Self-Employed Tax Calculator

Calculate your tax and National Insurance as a self-employed professional or freelancer

Self-Employed Tax Calculation

Income before deducting expenses

E.g., office costs, equipment, supplies

From company dividends (£500 allowance applies)

Profit & Tax

Trading Profit:£25,000
Income Tax:2,286
After Income Tax:£22,714

National Insurance

Class 2 NI:£163.8
Class 4 NI:£1,088.28
Total NI:£1,252.08

Profit After All Deductions

£21,461.92

Effective tax rate: 14.15%

Tax Calculation Summary

Trading Profit (before expenses):£30,000
Less Allowable Expenses:5,000
Net Trading Profit:£25,000
Less Tax-Free Allowance (£1,000):-£1,000
Taxable Profit:£24,000
Total Tax & NI to Pay:£3,538.08

Note: This is a simplified calculation for illustration. Your actual tax liability depends on various factors including dividend allowances, personal allowance, and other reliefs.

For accurate calculations and professional tax advice, consult with a qualified accountant or tax advisor before your self-assessment deadline.

Self-Employment Tax Breakdown

Income Tax

You pay income tax on your trading profit after deducting allowable expenses and a £1,000 tax-free allowance.

  • Tax-free allowance: £1,000
  • Personal allowance: £12,570 (same as employees)
  • Tax rates: Use Scottish tax bands for your profit above allowance

Class 2 National Insurance

A flat annual fee (currently around £163.80) if you earn above the threshold.

  • Applies if profit is above £6,725
  • Counts towards state pension entitlement
  • Fixed amount per year, not percentage-based

Class 4 National Insurance

A percentage of your profits, calculated alongside your tax bill.

  • 9% on profits between £11,908 and £50,270
  • 2% on profits above £50,270
  • Calculated on trading profit, not dividends
  • Also counts towards state pension

Allowable Expenses

You can deduct reasonable business expenses from your income to reduce your tax bill:

  • Office equipment and software
  • Professional fees and training
  • Vehicle and travel costs
  • Office supplies and utilities
  • Insurance and professional fees
  • Home office costs (allowance or actual)

Tip: Keep records of all expenses and invoices to support your tax return. The earlier you register as self-employed, the sooner you can reduce your tax bill through expense deductions.

Self-Assessment Tax Return

As a self-employed person, you must submit a Self-Assessment tax return to HMRC by January 31st following the end of the tax year.

Tax Year 2025/26: Tax year runs from April 6, 2025 to April 5, 2026. Your tax return must be submitted by January 31, 2027.