Take-home pay calculator 2026/27
See what you take home each month after income tax, National Insurance, student loan and pension contributions.
| 2026/27 | Year | Month |
|---|---|---|
| Gross pay | £35,000 | £2,917 |
| Income tax | £4,136 | £345 |
| National Insurance | £1,794 | £150 |
| Pension | £1,750 | £146 |
Tax year 2026/27, standard 1257L tax code, employee Class 1 National Insurance. Your payslip can differ slightly because tax and NI are worked out each pay period.
Income tax in 2026/27
Most people get a £12,570 tax-free personal allowance. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland you then pay 20% on the next £37,700, 40% up to £125,140 and 45% above. The allowance shrinks by £1 for every £2 you earn over £100,000, so it is gone at £125,140.
Scotland has six bands: 19% starter, 20% basic, 21% intermediate, 42% higher, 45% advanced and 48% top rate. For 2026/27 the starter and basic thresholds rose by 7.4%, while the higher ones stay frozen.
National Insurance and student loans
Employees pay 8% National Insurance on earnings between £12,570 and £50,270, and 2% above that. Student loans are repaid at 9% of income over the threshold for your plan (Plan 1: £26,900, Plan 2: £29,385, Plan 4: £33,795, Plan 5: £25,000) and postgraduate loans at 6% over £21,000.
Frequently asked questions
Does a pension contribution reduce my tax?
Yes. In a net pay arrangement your contribution is taken before income tax, so you get tax relief at your highest rate. With salary sacrifice you also save National Insurance.
What is the 60% tax trap?
Between £100,000 and £125,140 you lose £1 of personal allowance for every £2 earned, so the effective rate on that slice is 60%. Paying more into a pension can bring your income back below £100,000.