Income Tax Rates

 
 
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In the UK, income tax is a tax you pay on your income, which is collected by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC). It applies to earnings from work, savings, investments, and other sources of income.

The UK income tax system is progressive, meaning higher earners pay a higher percentage of tax. The rates depend on how much you earn in a year, and income is divided into tax bands.

Income Tax Rates 2024/25

Band Taxable Income Tax Rate
Personal Allowance Up to £12,570 0%
Basic Rate £12,571 to £50,270 20%
Higher Rate £50,271 to £125,140 40%
Additional Rate Over £125,140 45%

You pay tax on things like:

  • money you earn from employment

  • profits you make if you’re self-employed, including from services you sell through websites or apps - you can check if you need to tell HMRC about this income

  • some state benefits

  • most pensions, including state pensions, company and personal pensions and retirement annuities

  • rental income (unless you’re a live-in landlord and get less than the Rent a Room Scheme limit)

  • benefits you get from your job

  • income from a trust

  • interest on savings over your savings allowance

You do not pay tax on things like:

  • the first £1,000 of income from self-employment - this is your ‘trading allowance’

  • the first £1,000 of income from property you rent (unless you’re using the Rent a Room Scheme)

  • income from tax-exempt accounts, like Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs) and National Savings Certificates

  • dividends from company shares under your dividends allowance

  • some state benefits

  • premium bond or National Lottery wins

  • rent you get from a lodger in your house that’s below the Rent a Room Scheme limit

Personal Allowance:

  • Most people are entitled to a personal allowance of £12,570 in the 2024/25 tax year. This is the amount of income you can earn before you start paying income tax.

  • For higher earners (those earning above £100,000), the personal allowance is reduced by £1 for every £2 you earn over £100,000, and it is eliminated entirely at £125,140.