UK Tax Utility

UK tax guides

13 guides · 2026/27 tax year · updated 12 June 2026

Plain-English explanations of UK tax rules for 2026/27, written against official gov.uk sources and updated as HMRC changes rates. Each guide includes a worked example, key-takeaway summary and an FAQ section.

Key takeaways

Self-employed & gig workers

How to Register as a Sole Trader The £1,000 trading allowance, the 5 October deadline, Self Assessment registration steps and what you'll pay. Self-Employed Allowable Expenses 2026/27 Nine HMRC expense categories, the new 55p mileage rate, £10–£26 home-working flat rates and record-keeping rules. Working From Home Tax Relief Employees cannot claim for 2026/27, but backdated £6-a-week claims and self-employed use-of-home deductions still apply.

Income Tax & National Insurance

UK Income Tax Bands and Rates Explained £12,570 Personal Allowance, 20% basic, 40% higher and 45% additional rate — plus how the £100k taper creates a 60% trap. National Insurance Classes Explained Class 1 employee 8%, employer 15%; Class 2 treated as paid; Class 3 £18.40/week; Class 4 6% and 2%. Marriage Allowance Guide Transfer £1,260 of your Personal Allowance to your partner and save up to £252 a year — plus up to £1,008 backdated. High Income Child Benefit Charge Starts at £60,000 adjusted net income and removes all Child Benefit at £80,000. Taper and opting out explained. Tax Relief on Pension Contributions Relief at source vs net pay, the £60,000 annual allowance, the taper to £10,000 and three-year carry-forward.

Business, investments & property

IR35 and Off-Payroll Working Explained Inside vs outside IR35, who issues the Status Determination Statement, and what inside IR35 costs in take-home pay. Dividend Tax for Company Directors £500 allowance and new 10.75%, 35.75% and 39.35% rates — plus the most tax-efficient salary and dividend split. Capital Gains Tax on Property 18% and 24% CGT rates, £3,000 annual exempt amount, private residence relief and the 60-day reporting rule. VAT Registration Threshold The £90,000 threshold, the rolling 12-month and 30-day tests, registration deadlines and voluntary registration.

Making Tax Digital

Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Mandatory from 6 April 2026 above £50,000 gross — then £30,000 in 2027 and £20,000 in 2028. Who it applies to and when.

About these guides

Each guide is maintained against the primary gov.uk source (linked inline) and updated when HMRC changes rates or thresholds. They are informational only and do not constitute regulated tax advice — consult a qualified accountant for your personal circumstances. Calculators for each topic are on the all calculators page.

Frequently asked questions

Which guide should I read first?

If you're self-employed or do gig work, start with allowable expenses — it has the biggest impact on your tax bill. If you're employed and curious about your take-home, read income tax bands first.

Are these guides up to date for 2026/27?

Yes. All figures reflect the 2026/27 tax year (6 April 2026 to 5 April 2027) and are sourced directly from gov.uk. The most recent update was the car mileage rate rising to 55p per mile on 6 April 2026 (the first change since 2011).

Do the guides cover Scotland?

Scottish Income Tax bands differ from the rest of the UK — the guides note this where relevant but focus on England, Wales and Northern Ireland rates. National Insurance, VAT, and Making Tax Digital rules are UK-wide.

Are the guides regulated tax advice?

No. The guides explain how tax rules work and the figures come from gov.uk, but they do not take your personal circumstances into account. For advice on your own situation, consult a qualified tax adviser or accountant.