The Salary Calc

The Salary Calc Blog

Plain-English guides on UK tax, salary calculation, pensions, and property. No jargon, no waffle — just the statutory rules you actually need to know.

UK Tax

The £100k Tax Trap: How to Avoid Paying 60% Tax

Earn between £100k and £125,140? You're paying an effective 60% rate. Here's why and how to fix it.

7 min read

UK Tax

UK Income Tax Rates 2026/27: Every Band Explained

Personal Allowance, basic, higher and additional rate — with worked examples so you see exactly what you owe.

6 min read

UK Property

Stamp Duty Rates 2026/27: Post-April 2025 Rules Explained

Nil-rate thresholds dropped back to £125k, FTB relief at £300k. Full breakdown of what you'll pay now.

5 min read

UK Tax

National Insurance Rates 2026/27: What You'll Pay

Employee, employer and self-employed NI rates explained with a step-by-step worked example.

5 min read

UK Tax

How Much Can I Earn Before Paying Tax?

Personal Allowance, trading allowance, savings interest, dividends — every tax-free amount in one place.

5 min read

UK Property

First-Time Buyer Guide: Stamp Duty, Deposits & Hidden Costs

Everything you need to budget for your first property — from deposit to completion day.

6 min read

UK Finance

UK Minimum Wage 2026/27: Every Rate by Age

National Living Wage and NMW rates, who qualifies, and what to do if you're being underpaid.

5 min read

UK Tax

Self-Employed Tax: The Complete Guide for 2026/27

Income tax, Class 2 & 4 NI, expenses, payment on account and MTD — everything freelancers need.

6 min read

UK Finance

How Student Loan Repayments Work (Plan 1–5)

Thresholds, rates, write-off periods and whether you should overpay. Every plan covered.

5 min read

UK Property

Council Tax Bands Explained: A to H

How bands work, how to check yours, single person discount, student exemptions and how to appeal.

5 min read