Corporation Tax Calculator

Small profits rate, marginal relief, and main rate — enter your taxable profit and see exactly what your company owes.

Taxable profit

After deducting salary, employer NI, expenses, and capital allowances

⚠ Marginal relief band — 26.5% effective marginal rate

2026-27 thresholds

19% — small profitsUp to £50,000
Marginal relief band£50,001–£250,000
25% — main rate£250,001+

Corporation tax

£17,450

Effective rate

21.8%

Post-tax profit

£62,550

Breakdown

Taxable profit£80,000
Tax at main rate (25%)£20,000
Less: marginal relief−£2,550
Corporation tax due£17,450
Effective tax rate21.8%
Profit after tax£62,550

Marginal relief trap

Your profit sits in the marginal band. The effective rate on each extra pound earned here is 26.5% — higher than the main rate. Employer pension contributions or capital investment can reduce profits below £50,000 to benefit from 19%.

How it works

  1. 1

    Calculate taxable profit

    Start with accounting profit. Deduct allowable expenses: director salary, employer NI, pension contributions, business expenses, and capital allowances.

  2. 2

    Apply the correct rate

    Profits up to £50,000 → 19%. Profits £250,000+ → 25%. Between those, marginal relief reduces the bill.

  3. 3

    Marginal relief formula

    (3/200) × (£250,000 − taxable profit). Subtracted from tax at 25%. Creates an effective marginal rate of 26.5% in the band.

  4. 4

    Plan around the band

    If you're just above £50,000, employer pension contributions are the most efficient way to bring profit below the threshold.

HMRC sources

Disclaimer: For illustrative purposes only. Does not account for associated companies, R&D credits, losses carried forward, or other adjustments. Consult a qualified accountant before filing.

FAQs