UK Self-Employed Tax Calculator 2025/26

Calculate income tax, Class 2 and Class 4 National Insurance for UK self-employed sole traders. Includes take-home pay and full NI breakdown for 2025/26.

£
Revenue minus allowable business expenses
£
Combined with profit for income tax bands
Class 2: £3.45/wk • Class 4: 6% / 2%
£0
Take-Home Profit
£0
Income Tax
£0
Class 2 NI
£0
Class 4 NI

Full Tax Breakdown

How to Use This UK Self-Employed Tax Calculator

Enter your annual self-employment profit — this is your gross income from self-employment minus allowable business expenses such as office costs, travel, equipment and professional fees. If you also have employment income or other sources, enter that separately so the calculator can correctly apply your Personal Allowance and income tax bands.

Results show income tax, Class 2 NI and Class 4 NI for the 2025/26 tax year (England, Wales and Northern Ireland rates).

The Formula

Total Income = Self-Employment Profit + Other Income
Personal Allowance = £12,570 (reduced if total income exceeds £100,000)
Income Tax = 20% × basic rate income + 40% × higher rate income + 45% × additional rate
Class 2 NI = £3.45 × 52 weeks (if profit ≥ £12,570)
Class 4 NI = 6% × (profit £12,570–£50,270) + 2% × (profit above £50,270)
Take-Home = Profit − Income Tax − Class 2 NI − Class 4 NI

Example

Sarah, sole trader, £45,000 profit in 2025/26:
Total income: £45,000 (no other income)
Taxable income: £45,000 − £12,570 = £32,430
Income Tax: £32,430 × 20% = £6,486
Class 2 NI: £3.45 × 52 = £179
Class 4 NI: (£45,000 − £12,570) × 6% = £1,946
Total tax & NI: £8,611
Take-home: £36,389/year (£3,032/month)
Extended

Sole Trader vs Limited Company Comparison

See how your tax compares between sole trader and limited company structures

Compare your tax position as a sole trader versus operating through a limited company at the same profit level.

Item Sole Trader Limited Company Difference

* Ltd company estimate: £12,570 salary + remaining as dividends. Includes corporation tax at 19/25%, employer NI and dividend tax. Simplified — consult an accountant for your specific situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What taxes does a UK self-employed person pay?
UK self-employed people pay income tax on their profits (at 20%, 40% or 45% depending on income), Class 2 National Insurance (£3.45/week if profits exceed £12,570), and Class 4 National Insurance (6% on profits between £12,570 and £50,270, then 2% above £50,270). You report and pay these through Self Assessment.
What is Class 2 and Class 4 National Insurance for the self-employed?
Class 2 NI is a flat-rate contribution of £3.45 per week (£179.40/year) paid by self-employed people with profits above £12,570. It qualifies you for the State Pension and certain benefits. Class 4 NI is a percentage-based charge: 6% on profits between £12,570 and £50,270, and 2% above £50,270.
What is the Trading Allowance?
The Trading Allowance is £1,000 per tax year. If your gross self-employment income is £1,000 or less, you do not need to declare it or pay tax. If your income exceeds £1,000, you can either deduct actual expenses or claim the £1,000 flat allowance — whichever is more beneficial.
When are Self Assessment tax returns due?
The paper tax return deadline is 31 October after the end of the tax year. The online filing deadline is 31 January. Payment of any tax owed is also due by 31 January, with a second payment on account due 31 July. Missing these deadlines results in automatic penalties starting at £100.
Should I set up a limited company instead of being a sole trader?
It depends on your profit level. As a sole trader, all profits are taxed as income. As a limited company, you can pay yourself a small salary (minimising NI) and take additional income as dividends (taxed at lower rates). Many accountants suggest considering incorporation once profits consistently exceed £30,000–£50,000, but you should take professional advice as it adds administrative complexity.