Self-employed National Insurance 2026/27
Class 4: 6% on profits between £12,570 and £50,270, and 2% on profits above £50,270. Class 2: if your profits are £7,105 or more, Class 2 is treated as paid to protect your National Insurance record, so you pay nothing. Below £7,105 you can choose to pay voluntary Class 2 at £3.65 a week.
Income tax 2026/27
Sole traders pay the same Income Tax as employees: Personal Allowance £12,570, then 20% to £50,270, 40% to £125,140 and 45% above (Scotland has six bands, from 19% to 48%). The allowance falls by £1 for every £2 of income over £100,000.
Payments on account
If your last Self Assessment bill was £1,000 or more, HMRC usually asks for two advance payments on account (31 January and 31 July), each half of the previous year's bill. This does not apply if more than 80% of your tax was already paid at source. The calculator shows what each payment would be if this year's bill repeats.
Worked example
£30,000 profit in England: Income Tax = 20% × £17,430 = £3,486; Class 4 = 6% × £17,430 = £1,045.80; total £4,531.80 (about 15% of profit). Each payment on account would be £2,265.90.
This tool assumes self-employment is your only income. If you also have a job, use the take-home pay calculator as well, and remember your Personal Allowance is shared.
Frequently asked questions
How much tax do I pay on £30,000 self-employed profit?
In England, Wales or NI for 2026/27: £3,486 Income Tax plus £1,045.80 Class 4 NI, so £4,531.80 in total.
Do I still pay Class 2 National Insurance?
Not if your profits are £7,105 or more. It is treated as paid. Below that, you can pay voluntary Class 2 at £3.65 a week to protect your State Pension record.
How much should I put aside for tax as a sole trader?
Use the "set aside" figure above. Many basic-rate sole traders need roughly 15% to 25% of profit, and more if they repay a student loan or earn over £50,270.
When is the Self Assessment deadline?
For the 2025/26 tax year, online returns and payment are due by 31 January 2027. The second payment on account is due 31 July.
Sources
- GOV.UK – Self-employed National Insurance rates
- GOV.UK – Income Tax rates and Personal Allowances
- GOV.UK – Scottish Income Tax
- GOV.UK – Payments on account
- GOV.UK – Self Assessment deadlines
Disclaimer: This calculator gives an estimate using official 2026/27 rates published on GOV.UK and devolved government sites (checked October 2026). It is not financial, tax or legal advice and may not cover every situation. Always check with the official source, HMRC, your lender or a qualified adviser before making decisions.