Pension Contributions to Reduce Gross Salary

[Nezquick]

This may be a simple question with a simple answer, but I wanted to make sure that what I think is correct, is actually correct.

If I want to take my salary down below a threshold (threshold is £60k in this instance) by making contributions into my workplace pension (where pension contributions are taken out of my gross salary, before tax) do I use the gross amount which is taken out before tax or the net amount which I actually lose from my gross earnings?

So, if I earn £65k for instance, do I have to contribute 7.7% (£5,005) of my gross pay into my pension, or is it less given the higher rate tax etc?

I'm trying to ensure I contribute enough into my pension to bring me below the salary threshold where we start to lose child benefit.

Thanks in advance!

[butchstewie]

Far as I know if it's a salary sacrifice scheme in your case the answer would be £5K meaning your tax situation is then based on the £60K figure.

[scot_aln]

Just Google salary sacrifice calc although a load of employers often have one internally.

This for example

https://www.legalandgeneral.com/retirement/pension...

You can play with the figures. Appreciate you are trying to just stay below threshold for child benefit though.