Scottish Budget confirms bands and rates for 2025/26
Ahead of the Scottish Budget, there were rumours that tax hikes were on the way. However, the announcements made on the day will see some easing of tax for lower earners. What’s the full story?
On 4 December the Scottish government published its 2025 Budget, which included the proposed income tax rates for 2025/26. The good news is that the feared changes didn’t materialise. Instead there was some easing of tax for those on lower incomes. The proposed income tax rates for 2025/26 are as follows:
|
Band |
Income range |
Rate |
|
Starter rate (on income exceeding tax reliefs and allowances) |
£12,571 - £15,397 |
19% |
|
Basic rate |
£15,398 - £27,491 |
20% |
|
Intermediate rate |
£27,492 - £43,662 |
21% |
|
Higher rate |
£43,663 - £75,000 |
42% |
|
Advanced rate |
£75,001 - £125,140 |
45% |
|
Top rate |
Above £125,140 |
48% |
If the changes are approved by the Scottish Parliament, they will mean the Starter and Basic bands increase above inflation, by 22.6% and 6.6% respectively. The document also pledges that no new bands will be introduced, and no further changes to rates will be made by the current Parliament.
Related Topics
-
Key Data Tax
All you the info you need about taxes
-
New PAYE procedure being overlooked
If you pay foreign employees or those who work abroad, you might need to take steps immediately because of new tax rules. What’s the full story?
-
Is refusal to relocate misconduct?
The government has announced that 12,000 civil servant roles will be moved out of London and relocated to 13 towns and cities across the UK by 2030. In a workplace relocation scenario, what’s the legal position if an employee doesn’t wish to relocate?