£250 a day: take-home inside and outside IR35 (2026/27)
Where the money goes at £250 a day
| 220 days | Inside | Outside |
|---|---|---|
| Contract income | £55,000 | £55,000 |
| Umbrella margin | £1,300 | £0 |
| Employer NI and levy | £6,557 | £1,136 |
| Corporation tax | £0 | £7,846 |
| Income Tax and employee NI | £9,680 | £0 |
| Dividend tax | £0 | £3,542 |
| Take-home | £37,462 | £42,477 |
| Per month | £3,122 | £3,540 |
| Share of income | 68% | 77% |
Inside IR35 the umbrella pays 15% employer NI above £5,000 and the 0.5% apprenticeship levy from the assignment rate, then runs PAYE on gross pay of £47,143. Outside IR35 the company pays you a £12,570 salary and the rest as dividends after corporation tax. In Scotland the figures are £36,595 inside and £42,477 outside.
By days worked
| Days a year | Inside | Outside |
|---|---|---|
| 180 | £31,229 | £35,247 |
| 200 | £34,346 | £38,862 |
| 220 | £37,462 | £42,477 |
| 230 | £39,021 | £44,284 |
Assumptions: umbrella margin of £25 a week, no business expenses, no pension contributions, no student loan and no other income. Change any of them in the IR35 calculator.
Other day rates
Frequently asked questions
How much do I take home on £250 a day inside IR35?
About £37,462 a year, or £3,122 a month, for 220 days through an umbrella company in England.
And outside IR35?
About £42,477 a year through your own limited company with a £12,570 salary and dividends, before accountancy and other company costs.
Who decides whether I am inside IR35?
A medium or large client decides and should give you a status determination statement. For a small private client, your own company decides.
Calculated with 2026/27 rates: employer NI 15% above £5,000, apprenticeship levy 0.5%, Income Tax and NI bands, corporation tax 19% to 25% with marginal relief, dividend tax 10.75% and 35.75%. Updated 2026-11-04. General information, not tax advice.