Everything UK contractors need to understand their pay
Free calculators and clear, GOV.UK-verified guides on IR35, take-home pay, umbrella vs limited, expenses and more — built for UK contractors, 2026/27 tax year.
Estimates for the 2026/27 tax year (England, Wales & NI). Not tax advice.
Free Contractor Calculators
All calculators share one verified 2026/27 tax engine; every rate from GOV.UK, every result cross-checked.
Day Rate Calculator
Convert your day rate to an annual salary and see your take-home after tax. Two modes: take-home pay, and day rate ↔ salary converter.
Umbrella Calculator
See exactly how umbrella companies calculate your take-home, including hidden margin costs of £15–£40/week.
Corporation Tax Calculator
Calculate your limited company's tax bill with marginal relief breakdown. 19% under £50k, up to 25% above £250k.
Dividend Tax Calculator
Calculate dividend tax on director distributions. See the £500 allowance and rates of 10.75%, 35.75%, 39.35%.
VAT Calculator
Add or remove VAT at 20%, 5%, or 0%, and check whether the Flat Rate Scheme saves you money, including the 16.5% limited cost trader test.
Inside vs Outside IR35 Comparison
One day rate, both scenarios side by side: see exactly how much more you keep outside IR35 and why.
Contractor Tax Guides
In-depth 2026/27 guides covering IR35, umbrella vs limited, take-home pay, and contractor expenses. GOV.UK-verified, not AI-generated fluff.
What Is IR35?
A complete guide to IR35 legislation for UK contractors: inside vs outside, status tests, and financial impact.
Inside vs Outside IR35
Detailed comparison of inside and outside IR35: tax differences, risks, and how to choose the right status.
Umbrella vs Limited
Should you use an umbrella company or set up your own limited company? Full 2026/27 comparison with worked examples.
Take-Home Pay Guide
How contractor take-home pay is calculated inside and outside IR35, with worked examples at common day rates.
Umbrella Liability Rules
The April 2026 joint & several liability rules for umbrella companies and how to check yours is compliant.
Mutuality of Obligation
What MOO means for your IR35 status, why HMRC's view is controversial, and how to reduce your risk.
CEST vs Proper Assessment
HMRC's CEST tool has known blind spots. When to trust it and when to get an independent IR35 review.
New to contracting?
A short path through the things that matter most — in the right order.
- 1Umbrella vs limited companyUnderstand the two structures before you sign anything.
- 2IR35 — what it means for your payThe single biggest financial decision you'll face as a contractor.
- 3Calculate your real take-homeRun your day rate through the IR35 calculator to see the actual numbers.
- 4Contractor take-home pay explainedUnderstand the deductions waterfall from gross billings to net pay.
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