1257L Tax Code Meaning (2026/27) — What It Means on Your Payslip
1257L is the standard UK HMRC tax code for the 2026/27 tax year. The number 1257 entitles you to £12,570 of tax-free income per year (£1,047.50 per month or £241.73 per week; HMRC's coding table ceiling is £12,579), while the letter 'L' confirms you qualify for the standard tax-free Personal Allowance.
| 1257L Tax Code Component (2026/27) | Annual Figure | Monthly Payslip Figure |
|---|---|---|
| Tax-Free Personal Allowance (1257L) | £12,570.00 / yr (£12,579 coding max) | £1,047.50 / month (£241.73/wk) |
| 20% Basic Rate Band (£12,571 – £50,270) | Up to £37,700 taxable (£7,540 max tax) | Up to £3,141.67 / month taxable |
| 40% Higher Rate Band (£50,271 – £125,140) | Next £74,870 taxable | Above £4,189.17 / month gross |
| £45,000 Salary on 1257L (0% Pension) | £35,919.60 net / yr (£6,486 Tax, £2,594.40 NI) | £2,993.30 / month net |