Tax and take-home at different profits
| Profit | Tax and NI | Take-home | Effective rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Enter your numbers above to see this table. | |||
How to use this calculator
- Enter your profit: what you earned from self-employment in the tax year, minus allowable business expenses.
- Choose where you live. Scotland has its own Income Tax bands; National Insurance is the same across the UK.
2026 to 2027 rates used
| Item | England, Wales, NI | Scotland |
|---|---|---|
| Personal Allowance | £12,570 (reduced by £1 for every £2 over £100,000) | Same |
| Income Tax | 20% to £50,270; 40% to £125,140; 45% above | 19%, 20%, 21%, 42%, 45%, 48% (six bands) |
| Class 4 NI | 6% on profits £12,570 to £50,270; 2% above | Same |
| Class 2 NI | Treated as paid at £7,105+ profit; voluntary £3.65 a week below | Same |
How it's calculated
Worked example
Priya is a self-employed designer in England with £45,000 profit in 2026 to 2027.
Priya keeps £36,568.20, about £3,047 a month. If she lived in Scotland, her Income Tax would be £6,882.05 and her take-home £36,172.15.
What this calculator doesn't cover
- Other income, such as a salary, savings interest, rental income or dividends.
- Pension contributions, Gift Aid, Marriage Allowance and student loan repayments.
- Tax years other than 2026 to 2027.
Frequently asked questions
When do I pay this tax?
Through Self Assessment. The tax for 2026 to 2027 is due by 31 January 2028, and you may also have to make payments on account towards it. Our payments on account calculator shows the dates and amounts.
Do I still pay Class 2 National Insurance?
Not usually. Since April 2024, self-employed people with profits of £7,105 or more (for 2026 to 2027) get Class 2 treated as paid. Below that, you can pay it voluntarily to protect your State Pension.
How much should I put aside for tax?
Use the effective rate above for this year's tax. In your first year, also plan for payments on account, which can mean paying up to one and a half years' tax in the same January.
Sources (2026 to 2027): Income Tax rates, Scottish Income Tax, self-employed National Insurance.