tax deducted, but it counts towards your taxable income. If you have a workplace or private pension or a job, your tax code usually changes to collect the tax due on it. If the State Pension is your only income and it is over your Personal Allowance, HMRC sends you a Simple Assessment bill. Most private pensions take tax off through PAYE.
At A Glance
Your Rights
What the rules say, with a link to the official source for each.
How It Is Collected
State Pension
It is not taxed when paid. Tax is only due if your total income is above your Personal Allowance. If you have a workplace or private pension or a job, your tax code changes to collect it. source
Only the State Pension
If the State Pension is your only income and you are over your Personal Allowance, HMRC sends a Simple Assessment bill. If you are under, you usually will not pay tax. source
Private Pensions
Most pension providers take Income Tax off using PAYE before paying you. You get a P60 at the end of the tax year. source
Time Limits to Know
Miss a deadline and you can lose a right. Check the dates on your own paperwork.
- 60 daysQuery a Simple AssessmentFrom the date on it
Steps to Take
Step 1 of 5
Check the State Pension amount in your tax code.
Step 2 of 5
Check each pension's tax code.
Step 3 of 5
Check any Simple Assessment letter against your records.
Step 4 of 5
Query it within 60 days if wrong.
Step 5 of 5
Get free help from Tax Help for Older People.
(Tap the numbers to reveal steps)
Where to Go If It Is Not Put Right
Your options, in order, and when each one applies.
Your Personal Tax Account
Sign in on GOV.UK to check your tax code, income and letters.
HMRC
Contact HMRC through your personal tax account, the HMRC app or the phone and post details on GOV.UK.
Free Tax Help
TaxAid and Tax Help for Older People give free advice if your income is low.
Good to Know
Small things that make your complaint stronger.
Tax Help for Older People gives free advice if your income is low.
Want Help?
If you would like one of our team to look at your problem, our initial case review is free. We cannot guarantee any outcome and we do not give legal advice.
Lead reviewer
Luke Marley
Founder and Lead Reviewer
Luke founded CPUK in 2026 after seeing how hard it is for ordinary people to get problems with companies put right. He oversees our guides and checks them against official sources.
Research by Katie Burt, Co-founder and Operations Lead (17 years in the care sector, including managing services for vulnerable adults), and the CPUK Research Team. Researched with AI-assisted research tools, then checked and corrected by our team.
Last checked: 16 October 2026. We are not paid by the companies we write about. Adverts never affect our guidance. Read our editorial policy.
Sources and official links
- gov.uk/tax-on-pension/how-your-tax-is-paid Checked 16 October 2026