Tutor Tax Calculator UK 2025/26

Use this tutor tax calculator to estimate UK tax on private tutoring income, online tutoring, coaching or exam-prep work alongside PAYE employment.

Tax year: 2024/25 | 2025/26 | 2026/27

Last verified against GOV.UK rates: 7 May 2026.

Methodology: this calculator uses the main Income Tax rates for England, Wales and Northern Ireland, the standard Personal Allowance, and self-employed Class 4 National Insurance rates. It does not cover Scottish Income Tax bands, student loans, pension contributions, VAT, benefits, tailored reliefs, or personal tax advice.

Important: Income tax bands are different if you live in Scotland.

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Employment Income

How to use this tutor tax calculator uk

Use this tutor tax calculator to estimate UK tax on private tutoring income, online tutoring, coaching or exam-prep work alongside PAYE employment.

Enter tutoring income before expenses, then model allowable costs such as platform fees, teaching materials, travel, software or the trading allowance.

Tutoring income is commonly self-employed trading income unless it is paid through PAYE. Keep records of students, sessions, platform statements and expenses.

Trading Allowance vs Actual Expenses

The trading allowance can exempt up to £1,000 of gross trading income. If your gross trading income is £1,000 or less, you may not need to tell HMRC, although some circumstances still require a tax return.

If gross trading income is more than £1,000, you can usually choose between deducting the £1,000 trading allowance or deducting actual allowable expenses. You cannot claim both for the same trade.

Official Sources

Tutor Tax Calculator UK examples

Example 1

Teacher tutoring in the evenings alongside PAYE employment and setting aside tax on extra profit.

Example 2

Student tutor with low annual income checking whether the trading allowance or Personal Allowance covers the activity.

Example 3

Online tutor with platform fees, lesson materials, subscriptions and a PAYE job near the higher-rate threshold.

FAQs

Do tutors need to pay tax in the UK?

Private tutors may need to pay tax if tutoring income is taxable trading income. PAYE salary and tutoring profit are considered together for Income Tax.

When should a tutor register for Self Assessment?

You normally register if gross tutoring income is over £1,000 in a tax year or if HMRC otherwise requires a tax return.

What expenses can private tutors claim?

Allowable costs may include teaching materials, platform fees, software, business-use phone or internet, and travel where they are incurred for the tutoring trade.

Can I claim DBS checks, travel or materials?

Business-related checks, travel and materials may be allowable where they are necessary for your tutoring work and not private costs.

Does PAYE income affect tutoring tax?

Yes. Your tutoring profit is added to PAYE income, so the marginal tax rate depends on your combined taxable income.

Can tutors use the trading allowance?

If eligible, you can use the £1,000 trading allowance instead of actual expenses for the same trade. If actual expenses are higher, modelling actual costs may be better.

Important: This calculator provides estimates based on current UK tax rates. For accurate advice specific to your situation, consult a qualified tax professional or HMRC.

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