Self-employed tax calculator 2026/27
Short answer: In 2026/27 a sole trader in England, Wales or NI pays Income Tax of 20% on profit from £12,570 to £50,270 (40% to £125,140, 45% above) plus Class 4 NI of 6% on £12,570 to £50,270 and 2% above. On £40,000 profit that is £5,486 tax plus £1,646 Class 4 NI, £7,132 in total.
Last updated: · Last checked against GOV.UK: · Markdown version
General information, not tax or financial advice. Check GOV.UK or speak to a qualified adviser about your own situation.
Enter your expected profit (income minus allowable expenses) for 6 April 2026 to 5 April 2027.
What 2026/27 rates does it use?
| Item | 2026/27 |
|---|---|
| Personal Allowance | £12,570 (reduced by £1 for every £2 of adjusted net income over £100,000) |
| Basic / higher / additional rate | 20% to £50,270 · 40% to £125,140 · 45% above |
| Class 4 NI | 6% on £12,570–£50,270 · 2% above |
| Class 2 NI | Treated as paid if profits £7,105+; voluntary £3.65/week below |
Simplification: Class 4 is worked out on profit alone. When you have a salary too, the extra Income Tax is shown as the tax on (salary + profit) minus the tax on salary alone. Payments on account are not included.
What is the formula, in plain text?
Profit = turnover − allowable expenses. Income Tax = 20% of profit from £12,570 to £50,270 + 40% to £125,140 + 45% above (Personal Allowance tapers by £1 per £2 over £100,000). Class 4 NI = 6% of profit from £12,570 to £50,270 + 2% above. With other income, the extra Income Tax = tax on (other income + profit) − tax on other income alone.
What are some worked examples?
| Profit (no other income) | Income Tax | Class 4 NI | Total | Set aside a month |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| £20,000 | £1,486 | £446 | £1,932 | £161 |
| £30,000 | £3,486 | £1,046 | £4,532 | £378 |
| £40,000 | £5,486 | £1,646 | £7,132 | £594 |
| £60,000 | £11,432 | £2,457 | £13,889 | £1,157 |
| £110,000 | £33,432 | £3,457 | £36,889 | £3,074 |
Class 2 NI is treated as paid at profits of £7,105 or more (voluntary £3.65 a week below). Payments on account are not included. Scotland Income Tax bands are not covered.
GOV.UK sources (checked 15 October 2026): https://www.gov.uk/income-tax-rates · https://www.gov.uk/self-employed-national-insurance-rates
Machine-readable rates: api/rates-2026-27.json.
Frequently asked questions
How much tax does a self-employed person pay in 2026/27?
In England, Wales and Northern Ireland you pay Income Tax on profits above the £12,570 Personal Allowance at 20% up to £50,270, 40% up to £125,140 and 45% above. You also pay Class 4 National Insurance of 6% on profits between £12,570 and £50,270 and 2% above £50,270.
Do I still pay Class 2 National Insurance?
No, not if your profits are £7,105 or more. GOV.UK says Class 2 is treated as paid to protect your National Insurance record. Below £7,105 you can choose to pay voluntary Class 2 at £3.65 a week in 2026/27.
Is tax worked out on turnover or profit?
On profit: your self-employed income minus allowable expenses. You can use the £1,000 trading allowance instead of claiming expenses.
Does this cover Scotland?
No. Scotland has different Income Tax bands. Class 4 National Insurance is the same across the UK.