Tax Code Checker
What your tax code means (1257L, BR, K…)Runs in your browser
You can earn £12,570 a year from this job before paying income tax.
| Part of your code | Meaning |
|---|---|
| L | You get the standard tax-free Personal Allowance. |
All tax code letters explained
| Letter | Meaning |
|---|---|
| L | You get the standard tax-free Personal Allowance. |
| M | Marriage Allowance: you receive 10% of your partner's Personal Allowance. |
| N | Marriage Allowance: you've transferred 10% of your Personal Allowance to your partner. |
| T | Your code includes other calculations HMRC needs to review; the number is still your allowance ÷ 10. |
| K | You have income or benefits that aren't taxed another way, worth more than your allowance; this amount is added to your taxable pay. |
| BR | All income from this job is taxed at the basic rate (20%), usually a second job or pension. |
| D0 | All income from this job is taxed at the higher rate (40%), usually a second job. |
| D1 | All income from this job is taxed at the additional rate (45%). |
| 0T | No Personal Allowance for this job: often a new job without a P45, or the allowance is used up elsewhere. |
| NT | No tax is taken from this income. |
| S | Prefix: you pay Scottish Income Tax. |
| C | Prefix: you pay Welsh Income Tax (currently the same rates as England). |
| W1 / M1 / X | Emergency code: tax is worked out on this pay period only, not the year to date. Usually temporary. |
These are estimates based on 2026/27 rates and the inputs you give. Your actual position can differ (other income, benefits in kind, tax code changes, scheme rules). This is not financial or tax advice.
How it works
Sources
How to use
- 1Type the tax code from your payslip, P60 or the HMRC app.
- 2See your tax-free pay per year, month and week.
- 3Read what each letter means and whether it differs from the standard code.
FAQ
What does 1257L mean?
You can earn £12,570 tax-free in the tax year (the standard Personal Allowance). The L means you get the standard allowance.
What is an emergency tax code?
Codes ending in W1, M1 or X (or 0T) are emergency codes, often used when you start a job without a P45. Tax is worked out on each pay period alone. HMRC usually corrects it within a few weeks.
My code is wrong. What do I do?
Check it in your HMRC personal tax account or the HMRC app, update anything that's out of date (for example a company car or other income), or contact HMRC.