The amount you can earn before paying tax depends on your country and tax regulations. If you are in the UK for the 2025 to 2026 tax year, the Personal Allowance is £12,570 per year. This means you can earn up to £12,570 before you start paying income tax. Income above that amount will be taxed according to different rates: 20% up to £50,270, 40% from £50,271 to £125,140, and 45% over £125,140. This allowance is the same for England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, with different rates applying in Scotland.
If you are in the Netherlands, the tax system uses progressive rates based on "Box 1" income (income from work and homeownership). For 2025, the tax brackets are: 35.82% on income up to €38,441, 37.48% from €38,441 to €76,817, and 49.50% above €76,817. Other deductions and credits may apply depending on your situation.
To summarize:
Country| Tax-Free Allowance / Threshold| Applicable Year| Notes
---|---|---|---
UK| £12,570 per year| 2025 - 2026| Income above taxed by bands 20% - 45%
Netherlands| No fixed personal allowance; progressive tax rates apply| 2025|
Tax bands with increasing rates, starting ~36% up to 49.5%
Please specify the country if a more precise answer is needed for another jurisdiction.
