Guides to UK tax and pay

Plain-English explanations of the rules behind your payslip, with worked examples for the 2026/27 tax year.

• UK income tax rates and bands for 2026/27Rates for England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland, plus NI, savings and dividends, and what they mean for your take-home pay.
• The 60% tax trap, explainedWhy earnings between £100,000 and £125,140 cost you 62p in every pound, and how pension contributions get you out.
• Student loan repayment thresholds for 2026/27Thresholds for every plan, how to tell which plan you're on, and what you'll repay each month.
• Salary after tax tablesWhat every salary from £20,000 to £150,000 takes home each month, with pension and student loan figures.
• Salary sacrifice, net pay or relief at sourceHow each type of workplace pension changes your take-home pay, with side-by-side examples.