Tax Code Checker UK
Enter your tax code and we will explain exactly what it means, how much personal allowance you have, and whether you should check with HMRC.
Find your tax code on your payslip or P60
Frequently asked questions
What does my tax code mean?▾
Your tax code tells your employer how much tax-free income you are entitled to. The number multiplied by 10 gives your personal allowance. The letter(s) indicate your situation — for example, L means the standard allowance, M means you receive Marriage Allowance.
What is the most common tax code?▾
The most common tax code for 2025/26 is 1257L. This means you have the standard Personal Allowance of £12,570. You do not pay tax on the first £12,570 of your income.
What is an emergency tax code?▾
An emergency tax code (ending in W1, M1, or X) means HMRC has not yet confirmed your correct code. Your employer taxes each pay period independently rather than cumulatively. This can result in paying too much or too little tax.
What does a K tax code mean?▾
A K code means your tax-free allowance has been reduced to below zero, usually because of taxable benefits like a company car. HMRC adds the value of untaxed benefits to your income before calculating tax.
Why has my tax code changed?▾
Tax codes can change when: your personal allowance changes, you start or stop receiving taxable benefits, you have underpaid or overpaid tax, you start or stop Marriage Allowance, or your employment circumstances change.
How do I check if my tax code is correct?▾
Check your tax code through your Personal Tax Account on gov.uk, or call HMRC. Compare the personal allowance in your tax code with the standard £12,570 and consider any adjustments for benefits, underpayments, or Marriage Allowance.
What does the S prefix mean in a Scottish tax code?▾
The S prefix (e.g., S1257L) means you pay income tax at the Scottish rates, which are set by the Scottish Parliament. Your personal allowance remains the same, but the tax bands and rates differ from the rest of the UK.
What does BR mean as a tax code?▾
BR means all your income from this employment is taxed at the basic rate (20%) with no personal allowance applied. This is common for second jobs where your personal allowance is already used by your first employer.
Can I have different tax codes for different jobs?▾
Yes. If you have more than one job, your personal allowance is usually applied to your main job (with an L code), and your second job is given a BR or D0 code. You should not have the personal allowance applied twice.
How do I change my tax code?▾
Contact HMRC by phone or through your Personal Tax Account on gov.uk. You can also write to them. If your employer is using the wrong code, HMRC will issue a new code directly to your employer.