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  4. How Are Bonuses Taxed in the UK? Everything You Need to Know


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Understanding Bonus Taxation in the UK



Bonuses are a popular form of additional compensation paid by employers to their employees. These extra funds are typically given in recognition of exceptional performance, meeting targets, or as part of a company profit-sharing scheme. In the United Kingdom, as in many countries, bonuses are subject to taxation. Below, we will discuss the ins and outs of how these taxes work and what to expect when receiving a bonus.

Income Tax on Bonuses in the UK



In the UK, bonuses are classed as taxable income, meaning they are subject to both income tax and National Insurance Contributions (NICs). The amount of tax you are required to pay on your bonus will depend on your total income for the tax year, which includes your salary and any other income sources.

UK Tax Bands and Rates



There are three tax bands in the UK, each with its own income tax rate:

  • Basic Rate: If your taxable income falls between £12,570 and £50,270, you will be in the basic rate tax band and pay a 20% income tax on your earnings.
  • Higher Rate: If your taxable income falls between £50,271 and £150,000, you will be in the higher rate tax band and pay a 40% income tax on your earnings.
  • Additional Rate: If your taxable income is over £150,000, you will be in the additional rate tax band and pay a 45% income tax on your earnings.

Calculating Tax on Bonuses



To calculate the tax on your bonus, you will need to consider your total income for the tax year and determine which tax band you fall under. From there, you can calculate the total amount of tax due based on the percentage rate that applies to your band.

For example, let's say your annual salary is £40,000, and you receive a bonus of £5,000. Your total income for the tax year would be £45,000. This falls within the basic rate tax band, meaning 20% tax would apply, and the tax due on your bonus would be £1,000 (£5,000 x 20%).

National Insurance Contributions (NICs) on Bonuses



In addition to income tax, bonuses are also subject to National Insurance Contributions. NICs are a key source of funding for state benefits such as the State Pension, unemployment benefits, and maternity allowances.

Calculating NICs on Bonuses



NICs are calculated based on your total earnings, including your salary and bonus. Employee NICs are payable on earnings above a certain threshold, known as the Primary Threshold.

For the 2021/2022 tax year, the weekly Primary Threshold is £184, meaning you will pay employee NICs on any earnings above this amount. The rate of NICs depends on the level of your earnings:

  • 12% for earnings between the Primary Threshold (£9,568 per year) and the Upper Earnings Limit (£50,270 per year).
  • 2% for earnings above the Upper Earnings Limit.
For example, if your annual salary is £40,000 and you receive a bonus of £5,000, your total earnings for the year would be £45,000. To calculate your NICs on this income, you would pay 12% NICs on £35,432 (£45,000 – £9,568) leading to a total of £4,251.84.

Pay As You Earn (PAYE) and Processing Bonuses



Employers in the UK are required to deduct taxes and NICs from employees' pay through the Pay As You Earn (PAYE) system. As a result, bonus payments should already have the necessary deductions made when the payment is made to the employee.

How Employers Process Bonuses in PAYE



Employers generally use one of two methods to process bonuses through the PAYE system:

  • Annual Basis: With this method, the employer adds the bonus amount to the employee's regular pay for the pay period and calculates deductions based on the total amount. This is the most straightforward method for employers and tends to be the preferred option.
  • Week 1/Month 1 Basis: This method processes the bonus payment using a non-cumulative 'Week 1/Month 1' tax code. This can result in temporary overpayment of income tax, but employees should receive any rebates they are owed in subsequent pay periods.

Emergency Tax on Bonuses



In some cases, you may be subject to emergency tax on your bonus payment if your employer does not have your correct tax code or is unsure of how to process the payment. Emergency tax is calculated using the 'Month 1' basis, which can result in overpayment of income tax.

If you believe you have paid too much tax on your bonus due to emergency tax, you can claim a refund from HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC).

Other Considerations



There are a few other points worth noting:

  • Annual Allowance: It is important to remember that in the UK, everyone has an annual tax-free personal allowance. For the 2021/2022 tax year, the personal allowance is £12,570. This means you will not need to pay tax on the first £12,570 of your income, including any bonuses you receive.
  • Student Loan Repayments: If you are repaying a student loan, your bonus payment may also be subject to student loan repayments.
  • Pensions: Depending on your pension scheme, you may also need to make additional pension contributions based on your bonus payment.

Final Thoughts



Understanding the taxes that apply to bonuses in the UK is essential for managing your personal finances. By having a solid grasp of income tax bands, NICs, and the processing of bonuses through PAYE, you can better plan and manage your financial goals for the year.


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