Updated for 2026/27 tax year

What does freelancing
actually pay you?

Find out in 30 seconds what you keep.

Based on HMRC published rates Built for UK freelancers Your numbers stay private
Where are you right now?

Start at the top

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I'm employed

Enter your current salary or target gross income. The average UK salary is £35,404.

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Days off per year
Quiet time
186 days a year you'd actually be charging clients

That's 260 working days, minus 28 days off and 46 days of quiet time.

When you freelance, structure matters.

A Limited Company puts significantly more in your pocket.

When you do make the move, this one decision makes a bigger difference than most people realise. Here’s what it looks like on your income.

Sole Trader
  • Gross
  • Income tax
  • NI
  • Expenses
Best Limited Company
  • Gross
  • Corp. tax
  • Salary
  • Dividends
  • Pension
Expenses £3,000

software, equipment, home office

Pension £5,000

paid by your company, tax-free

A Limited Company puts

more in your pocket every year. And that compounds.

Based on 2026/27 UK tax rates. Income tax, NI and corp tax thresholds apply. Excludes Scotland. Illustrative only — consult a qualified accountant.

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