Why is my first payslip different?

A mid-month start, a month 1 tax code, or a missing P45 can all change the first calculation. It usually corrects on the next payslip.

What does 1257L mean?

A £12,570 annual tax-free allowance, the standard personal allowance for 2026/27.

Do I need to file a tax return?

Not if your only income is taxed through PAYE and you have no untaxed income or high-income benefit charges. Check GOV.UK for the current criteria.

EarnAfterTax

UK PAYE explained

PAYE is not a single tax — it is a payroll system that collects income tax and National Insurance as you earn. Here is how the tax code and cumulative calculation work.

Continue

GOV.UK — Income Tax rates and Personal Allowances
GOV.UK — Tax codes
GOV.UK — Rates and thresholds for employers 2026 to 2027

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