How income tax is calculated

Millions of taxpayers face paying more income tax due to frozen tax allowances. We explain how income tax is calculated.

Man rests head on hand as he looks at financial document on desk.
(Image credit: Nico De Pasquale Photography via Getty Images)

Income tax is charged on most types of income but tax allowances protect some from the taxman.

Following the end of the tax year, which falls on 5 April each year, we look at the income tax rates and tax-free allowances.

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Income tax bands and rates: 2024/25

Income tax band

Taxable income

Tax rate

Personal allowance

Up to £12,570

0%

Basic rate

£12,571 to £50,270

20%

Higher rate

£50,271 to £125,140

40%

Additional rate

Over £125,140

45%

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Scottish income tax bands and rates: 2024/25

Income tax band

Taxable income

Scottish tax rate

Personal allowance

Up to £12,570

0%

Starter rate

£12,571 to £14,876

19%

Basic rate

£14,877 to £26,561

20%

Intermediate rate

£26,562 to £43,662

21%

Higher rate

£43,663 to £75,000

42%

Advanced rate

£75,001 to £125,140

45%

Top rate

Over £125,140

48%

Contributor

Holly Thomas is a freelance financial journalist covering personal finance and investments. 

She has written for a number of papers,  including The Times, The Sunday Times and the Daily Mail. 

Previously she worked as deputy personal finance editor at The Sunday Times, Money Editor at the Daily/Sunday Express and also at Financial Times Business.

She has won Investment Freelance Journalist of the Year at the Aegon Asset Management Media Awards in November 2021.