Pension fund or S&S Isa?

[Maggiethecat]

I can top up my pension with about £10k this tax year or use my Isa allowance and invest (already do so via interactive investor)

The 20% hmrc contribution is good but I know I’ll be taxed when taking out monies from pension whilst I won’t be taxed on Isa gains.

My private pension pot is modest but is there any benefit of investing in this rather than the Isa especially considering the tax position?

Pension wins, you get growth on that tax relief. Yes you MIGHT pay tax when you access your pension but who knows what the tax thresholds and rates will be then. At the moment 25% of a money purchase pension can be taken tax free. Using flexi access drawdown, it is possible for someone today to take a bit over £16k from pension tax free (using personal tax allowance plus 25% tax free).

ISA is accessible. If you feel you need to have a bigger amount in ISA as your emergency fund or as a bridge between when you want to reduce work and retirement age, then put some in ISA.

Split it between the two, keep options open.

Just bunged some in the pension! Little miss last minute