📖 Guides

UK Tax & Payroll Guides

Plain-English explainers on tax codes, salary sacrifice, redundancy pay and more — updated for 2026/27.

BR Tax Code Explained — What It Means and How to Fix It
BR tax code explained: it means all your income from that job is taxed at 20% with no tax-free Personal Allowance. Why it happens and how to fix it.
Emergency Tax Code Explained — Why It Happens and How to Get It Fixed
Emergency tax code explained: what W1, M1 and X mean, why new employees get put on one, and the steps to get overpaid tax refunded.
K Tax Code Explained — When You Owe Tax on More Than You Earn
K tax code explained: why some tax codes start with K instead of ending in L, what it means for company benefits, and how the deduction is capped.
1257L Tax Code Explained — The Standard UK Tax Code
1257L tax code explained: what it means, why it's the standard code for most employees, and when it might change.
Salary Sacrifice Explained — How It Works and When It's Worth It
Salary sacrifice explained: how giving up salary for pension, cycle to work or EV schemes can reduce Income Tax and National Insurance, and when to be cautious.
Is Redundancy Pay Taxable? The £30,000 Rule Explained
Is redundancy pay taxable in the UK? The first £30,000 is usually tax-free — here's exactly what counts, what doesn't, and how National Insurance applies.
Do I Need to Pay Tax on Side Income? The £1,000 Trading Allowance Explained
Do you need to pay tax on side income in the UK? The £1,000 trading allowance means small amounts are tax-free — here's when you need to register for Self Assessment.
Should I Overpay My Student Loan? What to Consider First
Should you overpay your UK student loan? For most Plan 2 and Plan 5 borrowers, the maths favours not overpaying — here's how to work out your own case.