United Kingdom Tax Calculator (2026)

United Kingdom Income Tax Brackets (2025/26)

Personal allowance: £12,570 (tapers above £100,000)

Class 1 National Insurance (employee)

How much income tax will I pay in the UK?

The UK uses a progressive tax system with three main brackets: 20% on income up to £37,700 (basic rate), 40% on income between £37,700 and £112,570 (higher rate), and 45% on income above £112,570 (additional rate). You also get a personal allowance of £12,570 per year, meaning you only pay tax on earnings above that threshold. However, if you earn over £100,000, your personal allowance starts to reduce by £1 for every £2 of income above that level.

What is National Insurance and do I have to pay it?

National Insurance is a social contribution separate from income tax that employees must pay in the UK. You pay 8% on earnings between £12,570 and £50,270, then just 2% on earnings above £50,270, with no contributions on the first £12,570. These contributions are calculated on your gross income and are not deductible from your taxable income, so you pay both income tax and National Insurance on the same earnings.

What's my take-home pay after tax and National Insurance?

Your take-home pay depends on your total salary, but both income tax and National Insurance are deducted from your gross earnings. For example, at a mid-range salary, you might pay around 28-32% in combined income tax and National Insurance, though this varies significantly based on which tax bracket you fall into. Using our calculator above will give you an exact figure for your specific salary.

Do different regions in the UK have different tax rates?

This calculator uses the England, Wales, and Northern Ireland income tax rates. Scotland has its own separate tax system with different brackets and rates, so if you're working in Scotland, your tax will be calculated differently. Make sure to check Scottish tax rates if that's your location.

What happens to my personal allowance if I earn a high salary?

If you earn over £100,000, your personal allowance starts to reduce by £1 for every £2 of additional income above that threshold. This means your personal allowance gradually disappears as you earn more, reaching zero at £125,140. This effectively increases your marginal tax rate for high earners.

Are there any tax reliefs or allowances I should know about?

This calculator models the basic personal allowance, which is the main relief for standard employees. Other reliefs like marriage allowance, tax credits, and specialist regimes such as the remittance basis are not included in this model. If you think you might qualify for additional reliefs, you should check with HMRC or a tax professional.

Is my employer responsible for any taxes or contributions?

Yes, employers pay their own National Insurance contributions on top of your salary, but these are employer-only charges and are not modeled in this calculator. As an employee, you only need to worry about your own income tax and Class 1 National Insurance contributions, which are deducted from your pay.

Do I pay tax on dividend or savings income?

This calculator focuses on standard employment income only and does not model the preferential tax rates available on dividend income or savings interest. If you have investment income, those are typically taxed at different rates, so you may want to consult a tax advisor for a complete picture of your tax liability.

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