Understanding UK tax can save you thousands of pounds a year. From income tax and National Insurance to capital gains, inheritance tax, and self-assessment, this section breaks down every tax you might encounter — with calculators, current rates, and practical strategies.
Key Tax Rates 2026/27
| Tax | Rate | Threshold |
|---|---|---|
| Personal Allowance | 0% | Up to £12,570 |
| Basic rate income tax | 20% | £12,571 – £50,270 |
| Higher rate income tax | 40% | £50,271 – £125,140 |
| Additional rate | 45% | Above £125,140 |
| NI (employee) | 8% | £12,570 – £50,270 |
| NI (employee) | 2% | Above £50,270 |
| Capital Gains Tax (basic) | 18% | Above £3,000 exempt amount |
| Capital Gains Tax (higher) | 24% | For higher/additional rate taxpayers |
| Inheritance Tax | 40% | Above £325,000 nil-rate band |
| VAT (standard) | 20% | On most goods and services |
Tax Hubs
Income Tax
Tax bands, rates, the personal allowance, how income tax is calculated, and the Scottish income tax differences.
Take-Home Pay
Take-home pay calculators for common salary levels, payslip explained, and what deductions mean.
National Insurance
NI rates, thresholds, how NI builds your State Pension entitlement, and voluntary NI contributions.
Tax Codes
How to read your tax code, what the letters mean, and how to fix a wrong tax code.
Self Assessment
Who needs to file, deadlines, how to register, what to include, and how to pay your bill.
Capital Gains Tax
CGT rates, the annual exempt amount, asset disposal rules, and when to report gains to HMRC.
Inheritance Tax
IHT thresholds, residence nil-rate band, gifting rules, and how to reduce your estate’s tax liability.
Property and Landlord Tax
Rental income tax, Section 24 mortgage interest rules, stamp duty, and landlord allowable expenses.
Council Tax
How council tax bands work, discounts, Council Tax Reduction, and appealing your band.
Self-Employment Tax
Sole trader tax, Class 2 and Class 4 NI, allowable expenses, and the trading allowance.
VAT
VAT registration thresholds, standard vs reduced rates, VAT returns, and the Making Tax Digital rules.
Dividend Tax
Dividend allowance, rates for basic and higher-rate taxpayers, and how dividends are taxed in 2026/27.
Tax Relief
Marriage Allowance, Gift Aid, uniform tax relief, professional subscriptions, and other reliefs to claim.
Tax Year
Key dates, deadlines, and what changes each April.
International Tax
UK tax for non-residents, double taxation treaties, moving to the UK, and the remittance basis.
Employment Benefits
Benefits-in-kind, P11D, company cars, electric vehicles, salary sacrifice, and payroll year-end.
Tax Calculators
All HMRC and PocketWise tax calculators in one place.