The 1257L Tax Code Explained.
Everything you need to know about what 1257L means for your payslip, your personal allowance, and your take-home pay in 2026/27.
Quick Definition
Standard — full personal allowance. This is the standard UK tax code for 2026/27. You receive the full Personal Allowance of £12,570, meaning the first £12,570 you earn this year is completely tax-free. You then pay 20% (Basic Rate) on income up to £50,270, 40% (Higher Rate) between £50,270 and £125,140, and 45% (Additional Rate) above £125,140. This code is correct for most UK employees with one job, no untaxed income, and no benefits in kind.
How much tax will I pay on 1257L?
Use the interactive tool below to see how the 1257L tax code impacts different salary levels. This calculation includes Income Tax and National Insurance for the 2026/27 tax year.
How 1257L affects a £35,000 salary
Annual Income Tax
£4,484
13% of total income
Monthly Take-Home
£2,393
After Tax, NI & Pension
Based on 2026/27 tax rates.Full breakdown →
Is the 1257L tax code right for me?
Tax codes are assigned by HMRC based on your reported income and circumstances. You might be on 1257L if:
- This is your primary source of employment income.
- HMRC has recently updated your record following a change in benefits.
- You have started a new job and your previous P45 has been processed.
If you believe this code is incorrect, you should contact HMRC as soon as possible to avoid overpaying or underpaying tax.
Related Resources
Still not sure?
Try our full interactive checker to see every deduction on your payslip.
Quick reference — common UK tax codes
Last updated: June 2026. This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always verify your specific tax situation with HMRC or a qualified professional.