Free money, ignored.
At 40% tax, €100 into your pension costs €60. Your employer’s match costs you nothing. Not using it is the most expensive thing you’re doing.
State pension: 66
% of salary
% of salary
Assumptions (change them)+
Before fees. A diversified equity-heavy fund; not guaranteed.
ECB target is 2%.
Approved Retirement Funds have a minimum 4% deemed distribution from 61.
This year: what your contribution really costsCALCULATED
Every €1 of your take-home turns into €3.33 in your pension on day one. Relief limit at 32: 20% of earnings (€11,000).
What if I put in more?PROJECTION
Costs you about €120/month in take-home. Adds about €120,693 (today’s money) by 66.
Where the pot comes fromPROJECTION
How much pension tax relief can I get in Ireland?
Relief is at your marginal income tax rate (20% or 40%) on contributions up to an age-related % of earnings: under 30 15%, 30–39 20%, 40–49 25%, 50–54 30%, 55–59 35%, 60+ 40%, on earnings up to €115,000. USC and PRSI are not relieved.
What is the State Pension in 2026?
The maximum State Pension (Contributory) is €309.30 a week in 2026, from age 66, for people with a full PRSI record.
Do I get tax relief on auto-enrolment contributions?
No. My Future Fund replaces tax relief with a State top-up: €1 for every €3 you contribute, alongside a matching employer contribution.