Who Pays 60% Income Tax in the UK? Understanding the High Marginal Tax Rate Explained

Discover why UK earners between £100,000 and £125,140 face an effective 60% tax rate due to personal allowance tapering and how to mitigate it.

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In the UK, an effective 60% income tax rate can occur when individuals earning between £100,000 and £125,140 lose their personal allowance (£1 for every £2 earned over £100,000), creating a high marginal tax rate. Careful tax planning or accounting advice can help mitigate this impact.

FAQs & Answers

  1. Why do individuals earning between £100,000 and £125,140 in the UK face a 60% tax rate? Because the personal allowance is reduced by £1 for every £2 earned over £100,000, creating a higher effective marginal tax rate that can reach 60%.
  2. What is the personal allowance taper and how does it affect UK income tax? The personal allowance taper gradually reduces the amount of tax-free income for earners above £100,000, increasing their effective tax rate until the allowance is fully withdrawn.
  3. How can UK taxpayers reduce the impact of the 60% effective tax rate? Careful tax planning, such as pension contributions, salary sacrifice schemes, or consulting with an accountant can help mitigate the higher tax impact.