rUK vs Scotland: Tax Differences 2025/26

Scotland sets its own income tax rates, which differ from the rest of the UK (England, Wales, and Northern Ireland). National Insurance rates are the same across the UK.

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England / Wales / NI

£50,000 salary

Income tax£7,486.00
National Insurance£2,994.40
Take-home£39,519.60

Bands: 20% Basic / 40% Higher / 45% Additional

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Scotland

£50,000 salary

Income tax£9,038.48
National Insurance£2,994.40
Take-home£37,967.12

Bands: 19% Starter / 20% Basic / 21% Intermediate / 42% Higher / 45% Advanced / 48% Top

At £50,000 salary, you take home £1,552.48 more in England/Wales/NI than in Scotland.

2025/26 Income Tax Bands

rUK (England, Wales, NI)

BandRateThreshold
Personal Allowance0%Up to £12,570
Basic rate20%£12,571–£50,270
Higher rate40%£50,271–£125,140
Additional rate45%Over £125,140

Scotland

BandRateThreshold
Personal Allowance0%Up to £12,570
Starter rate19%£12,571–£14,732
Basic rate20%£14,733–£25,688
Intermediate rate21%£25,689–£43,662
Higher rate42%£43,663–£75,000
Advanced rate45%£75,001–£125,140
Top rate48%Over £125,140

Source: gov.uk/scottish-income-tax

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