What this calculator includes
Most take-home pay calculators stop at tax and National Insurance. This one also handles the things that change real payslips: pension contributions paid three different ways, salary sacrifice for bikes and electric cars, taxable benefits, student and postgraduate loans, Marriage Allowance, Blind Person's Allowance, Scottish income tax and the High Income Child Benefit Charge.
It also shows your marginal rate: how much of your next £100 you'd actually keep. Between £100,000 and £125,140 that can fall below £40, which is why a pension top-up can be so valuable for parents.
2026/27 rates at a glance
The Personal Allowance stays at £12,570 and the main thresholds are frozen until April 2031. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland you pay 20% up to £50,270, 40% up to £125,140 and 45% above. In Scotland, the 19% starter rate now runs to £16,537 and the 20% basic rate to £29,526, with 21%, 42%, 45% and 48% above that. Employee National Insurance is 8% between £12,570 and £50,270 and 2% above.
Common questions
How much tax will I pay on my salary in 2026/27?
In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, the first £12,570 is tax-free, then you pay 20% up to £50,270, 40% up to £125,140 and 45% above that. Employees also pay 8% National Insurance between £12,570 and £50,270, and 2% above. Scotland has six income tax bands from 19% to 48%. Enter your salary above to see your own figures.
How does salary sacrifice change my take-home pay?
Salary sacrifice lowers your salary in exchange for a benefit such as a bigger pension contribution, a bike or an electric car. You pay no income tax or National Insurance on the amount you sacrifice, so your take-home pay falls by less than the amount you give up.
What is the difference between net pay, relief at source and salary sacrifice pensions?
Net pay pensions come out of your pay before tax but after National Insurance. Relief at source pensions come out of your take-home pay, and your provider adds basic-rate tax relief; higher-rate taxpayers claim the rest through Self Assessment. Salary sacrifice comes off before both tax and National Insurance, which usually makes it the most efficient.
Why is my marginal tax rate 60% or more?
Between £100,000 and £125,140 your Personal Allowance is withdrawn at £1 for every £2 you earn, which adds an extra 20% to the 40% higher rate. Student loan repayments and the High Income Child Benefit Charge can push the rate on your next pound even higher.
How accurate is this calculator?
It works out your tax for the whole year using HMRC rates and thresholds. Your actual payslips can differ slightly because payroll works pay period by pay period, your tax code may include adjustments, and bonuses are taxed in the month they are paid.