Estimating your SA302 tax for 2025-26 (self-employed)
The 2025-26 tax year runs from 6 April 2025 to 5 April 2026, with the return due by 31 January 2027. If you're self-employed and want to know what your tax calculation will look like, here are the figures that apply and how to get a personal estimate.
What applies for 2025-26
| Item | 2025-26 |
|---|---|
| Personal Allowance | £12,570 |
| Basic rate (20%) | up to £50,270 |
| Higher rate (40%) | £50,270 to £125,140 |
| Additional rate (45%) | over £125,140 |
| Class 4 NI main rate | 6% (£12,570 to £50,270) |
| Class 4 NI upper rate | 2% (over £50,270) |
| Class 2 NI | Not required for most; treated as paid |
| Dividend Allowance | £500 |
The headline rates and thresholds are the same as 2024-25 (most are frozen), which mainly matters because frozen thresholds pull more people into higher bands as their profits rise. This is often called fiscal drag.
What's different from a couple of years ago
If your last clear memory of the numbers is from 2022-23 or 2023-24, two things stand out. The Class 4 main rate is now 6%, down from 9% in 2023-24 and a blended 9.73% in 2022-23, a real cut for the self-employed. And the Dividend Allowance is now £500, down from £2,000, so dividend income is taxed sooner. Our dividend tax by year and Class 2 and 4 guides cover the detail.
A quick 2025-26 example
A sole trader with £45,000 of profit and no other income:
- Personal Allowance £12,570; taxable income £32,430.
- Income Tax: £32,430 × 20% = £6,486 (all within the basic-rate band).
- Class 4 NI: (£45,000 − £12,570) × 6% = £1,945.80.
- Class 2: treated as paid, £0.
- Total: £8,431.80.
When you can get the real SA302
Remember this is an estimate. The official SA302 for 2025-26 only exists once you've filed the return, which you can do from 6 April 2026 onwards. If you need it for a mortgage, file as early as you can after the year ends so the document is available sooner. Until then, the estimator gives you a reliable preview of the number.
Frequently asked questions
How much tax does a self-employed person pay on £45,000 in 2025-26?
With no other income, about £8,431.80: £6,486 Income Tax and £1,945.80 Class 4 National Insurance. Class 2 is treated as paid at that level of profit.
What are the 2025-26 tax bands for the self-employed?
A £12,570 Personal Allowance, 20% up to £50,270, 40% up to £125,140 and 45% above that. Class 4 National Insurance is 6% between £12,570 and £50,270 and 2% above.
Can I get my 2025-26 SA302 yet?
Only after you file the 2025-26 return, which you could do from 6 April 2026. The deadline is 31 January 2027. Before you file, an estimator can preview the figures.
Is this an official SA302?
No. It is an independent estimate. Only HMRC can issue an SA302, and only HMRC's version should be given to a lender.