Self-employed take-home pay calculator
Estimate what actually reaches your bank account after 2026/27 income tax, Class 4 National Insurance, pension contributions and student loan repayments.
Your figures
Total invoiced income excluding VAT.
Costs incurred wholly and exclusively for the business.
Modelled as reducing taxable income. Relief rules vary — check with your provider.
Estimated annual take-home
£30,528
£2,544 per month
Total tax & NI
£6,472
Effective rate
16.6%
Deductions as a share of profit
| Turnover | £45,000 |
|---|---|
| Allowable expenses | − £6,000 |
| Taxable profit | £39,000 |
| Pension contribution | − £2,000 |
| Income tax | − £4,886 |
| Class 4 National Insurance | − £1,586 |
| Student loan | − £0 |
| Take-home | £30,528 |
How self-employed tax works in 2026/27
As a sole trader you're taxed on profit, not turnover. Profit is what remains after allowable business expenses. HMRC then applies the personal allowance of £12,570 (tapered away by £1 for every £2 of income above £100,000), income tax bands, and Class 4 National Insurance at 6% and 2%.
Payments on account catch people out
If your Self Assessment bill is over £1,000, HMRC usually asks for payments on account: your bill plus half of it again in January, then the other half in July. Your first profitable year can therefore mean paying 150% of the tax in one go. Budget for it early.
Set the money aside as you get paid
Move your effective rate — currently 16.6% on these figures — into a separate savings account every time an invoice clears. You can model the interest that pot earns while it waits for January.
Frequently asked questions
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These tools give a general illustration only. They are not personalised financial advice and are not FCA-regulated — always check current rates and rules before making a decision.