1257L tax code
The numbers tell your employer or pension provider how much tax-free income you get from them in this tax year: your allowance with its last digit dropped. It gives £12,579.00 of tax-free pay a year.
Meaning from GOV.UK; 2026 to 2027 rates from HMRC, checked 13 November 2026.
Result
Under tax code 1257L, Income Tax on £30,000.00 a year is £3,484.20, with £12,579.00 tax-free.
Income Tax a year
- 1257
- The numbers tell your employer or pension provider how much tax-free income you get from them in this tax year: your allowance with its last digit dropped.
- L
- You're entitled to the standard tax-free Personal Allowance.
| Tax-free pay a year | £12,579.00 |
|---|---|
| A month | £1,048.25 |
| A week | £241.90 |
| Income Tax a month | £290.35 |
Show the workings
| Step | Sum | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| Tax-free pay from code 1257L | 1257 × 10 + 9 | £12,579.00 |
| Taxable pay | £30,000.00 − £12,579.00 | £17,421.00 |
| Basic rate | £17,421.00 × 20% | £3,484.20 |
| Income Tax for the year | £3,484.20 | £3,484.20 |
What this leaves out or assumes
- Worked out for the whole year, as payroll does when you're paid the same each month. An emergency code works each payday on its own, which can give a different total.
- Income Tax only: National Insurance and student loans also come off your pay.
Where the figures come from
- Range of allowances each tax code number covers: £10. Source: HMRC PAYE Manual PAYE11065: suffix codes, calculating the number. Checked 13 November 2026.
- Basic rate of Income Tax (England, Wales and Northern Ireland): 20%. Source: HMRC: Rates and thresholds for employers 2026 to 2027. Checked 13 November 2026.
- Basic rate band: taxable income it covers (England, Wales and Northern Ireland): £37,700 a year. Source: HMRC: Rates and thresholds for employers 2026 to 2027. Checked 13 November 2026.
Income Tax under 1257L, 2026 to 2027
| Pay a year | Income Tax a year | A month |
|---|---|---|
| £15,000.00 | £484.20 | £40.35 |
| £20,000.00 | £1,484.20 | £123.68 |
| £25,000.00 | £2,484.20 | £207.02 |
| £30,000.00 | £3,484.20 | £290.35 |
| £40,000.00 | £5,484.20 | £457.02 |
| £50,000.00 | £7,484.20 | £623.68 |
| £60,000.00 | £11,428.40 | £952.37 |
If you think your tax code is wrong, GOV.UK explains what to do. This gives information, not advice.