What does Tax code mean?

The code your employer uses to work out how much Income Tax to take from your pay. If you're put on an emergency code, HMRC can correct it.

Find out more

Guide Do apprentices pay tax and National Insurance? Apprentices pay Income Tax and National Insurance like any employee, but only on earnings above the tax-free thresholds. What that means for your payslip, with 2026 to 2027 rates. Applies to: England, Wales, Northern Ireland

Definitions are our own plain-English summaries. Where we give figures, they come from the official sources listed on the linked guide or profile. Rules can change, so check the official source before you make decisions.