Worried about your tax bill?
Here's what to do next.
Whether it's PAYE, self-assessment, or just feeling like you're paying too much, we'll help you understand your position and take action.
Free guide
UK Tax Allowances 2026/27, Complete List
Every allowance, threshold and relief you're entitled to, including ones most people miss.
📋 Quick facts before you start
- ✓The personal allowance is £12,570, earnings below this are tax-free.
- ✓Frozen tax thresholds mean millions are paying more tax without earning more.
- ✓Pension contributions reduce your taxable income, a £100 contribution costs a basic-rate taxpayer just £80.
- ✓The Marriage Allowance can save couples up to £252/year, many don't claim it.
- ✓Self-employed people must register with HMRC by 5 October in their second year of trading.
Quick estimate
What's my actual take-home pay?
How much tax am I actually paying on my salary?
Most PAYE employees don't know their exact tax rate. With frozen income tax thresholds, many workers have been dragged into higher bands without a pay rise. Our salary calculator shows your exact Income Tax, National Insurance, and effective tax rate, including the impact of pension contributions.
I'm self-employed, how do I do self-assessment?
If you earn more than £1,000 from self-employment, you need to complete a Self Assessment tax return by 31 January each year. You'll pay Income Tax and Class 4 NICs on your profits. Our side hustle calculator helps you estimate what you owe before the deadline.
↑ HMRC, official government self-assessment portal
How can I legally reduce my tax bill?
There are several completely legal ways to pay less tax: pension contributions (get 20–45% tax relief), ISAs (tax-free growth), marriage allowance (save up to £252/year), and claiming work-from-home expenses. Most people miss at least one of these.
↑ Unbiased, find FCA-regulated tax advisers near you
I've received a tax demand I can't afford, what do I do?
HMRC will work with you if you contact them before the deadline. You can set up a Time to Pay arrangement to spread the cost over several months. Ignoring a tax demand makes things significantly worse, penalties and interest compound quickly.
↑ TaxAid, free tax advice for people on lower incomes
