Tax on a Second Job.
Having two jobs does not mean you pay a higher rate of tax. But the way HMRC collects the tax often causes confusion, overpayments, and the dreaded BR tax code.
The Big Myth: "Second jobs are taxed at 40%"
This is completely false. You are taxed based on your total combined income for the year, regardless of how many jobs you have.
If your combined income from Job 1 and Job 2 is under £50,270, you will only pay Basic Rate tax (20%) on your taxable earnings. You do not automatically jump to the 40% tax bracket just because you took a second job.
Why does it feel like you are taxed more?
It feels like you are taxed more because of how your Personal Allowance is applied.
- Everyone gets a tax-free Personal Allowance (£12,570 for 2026/27).
- By default, HMRC applies your entire £12,570 allowance to your main job (usually the one that pays the most).
- Because your allowance is fully "used up" by your main job, your second job gets a BR (Basic Rate) tax code.
- This means every single pound you earn at your second job is taxed at 20% right from the start.
So, while your total tax is correct, seeing 20% vanish from your entire second payslip can be a shock.
Can you split your Personal Allowance?
Yes. If your main job pays less than £12,570 a year, you are wasting some of your tax-free allowance.
For example, if Job 1 pays £10,000 a year, you have £2,570 of unused tax-free allowance. You can ask HMRC to transfer this £2,570 to Job 2.
To do this, you must contact HMRC. You can do this by calling them on 0300 200 3300 or using your Personal Tax Account online.
Warning: The D0 Tax Code
If your combined income from both jobs puts you over the £50,270 Higher Rate threshold, your second job might be given a D0 tax code. This means every pound earned at the second job is taxed at 40%.