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Compare UK Tax Codes

Pick any two UK PAYE tax codes and we will line up the allowance, emergency status, region and approximate annual tax on a £30,000 salary so you can see exactly how they differ.

Last updated 2026-04-12

Illustration: £30,000 gross / year
Attribute1257L-NI1257Y
CategoryStandardStandard
RegionNorthernIrelandrUK
Allowance£12,570£12,570
Emergency / non-cumulativeNoNo
Approx. annual tax on £30k£3,486£3,486
In one sentenceNorthern Ireland uses the same PAYE codes as England - there is no NI-specific prefix.You were born before 6 April 1938 - historical age-related allowance marker.

Bottom line on £30k

On a £30,000 salary, 1257L-NI deducts roughly £3,486 in income tax per year vs £3,486 for 1257Y. The two codes produce the same annual tax at this salary.

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