How does carry forward pension allowance work in practice ?

[Inspectorclueso]

I'm looking to max out contributions to DC employer scheme in 2025, if I do this will exceed £60k joint contributions. I am aware of the carry forward allowances from the previous 3 years and my situation seems to indicate that I can use these.

Looking at the HMRC website, it seems to imply that I don't need to do anything in particular to claim these allowances, notify etc.... Is this correct, let's say I put in £80k contributions in 2025/26 tax year. Does the HMRC automatically do calculations as to how much carry forward allowance I have from previous years ?

I usually do self cert via an accountant, so obviously I'll speak to him about it to, just after any views for now from people that may have dealt with this...

[markiii]

just put it in, no need to do anything

[isleofthorns]

google the Hargreaves lansdown calculator - you can enter previous years and it'll show you what you can put in

[PistonHead007]

Make sure you have enough relevant UK earnings to match what you want to pay in. Plenty of people have spare allowance to carry forward, not so many actually earn enough in the tax year you want to make the big contribution. Dividends and rental income don't count...