How does the Personal Allowance taper work above £100,000?
By Katharine, Founder, EMBR Tax
Last updated for the 2026/27 tax year · 6 April 2026
What is the Personal Allowance taper?
The Personal Allowance taper is one of the reasons the £100,000 threshold gets so much attention. It is not because everything changes at once. It is because income above that point can become much less efficient than people expect.
HMRC reduces your Personal Allowance by £1 for every £2 of adjusted net income above £100,000. That means the allowance fades away gradually rather than disappearing in one go.
Why does the taper catch people out?
- People focus on salary, not adjusted net income
- Bonuses and other income can move them into the taper without warning
- They underestimate how valuable it can be to reduce adjusted net income back down
What can help reduce the effect of the taper?
This is why pension contributions, Gift Aid, and some employer arrangements often come into the conversation. They may help reduce adjusted net income and soften the taper effect.
What is the bottom line?
The taper is not just a technical rule. It is one of the main reasons the £100,000 area needs careful planning. If you are near it, checking adjusted net income properly can make a real difference.
Frequently asked questions
How does the Personal Allowance taper work?+
HMRC reduces your Personal Allowance by £1 for every £2 of adjusted net income above £100,000. That means the allowance fades away gradually rather than disappearing in one go.
Why do people get caught out by the taper?+
People often focus on salary rather than adjusted net income. Bonuses and other income can move someone into the taper without warning, and many underestimate how valuable it can be to reduce adjusted net income back down.
What can reduce the effect of the taper?+
Pension contributions, Gift Aid, and some employer arrangements may help reduce adjusted net income and soften the taper effect.
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- What should you do if your income looks likely to go just over £100,000?
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