How much does salary sacrifice into a pension really save you in 2026/27? We break down the income tax and National Insurance savings by tax band, with worked examples and the traps to avoid.
The 2026 UK minimum wage rates: National Living Wage £12.71, 18–20 rate £10.85, apprentice £8, who gets which rate, and what each works out to per year after tax.
National Insurance explained for 2026/27: employee Class 1 at 8% and 2%, employer NI at 15% above £5,000, Class 2 and Class 4 for the self-employed, the 35 qualifying years for the State Pension and how to check your record.
How National Insurance works for the self-employed in 2026/27: Class 4 at 6%/2%, voluntary Class 2, the qualifying years that build your State Pension, and how to protect your record.
A pay rise from £50,000 to £60,000 in 2026/27 adds £10,000 gross but only about £5,800 net. Full breakdown of the 40% higher-rate cliff, with monthly figures and Scotland.
EV salary sacrifice in 2026/27 cuts the cost of a lease by 30-50% through income tax and NI relief, with BIK at just 4%. Full worked examples on £40k and £60k salaries.
Filing your first Self Assessment as a sole trader in 2026: registering for a UTR, deadlines, allowable expenses, Class 4 NI, payments on account and the new MTD ITSA rules.
£20,000 a year after tax in 2026/27 is £17,920 net (£1,493/month). Full income tax, NI and take-home breakdown with student loan, pension and Scotland comparisons.
£25,000 a year after tax in 2026/27 is £21,520 net (£1,793/month). Full income tax, NI and take-home breakdown with student loan and pension for 2026/27.
£30,000 a year after tax in 2026/27 is £25,120 net (£2,093/month). Full income tax and NI breakdown, student loan, pension, and Scotland comparison.
£35,000 a year after tax in 2026/27 is £28,720 net (£2,393/month). Full income tax and NI breakdown, student loan, pension, and Scotland comparison for 2026/27.
£40,000 a year after tax in 2026/27 is £32,320 net (£2,693/month). Full income tax and NI breakdown, student loan, pension, and Scotland comparison for 2026/27.
