Best UK Tax Calculators for Employees 2026
Updated September 2026 · Independent comparison, not sponsored
| PayToolkit | GOV.UK Calculator | MoneySavingExpert | The Salary Calculator | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| No signup | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| 2026/27 rates | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Take-home pay calculator | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tax code checker | ✓ | ✗ | Limited | ✗ |
| Bonus & pay rise calculators | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Second job / multiple income tools | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Payslip checker | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Breadth of employee tools | 15+ | Few (official only) | A handful | 1-2 |
| Mobile friendly | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
The GOV.UK calculator is the official source for a basic take-home pay check. MoneySavingExpert and The Salary Calculator both offer a solid single salary calculation. Where PayToolkit differs for employees specifically is the breadth of connected tools — tax code checking, second job tax, bonus and pay rise calculators, and a payslip checker — so you can answer more than just "what's my take-home pay" in one place.
Check Your Take-Home PayFAQ
Which is the most accurate tax calculator for UK employees?
All the tools compared here use official HMRC PAYE rates and thresholds for 2026/27, so figures should closely match. For anything important, cross-check against the official GOV.UK calculator.
Do I need to know my tax code to use these calculators?
No, most calculators will use the standard tax code by default, but entering your actual tax code (found on your payslip) gives a more accurate result, especially if you have multiple income sources or benefits in kind.
What is the best tool to check if I'm owed a tax refund?
A payslip checker and tax code checker together are the best starting point — they can reveal if you've been on an incorrect tax code, which is one of the most common reasons employees are owed money back.