UK Tax Guides
Plain-English guides to the rates, thresholds and assumptions behind our calculators. Current guides cite primary HMRC or GOV.UK sources and show when they were reviewed.
UK Tax Bands 2026/27 Explained
Income tax rates, thresholds, and Personal Allowance for the current tax year.
Dividend Tax Explained
How dividend tax works, current rates, and the tax-free allowance.
VAT Threshold Explained
When you need to register for VAT and what the current threshold is.
How VAT Is Calculated
Step-by-step explanation of how VAT is added and removed in the UK.
Worked examples
Check a complete calculation with its assumptions and official source before trying your own figures.
Tax on a £30,000 salary
See the income tax, employee National Insurance and estimated take-home pay step by step.
Tax on a £50,000 salary
Follow the 2026/27 bands and deductions for a £50,000 salary.
VAT on £100
Compare adding 20% VAT with extracting VAT from a £100 gross price.
VAT on £1,000
See both directions of a standard-rate VAT calculation on £1,000.
Official sources
Rates and thresholds are checked against the following primary sources. Review dates are shown on the relevant guide or methodology page.
Last reviewed: 14 August 2026
Guides are general information, not personalised advice. For a calculation, use the relevant tool and verify material decisions with official guidance or a qualified adviser.