Tax Code Calculator
Understand and decode your UK tax code
Tax Code Calculator
Understand what your tax code means
Find this on your payslip or P60
Your Tax Code: 1257L
Standard tax-free Personal Allowance
What This Means For You
- •This is the most common tax code in the UK
- •You're entitled to the full Personal Allowance
- •Tax-free allowance: £12,570
Common Tax Code Suffixes
Standard Personal Allowance
Marriage Allowance
Basic Rate (20%)
Higher Rate (40%)
Additional tax to pay
Scottish taxpayer
How to Use This Calculator
- Find your tax code on your payslip, P60, or P45
- Enter it exactly as shown (e.g., 1257L, BR, S1257L)
- See what it means and how much tax-free allowance you have
- Check if it looks correct for your circumstances
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I find my tax code?
Your tax code is on your payslip (every month), your P60 (annual), your P45 (when leaving a job), or through your HMRC personal tax account online. It's also on HMRC letters about your tax code.
What does the number in my tax code mean?
The number shows your tax-free Personal Allowance. Multiply it by 10 to get the amount. For example, 1257L means £12,570 tax-free. Learn more in our Tax Codes Guide.
Why is my tax code different from the standard?
Tax codes change based on benefits (company car, medical insurance), multiple jobs, state pension, underpaid tax from previous years, or Marriage Allowance. HMRC adjusts your code to collect the right amount of tax.
What if my tax code is wrong?
Contact HMRC immediately if your tax code seems incorrect. You can update your details through your personal tax account or call HMRC. Wrong codes mean you could be paying too much or too little tax.
Do I have different tax codes for multiple jobs?
Yes, usually your main job gets your Personal Allowance (e.g., 1257L) and additional jobs get BR (Basic Rate - 20%) or D0 (Higher Rate - 40%) depending on your total income.
When do tax codes change?
Tax codes typically change at the start of the tax year (6 April) when allowances are updated. They can also change mid-year if your circumstances change or HMRC identifies an issue.