Field notes

Reports from the British tax system.

Interactive briefings on who pays what, how it's collected and where Britain stands — by sector, by country, by income band. Every figure computes in your browser on published 2026/27 rates, with the sources listed on each page.

After your own numbers instead? The calculators — or the dictionary, for the vocabulary.

ComparisonInteractive

The Tax-by-Sector Explorer

The same income, earned five ways. Set the number and see the state's share climb from a public-sector job (20%) to a four-person employer (over 40%).

Open →

ComparisonInteractive

Income v Profit

The tax on your next pound, two ways: as salary, or as company profit drawn by its owner — 53% vs 42% in the higher band. See both rates at every income.

Open →

ComparisonInteractive

The Country Tax Comparison

Fifteen countries, two views: the headline corporation tax a company pays, and the total tax once the owner draws the profit. Toggle and watch the UK move.

Open →

ExplorerInteractive

The Tax Burden League Table

Tax as a share of GDP across Europe — with the pension bill Britain collects privately added back, and the burden heading for 43% by 2030.

Open →

ExplorerInteractive

Who Pays Income Tax?

The whole UK income tax bill, split by who pays it. Select a band and compare its share of the tax with its share of the income — top 1% pay 28.5%.

Open →