How much tax do locum pharmacists pay?

A self-employed locum pharmacist pays income tax and Class 4 National Insurance on their profit (fees less allowable expenses), plus student loan repayments if they have a loan. Nothing is deducted when a pharmacy pays you; it is all paid through your Self Assessment tax return.

Income tax, 2026/27

In England, Wales and Northern Ireland:

• the first £12,570 is tax-free (the personal allowance);
• 20% on the next £37,700;
• 40% from £50,271 to £125,140;
• 45% above £125,140.

The personal allowance shrinks by £1 for every £2 of income over £100,000, and has gone completely by £125,140. Scotland has its own six bands, from 19% to 48%.

National Insurance

Class 4 National Insurance is 6% of profits between £12,570 and £50,270, and 2% above that. Class 2 is no longer charged: since April 2024, self-employed people with profits over the small profits threshold (£7,105 for 2026/27) get a qualifying year for the State Pension without paying it.

What that adds up to

England, Wales or Northern Ireland, 2026/27, no other income, no student loan or pension. Your own figures: tax calculator.

Student loans

The self-employed repay student loans through the tax return: 9% of income above the plan's threshold (£26,900 for Plan 1, £29,385 for Plan 2, £33,795 for Plan 4, £25,000 for Plan 5) and 6% above £21,000 for a postgraduate loan. On a healthy locum income this can add several thousand pounds to the bill.

When you pay, and the first-year surprise

The tax for a year (6 April to 5 April) is due by 31 January after it ends. Once your bill is £1,000 or more, HMRC also asks for payments on account: two advance payments towards next year, each half of this year's bill, due on 31 January and 31 July.

Paying less, legitimately

• Claim all your expenses: see expenses and mileage.
• Pay into a pension. Personal pension contributions get tax relief at your highest rate, and can win back personal allowance lost above £100,000.