Salary deductions & debt guide

Start with the money you actually receive

Income Tax, employee NI, pension contributions and student loan repayments can be deducted before your pay reaches your bank account. Rent, credit card bills and most personal loan repayments come out of the money left over. Do not enter those household costs as salary deductions.

Make a monthly budget

1. Start with the net pay on your payslip and check whether it is weekly, four-weekly or monthly.
2. List essential bills and agreed repayments.
3. Allow for bills that arrive less often, and for changes in hours or overtime.
4. If you cannot afford repayments, seek free debt advice before choosing what to do next.

A debt’s priority depends on what happens if you miss a payment, not just its interest rate. This calculator cannot decide that priority or calculate an attachment-of-earnings order.

Student loan repayments work differently

Payroll repayments depend on your loan plan, tax year and earnings above the threshold. The calculator does not work out your outstanding balance, when it will be written off or whether you should make voluntary repayments.

Find free debt advice through MoneyHelper, or check the student loan rules on GOV.UK.

Sources: HMRC Income Tax rates, employee NI rates and Scottish Income Tax. Checked 23 October 2026. For help with your own tax or debts, speak to HMRC, payroll or an adviser.