PayBreakdown - Salary Calculator & Budget Manager
What tax code should I use?
If you are unsure, many UK employees start with 1257L, but your real tax code should come from your payslip, P45, P60, or HMRC account.
What this page helps with
Use the tax code shown on your payslip or HMRC account where possible. If you are only modelling a simple estimate, 1257L is the common standard-code starting point for many employees, but it may not match your circumstances.
Official sources
Income Tax rates and Personal AllowancesNational Insurance rates and categoriesStudent loan repayment thresholdsPension tax reliefNational Minimum Wage and National Living Wage ratesStatutory Maternity Pay and LeaveStatutory Sick PayFCA guidance on misleading financial promotionsOff-payroll working and IR35 guidanceUnderstanding off-payroll workingSalary sacrifice for employersNHS Employers pay scales 2026/27NHS Health Careers Agenda for Change pay ratesLast updated 2026-05-07. Planning estimates only. Not financial advice.