Guides

The explanations behind the calculators. Each one covers a single question properly and links to the tool that works out your own figures.

UK income tax rates and thresholds for 2026/27 Every income tax rate, band and allowance for the 2026/27 tax year, for England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland, with National Insurance and dividend rates.
Scottish income tax compared with the rest of the UK How Scotland’s six income tax bands compare with the three used elsewhere in the UK in 2026/27, and at what salary a Scottish taxpayer starts paying more.
Student loan repayment thresholds for 2026/27 The 2026/27 repayment threshold and rate for every UK student loan plan, which plan you are on, and how a postgraduate loan stacks on top of an undergraduate one.
Salary sacrifice, and what changes in 2029 How pension salary sacrifice saves National Insurance as well as income tax, how it differs from net pay and relief at source, and the £2,000 cap announced for April 2029.
The £100,000 tax trap Why earnings between £100,000 and £125,140 are effectively taxed at 60%, how the personal allowance taper causes it, and how a pension contribution escapes it.
The first-time buyer stamp duty cliff edge First-time buyer stamp duty relief disappears completely above £500,000 rather than tapering, so one extra pound on the price can cost £5,000 in tax.
Should I go limited in 2026/27? The 2026/27 dividend rise and 15% employer National Insurance have changed the answer. When a limited company still pays, and when staying a sole trader is cheaper.
Is redundancy pay taxable? The £30,000 exemption covers redundancy pay but not notice pay or holiday pay, and it is one £30,000 across the whole package — not per payment.