Contributions must be deducted by net pay method (before income tax) as NatWest Cushon will not apply tax relief on employee contributions. The only exception to the aforementioned is when salary exchange is used for any employees. Contributions are only invested by Cushon once the opt-out period has elapsed. Contributions are only to be zero if:
- The employment status is ‘Unpaid Maternity’.
- The Pensionable Earnings are zero, or fall below the Automatic Enrolment Qualifying Earnings threshold.
- The last contribution has been paid on a previous report and the employee is now being marked as a Leaver).
NatWest Cushon contribution deductions
Tax relief on pension contributions is given in the UK primarily to encourage pension saving. Personal contributions receive tax relief, which can be applied in different ways depending on the provider and the type of pension scheme.
NatWest Cushon (NET PAY) |
GPP’s and some Master Trusts (RELIEF AT SOURCE) |
Salary Exchange |
Full contribution amount is deducted from GROSS pay Employee benefits from correct tax relief automatically |
Contribution amount is deducted after tax. Employers would deduct 80% of the pension contribution from salary and send to the pension provider who would then adds 20% tax relief. |
Employees agree to reduce their salary in exchange for their employer contributing more to their pension. Employers save on reduced NICs for staff and can choose to retain or pass on some/all the benefit to employees
Employee benefits from paying less tax and NICs due to receiving lower pay, resulting in a slight increase in take-home pay |
Examples based on £24,000 salary