In the U.K. it is a requirement for an employer to automatically enrol their employees into a workplace pension. You can opt out if you want to, however the employee must be given the option first via auto enrolment. This category represents the total employer contribution you have paid in pensions for the company's staff members and its directors. The amount will come straight from our pension integration if you are using payroll.

This category is also used for any company contributions on behalf of directors directly into a self Invested Personal Pension.

National insurance payments are not to be categorised here, nor are PAYE or other payments of tax.

As of April 2019, the minimum contributions for the work place pension increased:

Up until 5th April 2019 - Employer minimum contribution = 2%, Staff contribution = 3%

6th April 2019 onwards - Employer minimum contribution = 3%, Staff contribution = 5%

Corporation tax relief is available on employer contributions into the workplace pension and contributions into a SIPP assuming they are deemed allowable.

All salary, workplace pension, bonus and NIC payments must be made within 9 months of your year end to qualify for tax relief. Where they are not, then the deduction can only be taken when they are paid.

Company pensions contributions into a SIPP are only applicable for tax relief at the date in which they are made - do you must contribute before your company year end for tax relief to apply in that year.