20 Hours a Week After Tax 2025-26
National Minimum Wage (£12.21/hr) · Gross: £12,698/year
Your earnings exceed the £12,570 Personal Allowance — Income Tax and NI apply on the excess.
You pay 20% Income Tax and 8% NI on earnings above £12,570.
Tax breakdown — 20 hours/week at NMW 2025-26
| Item | Annual | Monthly | Weekly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gross earnings | £12,698 | £1,058 | £244 |
| Personal Allowance (tax-free) | £12,570 | £1,048 | £242 |
| Income Tax | −£26 | −£2 | −£1 |
| National Insurance | −£10 | −£1 | −£0 |
| Net take-home | £12,662 | £1,055 | £244 |
A note on National Insurance for students
NI kicks in above £12,570/year (£242/week) — students are subject to National Insurance on earnings above this threshold, exactly like any other worker. There is no NI exemption for students. The rate is 8% on earnings between £12,570 and £50,270. If you earn below £12,570/year, you pay zero NI.
Scotland comparison
Scotland uses different income tax bands (19% Starter rate, 20% Basic, 21% Intermediate). For lower earners below the Personal Allowance, both regions result in identical take-home pay.
Frequently asked questions
Do students pay income tax on 20 hours a week?
At 20 hours/week at NMW (£12.21/hr), your annual gross is £12,698, which is above the £12,570 Personal Allowance. You pay Income Tax of £26 on earnings above the allowance.
Do students pay National Insurance working 20 hours a week?
Yes. National Insurance applies on earnings above £12,570/year (£242/week). On £12,698/year you pay £10 in NI at 8%.
Can I work 20 hours a week without paying tax?
Not quite. At 20 hours/week at £12.21/hr, your annual gross (£12,698) exceeds the £12,570 Personal Allowance. You pay Income Tax of £26 and NI of £10.
What is the student Personal Allowance?
There is no special student Personal Allowance — all UK residents get the same standard Personal Allowance of £12,570 for 2025-26. This is the amount you can earn before paying Income Tax. Students get exactly the same allowance as everyone else.