1257L Tax Code Meaning
The 1257L tax code is the most common UK tax code for 2024/25. Learn what it means, how it affects your take-home pay, and when it's used.
What Does 1257L Mean?
The 1257L tax code indicates you're entitled to the standard Personal Allowance of £12,570 for the 2024/25 tax year. The number 1257 represents your tax-free allowance divided by 10. The letter 'L' confirms you qualify for the basic Personal Allowance with no adjustments.
How 1257L Tax Code Works
With a 1257L tax code, you don't pay any Income Tax on the first £12,570 you earn in the tax year. After that, you pay 20% on earnings between £12,571 and £50,270 (basic rate), 40% on earnings between £50,271 and £125,140 (higher rate), and 45% on anything over £125,140 (additional rate).
How 1257L Affects Your Take-Home Pay
Example: £35,000
- Personal Allowance (tax-free): £12,570
- Taxable income: £35,000 - £12,570 = £22,430
- Income Tax (20% basic rate): £22,430 × 20% = £4,486
- National Insurance: ~£2,724
- Total deductions: £7,210
Take-home pay: £27,790 per year (£2,316 per month)
When is 1257L Tax Code Used?
- •You have one job or pension
- •You're earning under £100,000 (where Personal Allowance starts to reduce)
- •You have no untaxed income or company benefits to declare
- •This is the default tax code for most UK employees
How to Check Your Tax Code
You can find your current tax code in several places:
- •Payslip: Look at the top of your monthly payslip
- •HMRC online: Sign in to your personal tax account at gov.uk
- •P60: Your end-of-year certificate from your employer
- •PAYE Coding Notice: Letter from HMRC when your code changes
Calculate Your Take-Home Pay
See exactly how 1257L affects your salary with our free calculator