List of UK tax codes and what they mean
Every UK tax code is made of numbers and letters. This page lists the codes you are most likely to see on your payslip and what each one means, including tax code BR, 0T, D0 and K codes.
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Tax codes and their meaning
The number shows your tax-free pay divided by 10 (so 1257 means £12,570). The letters add information about how the allowance is used.
UK tax codes 2026/27
| Code | What it means |
|---|---|
| 1257L | Standard code for 2026/27: £12,570 of tax-free pay |
| L | You get the standard personal allowance |
| M | You have received Marriage Allowance from your partner |
| N | You have given Marriage Allowance to your partner |
| T | Your allowance includes other calculations |
| BR | Basic rate: all pay taxed at 20%, usually a second job or pension |
| D0 | Higher rate: all pay taxed at 40% |
| D1 | Additional rate: all pay taxed at 45% |
| 0T | No personal allowance applied |
| NT | No tax taken |
| K475 | K code: untaxed income of about £4,750 added to your pay |
| S1257L | Scottish income tax rates apply |
| C1257L | Welsh income tax rates apply |
| W1 / M1 / X | Emergency basis: tax worked out on this pay period only |
What does tax code BR mean?
BR means basic rate. All pay from that job or pension is taxed at 20% and no personal allowance is used. It is normal on a second job or pension, but you may be overpaying tax if it is on your only income. See the BR tax code page for examples.
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Where to find your code
Your tax code is on your payslip, P45, P60 and HMRC tax code notice, and in your personal tax account on GOV.UK.
Sources and further reading
Questions people ask
What is the most common tax code?
1257L for 2026/27, which gives £12,570 of tax-free pay.
Results are estimates for information only, not financial advice. Read the full disclaimer.
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