Based on current HMRC guidance and UK PAYE rulesUpdated for the current UK tax year

TaxDecod

UK salary and take-home guidance

£100k Tax Trap Explained (UK)

Between £100,000 and £125,140, your personal allowance is reduced. This creates an effective tax rate of over 60%.

Why it happens

For every £2 above £100k, you lose £1 of your tax-free allowance.

What it means

You pay higher tax AND lose tax-free income → effective 60%+ rate.

How to reduce it

  • Pension contributions
  • Salary sacrifice
  • Charitable donations