Rates & sources2025/26
UK income tax bands and National Insurance thresholds for 2025/26, as published by HMRC.
Source: HMRC — Income Tax rates and allowances — figures refreshed at the start of each tax year.
When to use this calculator
- Before accepting a pay change, bonus, pension contribution, or salary-sacrifice option.
- When you want to compare employed, self-employed, or dividend-based income scenarios.
- When you need a simple take-home estimate before running payroll or filing returns.
A realistic Canada planning example
Use these sample inputs as a quick scenario test, then change one variable at a time to compare outcomes.
Gross Salary (CA$)
CA$65,000
Pension Contribution (%)
CA$250 per month
Student Loan Plan
None
Annual Bonus
Enter your own figure
After entering these figures, compare net annual, monthly and tax before deciding which scenario looks strongest.
How to read your results
Net Annual
Use this metric to compare scenarios side by side and understand how the key drivers affect the final outcome.
Monthly
Use this metric to compare scenarios side by side and understand how the key drivers affect the final outcome.
Tax
Review this figure alongside your gross income so you can understand the true cost of deductions.
NI
Use this metric to compare scenarios side by side and understand how the key drivers affect the final outcome.
Effective Rate
The effective rate helps you compare options on a like-for-like basis, not just by headline numbers.
Method & assumptionsAuthoritative sources
Enter your gross annual salary and the calculator applies the current UK Income Tax and National Insurance bands to estimate your take-home pay. It accounts for the standard Personal Allowance before applying the Basic and Higher Rate tax bands.
If you have a student loan, select the relevant plan: Plan 1 deductions apply if you started university before September 2012, Plan 2 applies for later starters in England and Wales. The appropriate repayment threshold and rate is then deducted from your estimated monthly take-home pay.
This calculator uses the most recently published HMRC tax rates. It is designed for employees with straightforward tax affairs; self-employed individuals should consult a qualified accountant.
Common mistakes
- !Entering gross income when you really want take-home pay, or vice versa.
- !Ignoring pension contributions, deductions, or local tax rules that change the result.
- !Comparing monthly and annual figures without standardising them first.
What to do next
- Check the same scenario with related pay or deduction calculators to see the full picture.
- Keep a copy of the assumptions you used so you can compare next tax year or pay period accurately.
- Read the related guides below if you are choosing between multiple income or deduction options.
Frequently asked
Use arrow keys to navigate items, Enter or Space to expand/collapse.
End-of-article next steps
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