UK Salary Calculator 2025/26
Calculate your take-home pay after income tax, National Insurance, and pension contributions. Accurate for the 2025/26 tax year.
Calculate Your Take-Home Pay
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How UK Income Tax and National Insurance Work
2025/26 Tax Year Rates
The UK tax year runs from 6 April 2025 to 5 April 2026. This calculator uses the latest rates and thresholds.
Personal Allowance
You can earn up to £12,570 tax-free in 2025/26. This is your personal allowance. Income above this threshold is taxed according to income tax bands.
Income Tax Bands
Basic Rate (20%): £12,571 - £50,270
Higher Rate (40%): £50,271 - £125,140
Additional Rate (45%): Over £125,140
National Insurance
You pay 8% on earnings between £12,570 and £50,270, and 2% on earnings above £50,270. National Insurance funds the NHS and state pension.
Pension Contributions
Workplace pensions are deducted before tax, reducing your taxable income. Employers must contribute at least 3%, and most employees contribute 5% or more.
Scottish Income Tax
If you live in Scotland, you pay different income tax rates: Starter Rate (19%), Basic Rate (20%), Intermediate Rate (21%), Higher Rate (42%), and Top Rate (47%). National Insurance rates are the same across the UK.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is my tax code and what does it mean?
Your tax code tells your employer how much tax-free income you're entitled to. The standard code for 2025/26 is 1257L, which means you can earn £12,570 before paying tax. The number represents your personal allowance divided by 10, and the letter indicates your circumstances. Check your payslip or P60 to find your tax code.
How is National Insurance calculated?
National Insurance (NI) is calculated on your earnings above £12,570 per year (£1,048 per month). You pay 8% on earnings between £12,570 and £50,270, then 2% on anything above £50,270. Unlike income tax, NI is only charged on employment income, not investment income or rental income.
What are the different student loan plans?
Plan 1: Started before Sept 2012, repay 9% above
£24,990
Plan 2: Started after Sept 2012 in England/Wales,
repay 9% above £27,295
Plan 4: Scottish students, repay 9% above
£31,395
Postgraduate: Repay 6% above £21,000
Repayments are automatically deducted from your salary.
Should I contribute more to my pension?
Pension contributions reduce your taxable income, providing immediate tax relief. For example, if you're a higher-rate taxpayer (40%), every £100 you contribute only costs you £60 from your take-home pay. Plus, your employer may match increased contributions. However, consider your current financial needs and emergency savings before maximizing pension contributions.
What happens if I earn over £100,000?
Once your income exceeds £100,000, you start losing your personal allowance at a rate of £1 for every £2 earned above this threshold. This creates an effective tax rate of 60% on income between £100,000 and £125,140. Once you earn over £125,140, you lose your entire personal allowance and pay 45% on all income above this level.
Is this calculator accurate?
This calculator provides accurate estimates based on 2025/26 tax rates and standard circumstances. However, your actual take-home pay may vary if you have other deductions (such as childcare vouchers, salary sacrifice schemes, or company benefits), multiple jobs, or non-standard tax codes. Always check your payslip and P60 for exact figures.
Need Help with Your Finances?
Now that you know your take-home pay, consider speaking to a financial advisor about budgeting, savings, and pension planning.