Understanding UK PAYE Tax Bands 2025/26
Personal Allowance of £12,570 means the first £12,570 of earnings is tax-free for most people. Earnings £12,571-£50,270 are taxed at 20% (basic rate), £50,271-£125,140 at 40% (higher rate), and over £125,140 at 45% (additional rate). A £35,000 salary pays £4,486 income tax annually (20% on £22,430). Your personal allowance reduces by £1 for every £2 earned over £100,000, disappearing entirely at £125,140.
Scotland has different income tax rates despite using the same personal allowance. Scottish starter rate is 19% (£12,571-£15,729), basic 20% (£15,730-£27,498), intermediate 21% (£27,499-£43,662), higher 42% (£43,663-£125,140), and top 47% (over £125,140). A £35,000 salary in Scotland pays £200 more tax annually than in England. Wales and Northern Ireland follow England's tax bands.