What Does C-prefix Mean?
A C prefix (like C1257L) means you pay Welsh income tax rates. Currently, Welsh rates are the same as England and Northern Ireland, but the Welsh government has the power to vary them.
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 C-codes Means
C-prefix codes (e.g., C1257L) indicate you are a Welsh taxpayer. Wales has the power to set its own income tax rates, but has so far kept them identical to England and Northern Ireland. Welsh codes are used for administrative purposes even though the rates are currently the same.
When This Code Is Used
You are a Welsh taxpayer if your main home is in Wales on 6 April each year. HMRC assigns the C prefix based on your address. There is no practical difference in your take home pay compared to English tax codes while Welsh rates remain aligned with rest-of-UK rates.
Impact on Your Pay
Currently, having a C code makes no difference to your tax calculation. However, the Welsh Government has the power to change rates in the future. Any future Welsh rate changes would be applied automatically through your C-prefixed tax code.
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Salary calculator →Learn more: Full guide to UK tax codes