UK 2026/27 tax year · Updated 2026-06-10
The UK tech sector spans bootstrapped startups, scale-ups and a large population of freelance developers and contractors. Tax planning here is dominated by a few big levers. IR35 (off-payroll working) decides whether a contractor is taxed like an employee or can use the more efficient salary-and-dividend route through a limited company; since the 2021 reforms, medium and large clients make that determination. R&D tax credits reward genuine technical innovation, though the scheme merged the SME and RDEC routes from April 2024 and HMRC has tightened compliance. Share incentives such as EMI options help startups attract talent tax-efficiently, while founders watch Business Asset Disposal Relief and capital gains on exit. Day-to-day, tech companies handle corporation tax, VAT (including digital services), the dividend-versus-salary mix for director-shareholders, and pension auto-enrolment. These calculators help developers, contractors, founders and finance teams estimate take-home pay, company tax, R&D relief and personal finances.
Estimate company and innovation taxes.
Work out take-home as a contractor or employee.
Plan investments, equity and savings.
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Estimates for general guidance only, based on 2026/27 UK rates. Not financial advice.