How much of your freelance income is actually yours?
Enter your freelance income and instantly see how much you can actually spend after Income Tax and National Insurance. No signup required.
How much is really yours?
Enter your income and expenses. See what’s left after taxes.
Annual equivalent: £48,000
We recommend reserving £471/mo for taxes
Estimated taxes
Effective combined rate (income tax + social contributions): 17%
Available = profit − estimated taxes (income tax + social contributions)
Current marginal rate: 20% (only on the excess).
Based on estimated United Kingdom income tax rate of 17%. Estimates only.
How freelancer taxes work in the UK
As a self-employed worker in the UK, you pay Income Tax and National Insurance on your profits. Understanding these obligations is key to knowing what you can actually spend.
Income Tax starts with a personal allowance of £12,570 — you pay nothing on that. Above it, you pay 20% (basic rate) up to £50,270, then 40% (higher rate) on income above that.
National Insurance has two classes for the self-employed: Class 2 (£3.45/week if profits exceed £12,570) and Class 4 (6% on profits between £12,570 and £50,270, then 2% above that).
If your taxable turnover exceeds £90,000, you must register for VAT. Below that threshold, it's optional.
Payments on account mean HMRC may require two advance payments (31 January and 31 July) based on your previous year's bill — catching many freelancers off guard.
| Band | Rate |
|---|---|
| Up to £12,570 | 0% (Personal Allowance) |
| £12,571 – £50,270 | 20% (Basic Rate) |
| £50,271 – £125,140 | 40% (Higher Rate) |
| Over £125,140 | 45% (Additional Rate) |
Real example: freelancer earning £45,000/year
Let's break down a typical UK freelancer earning £45,000 per year with around £5,000 in deductible business expenses.
Taxable profit: £40,000. Income Tax: approximately £5,486 (20% on £27,430 above the personal allowance). National Insurance Class 4: approximately £1,646. Class 2: approximately £179.
After taxes and expenses, roughly £33,200 is yours to spend.
Out of £45,000 earned, roughly £33,200 is yours. That's Your Nett.
What is Your Nett?
Your Nett is the money you can actually spend without touching what you owe HMRC.
This calculator shows your real number. Nett updates it in real time with every invoice and expense you log, so you always know where you stand.
Income - Expenses - Tax Reserve = Your Nett
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