UK Tax Quick Answers
Definitive answers to the most common UK tax questions, updated for the 2026/27 tax year.
Browse Questions
- What is the Personal Allowance for 2026/27? The tax-free amount you can earn before paying income tax.
- What is the Tax-Free Allowance? How much you can earn without paying any tax.
- What is the National Living Wage? Current minimum wage rates by age group.
- What is the State Pension? How much state pension you can receive.
- What is the Student Loan Threshold? When you start repaying your student loan.
About These Answers
Each answer page provides a clear, concise explanation of a common UK tax question using official HMRC figures for the 2026/27 tax year. We cover the Personal Allowance, tax-free thresholds, National Living Wage rates, State Pension amounts, and student loan repayment thresholds. All figures are updated when HMRC announces changes.
These quick answers are designed to give you the key facts without jargon. If you need more detail, each answer links to relevant calculators and official HMRC guidance. Whether you want to know exactly how much you can earn tax-free, what the current state pension is worth, or when student loan repayments kick in, you will find a straightforward answer here backed by the latest official figures.
Key UK Tax Numbers for 2026/27
The most important numbers for the 2026/27 tax year: the Personal Allowance is £12,570, unchanged since 2021/22 and confirmed at that level through 2030/31. The basic rate of income tax is 20% on earnings between £12,571 and £50,270. The higher rate is 40% on earnings between £50,271 and £125,140, and the additional rate is 45% on income above £125,140. National Insurance is 8% on earnings between £12,570 and £50,270 and 2% above that. From April 2026, the National Living Wage is £12.71 per hour for workers aged 21 and over. The full new State Pension is £241.30 per week. These figures affect almost everyone in the UK, whether you are employed, self-employed, or retired.
Related Calculators
For detailed calculations based on your personal circumstances, try our free calculators:
- Salary Calculator — see your take-home pay after tax and NI
- National Insurance Calculator — calculate your NI contributions
- Student Loan Calculator — work out your monthly repayments
- Pension Tax Relief Calculator — see how much relief you receive