UK tax calculator guide
How F The Hours works out your tax estimate, and the 2026/27 rates and bands behind it.
This is a general guide, not tax advice. The calculator produces an estimate from the rates and bands shown here and does not cover every personal circumstance. Check your figures on gov.uk or with a qualified accountant before you rely on them.
Income tax bands, 2026/27
England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
| Band | Taxable income | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Personal allowance | £0 to £12,570 | 0% |
| Basic rate | £12,571 to £50,270 | 20% |
| Higher rate | £50,271 to £125,140 | 40% |
| Additional rate | Over £125,140 | 45% |
The personal allowance is reduced by £1 for every £2 earned over £100,000, and is gone at £125,140. The calculator handles this.
National Insurance for the self-employed
| Class | Applies to | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Class 2 | Nothing to pay at or above the small profits threshold of £7,105; voluntary below it to protect the State Pension | £3.65 a week |
| Class 4, lower | Self-employed profits between £12,570 and £50,270 | 6% |
| Class 4, upper | Self-employed profits above £50,270 | 2% |
Worked example: £45,000 profit
| First £12,570 at 0% | £0.00 |
| £12,571 to £45,000 (£32,430) at 20% | £6,486.00 |
| Class 4 National Insurance, £32,430 at 6% | £1,945.80 |
| Total tax and National Insurance | £8,431.80 |
| Effective rate | 18.7% |
What the calculator handles
- Band-by-band breakdown
- See which part of your income is taxed at 0, 20, 40 and 45 percent, with no maths required.
- Class 2 and Class 4 National Insurance
- Self-employed National Insurance is worked out from your profits.
- Student loan
- Plan 1, 2, 4, 5 and postgraduate. Add your plan and repayments are deducted at the right rate and threshold.
- Payments on account
- If your bill is over £1,000, the calculator estimates the two payments HMRC asks for in January and July.
Want the number for your own profit? The free calculator uses exactly these rates and bands. Try the free calculator
Where the result goes on your return is in the Self Assessment guide.
Scotland. Scotland has its own income tax bands. The take-home pay calculator applies them when you pick Scotland as your region. The Self Assessment estimate and export use the England, Wales and Northern Ireland bands shown above.