TAX CODE CHECKER · 2026/27

What does your tax code mean?

Choose the code shown on your payslip or HMRC notice to understand how it normally affects Income Tax deductions.

Check a common tax code

Tax code

Use the code exactly as shown on your payslip or HMRC notice. Scottish codes may begin with S and Welsh codes with C; the checker currently explains the most common core codes.

1257L

Standard tax code

You usually receive the standard £12,570 Personal Allowance across the tax year.

What to check

The number reflects tax-free pay; L means you qualify for the standard allowance.

A tax code is an instruction to payroll, not a final tax calculation. Contact HMRC if your code does not reflect your circumstances.

Important

A tax code is a payroll instruction rather than a final tax calculation. HMRC should be contacted when the code does not match your employment and income circumstances.