Self-employed tax calculator
Enter your yearly profit to see your 2026/27 income tax, Class 4 National Insurance and how much to put aside every month.
- Class 4 NI
- 6%, then 2%
- Profits NI starts at
- £12,570
- Voluntary Class 2
- £3.65 a week
- £35,000 profit keeps
- £2,431 a month
- HMRC 2026/27 rates
- Private: nothing leaves your device
- Free, no sign-up
What you keep at different profits
Self-employed or employed: the same money, different tax
| Amount | Self-employed keeps | Employee keeps | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| £20,000 | £18,068 | £17,920 | +£149 |
| £30,000 | £25,468 | £25,120 | +£349 |
| £40,000 | £32,868 | £32,320 | +£549 |
| £50,000 | £40,268 | £39,520 | +£749 |
| £60,000 | £46,111 | £45,357 | +£754 |
| £80,000 | £57,711 | £56,957 | +£754 |
The difference is the lower Class 4 rate. It is rarely worth it on its own, because employees also get paid holiday, sick pay and employer pension contributions.
Put money aside every month
- Move the set-aside figure into a separate savings account each month.
- Your first bill can include half of next year's tax as a payment on account.
- Keep receipts for every business cost. Only profit is taxed.
See every profit level from £10,000 to £100,000 in the self-employed tax table.
Questions people ask
What National Insurance do self-employed people pay?
Class 4 at 6% on profits between £12,570 and £50,270, and 2% above. Class 2 is no longer charged. If your profits are under £7,105 you can pay voluntary Class 2 at £3.65 a week to protect your State Pension.
When do I pay my self-employed tax?
Through self assessment. The bill for the tax year is due by 31 January after it ends. If your bill is over £1,000 you usually also make two payments on account towards next year, on 31 January and 31 July.
Is profit the same as turnover?
No. Profit is what is left after allowable business expenses. Tax and National Insurance are worked out on profit, so keep records of every cost.
Do self-employed people pay less than employees?
On the same amount, yes, because Class 4 is 6% against 8% employee National Insurance. But employees get holiday pay, sick pay and an employer pension contribution on top.