Self-Employed Tax Calculator
This calculator estimates an individual's UK tax on self-employment profits. It is not a limited-company or full tax-return calculator.
Your self-employment
Income Tax rates are devolved to Scotland. National Insurance and the Trading Allowance are the same across the UK.
All self-employment income before business expenses.
Business costs you expect to claim against this income.
Income taxed separately from your self-employment profit — for example PAYE salary or a taxable pension.
About this calculation
Calculator scope, assumptions and official sources.
Self-employment tax guide
Turnover versus profit
Turnover is everything the business invoiced or received. Profit is what is left after allowable business costs, and it is profit — not turnover — that is taxed. The money sitting in your business account is not a guide either: it still contains the tax you owe, and it may be missing costs you have incurred but not yet paid. Work from your figures for the year, not from the balance today.
Important limitations
This estimate is for sole-trader self-employment profits. It does not model partnership allocations, CIS deductions, VAT or limited-company extraction. For the wider topic set, start at the Self-Employed hub.
Frequently asked questions
What does this Self-Employed Tax Calculator estimate?
It estimates Income Tax, Class 4 National Insurance, Class 2 treatment where relevant, optional student loan repayments and Self Assessment payments on account for a UK sole trader.
Is tax charged on turnover or profit?
Tax is charged on taxable profit, not turnover. Profit is what remains after allowable business expenses or the Trading Allowance, depending on the option you choose.
Do I still pay Class 2 National Insurance?
The compulsory weekly Class 2 charge has been abolished from 2024/25. Where profits are at or above the Small Profits Threshold, Class 2 is treated as paid for State Pension purposes at no cost. Below that threshold you can pay voluntarily.
What are payments on account?
Payments on account are advance payments towards the next tax year. Where they apply, HMRC usually asks for two instalments — 31 January and 31 July — based on Income Tax and Class 4 left to collect through Self Assessment.
What does this calculator not include?
It is not a limited-company calculator, does not convert cash basis to traditional accounting, and does not compute detailed capital allowances. Enter final figures from your chosen accounting basis.
Official sources
- Income Tax rates and Personal Allowances (GOV.UK)
- Self-employed National Insurance rates (GOV.UK)
- Tax-free allowances on trading and property income (GOV.UK)
- Expenses if you're self-employed (GOV.UK)
- Understand your Self Assessment tax bill (GOV.UK)
- Register for Self Assessment (GOV.UK)
- Cash basis for the self-employed (GOV.UK)
- Making Tax Digital for Income Tax (GOV.UK)
Figures are estimates and may differ from your Self Assessment calculation. See the methodology page for how Sorvuna builds estimates. This is not tax, legal or financial advice.
Employed as well as self-employed? Open the Income Tax Calculator. Negotiating a salaried role on a take-home target? Open the Net to Gross Salary Calculator. Thinking about a limited company? Open the Director Salary and Dividend Calculator.
Related guides
- Self Assessment Payments on Account ExplainedWhen payments on account apply, how January and July bills are built, and what a first Self Assessment year means.Read guide
- Trading Allowance ExplainedWhen sole traders can use the £1,000 Trading Allowance instead of deducting actual expenses.Read guide
- National Insurance for Sole TradersClass 4 and Class 2 National Insurance for the self-employed — thresholds, rates and how they appear on your bill.Read guide
- Allowable Expenses for Sole TradersWhat counts as an allowable business expense, and when the Trading Allowance is better.Read guide
- Registering as Self-EmployedWhen and how to register for Self Assessment as a sole trader, and what happens in your first year.Read guide