2009/10 and 2008/09

• Tax relief available for personal contributions: higher of £3,600 (gross) or 100% of relevant earnings.
  
• Employers will obtain tax relief on employer contributions if they are paid and made 'wholly and exclusively'. Tax relief for large contributions may be spread over several years.
  
• Any contributions in excess of £245,000 (£235,000), whether personal or by the employer, will be subject to income tax on the individual at 40%.
  
• No carry back of pensions contributions.