What Does 1257L Mean?
1257L is the most common UK tax code. The 1257 means your tax-free personal allowance is £12,570 (1257 × 10), and the L means you're entitled to the standard personal allowance. If you have a single job and no extra income or benefits, this is the code you should have.
Is My Tax Code Correct?
If you think your tax code is wrong, you can check it on your payslip, through your HMRC online account, or by calling HMRC on 0300 200 3300. A wrong tax code means you're paying too much or too little tax.
All Common Tax Codes
| Code | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 1257L | £12,570 personal allowance |
| BR | All income taxed at 20% |
| D0 | All income taxed at 40% |
| D1 | All income taxed at 45% |
| NT | No tax deducted |
| 0T | No personal allowance |
| K-codes | You owe tax from elsewhere |
| W1 or M1 | Non-cumulative basis |
| S-prefix | Scottish income tax rates |
| C-prefix | Welsh income tax rates |
What 1257L Means
The standard tax code for most employees, meaning you receive £12,570 tax-free per year. The '1257' represents the Personal Allowance (£12,570) with the last digit removed, and the 'L' suffix indicates you are entitled to the standard Personal Allowance.
When This Code Is Used
You should have this code if you have one job with no benefits in kind, no outstanding tax from previous years, and no other adjustments. If your code is different, check why — it may be correct (e.g., you have a company car or owe tax) or it may be an error. Contact HMRC on 0300 200 3300 to query your tax code.
Impact on Your Pay
On 1257L, you pay no tax on the first £12,570 of income. Income from £12,571 to £50,270 is taxed at 20%, and income above £50,270 at 40%. See basic rate and higher rate for more detail.
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