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Payslip FAQs

The most frequently asked questions about your umbrella payslip

Your payslip will be uploaded to the SmartPortal. This payslip offers a thorough breakdown of your payment. We have a comprehensive guide available at this link, which provides an overview of the components displayed on your payslip and the sequence in which they are deducted.

 

What are the most common tax codes?

  • 1257L: Standard tax-free allowance of £12,570 for the 2025/26 tax year
  • NT: No tax deducted
  • 0T: Full income taxed – P45 or P46 not provided
  • BR: 20% tax on second income
  • D0: 40% tax on higher-rate second income
  • D1: 45% tax on income
  • Wk1/Mth1 (Emergency Code): Equal tax-free allowance applied per pay period

Why do I pay Employer’s National Insurance and the Apprenticeship Levy?

These are standard employment costs covered by the assignment rate, which is the total amount SmartWork receives for your work. This includes:

  • Employer’s NI
  • Apprenticeship Levy
  • Employer’s pension contributions

These costs are not deducted from your take-home pay. They are accounted for separately and are explained in your Key Information Document (KID).

For more detailed information, you can refer to the HMRC website.

How do I opt out of the workplace pension?

You’ll receive details from The People’s Pension Group by email. If you haven’t received this, please email: payroll@smartwork.com

Will all my tax liabilities be taken care of?

Yes. SmartWork pays all:

  • VAT
  • PAYE
  • National Insurance
    … directly to HMRC on your behalf.

To find out about the current rates and earnings thresholds for PAYE and NICs, please refer to the following HMRC links:

– England, Wales, and Northern Ireland: https://www.gov.uk/income-tax-rates
– Scotland: https://www.gov.uk/scottish-income-tax

I think I’m on the wrong tax code – what should I do?

Contact HMRC directly on 0300 200 3300. They will issue SmartWork with a revised code.

Why is my home address on my employment contract?

This allows you to work at multiple sites without needing new contracts every time you move.

Do I need to upload timesheets to both my agency and SmartWork?

Yes — unless your agency uses a self-billing system, in which case, they pay SmartWork directly without the need for invoicing.

What if I don’t have my P45?

You will complete an NSC (New Starter Checklist) during the SmartWork registration.

Student Loan Repayments

Which repayment plan are you currently enrolled in? The method and timing of your loan repayment will be determined by the start date of your course. The amount you repay is based on your income, not the amount you borrowed. It is important to inform your employer about your repayment plan so that they can deduct the correct amount from your salary.

Below are the two main repayment plans. For further information on student loans, including postgraduate loans and the interest rates you are charged, please visit the government’s website by clicking on this link.

Repayment Plan 1  – if you began your course before 1 September 2012.

In this case, you will start repaying your loan in April, following the completion or departure from your course.

Repayments will only commence if your income exceeds the repayment threshold, which is currently £22,015 per year, £1,834 per month, or £423 per week in the UK.

If your income falls below the threshold, repayments will cease and resume once your income surpasses the threshold again.

Additionally, you have the option to make voluntary repayments to the Student Loans Company (SLC) at any time.

The repayment amount will be 9% of your income above the repayment threshold, which is currently £22,015 per year, £1,834 per month, or £423 per week in the UK. If your income changes, whether it increases or decreases, your repayment amounts will automatically adjust accordingly.

Repayment plan 2 – If your course started between 1 September 2012 and 31 July 2023

If you are a full-time student, your loan repayment will begin in April after you complete or leave your course.

For those studying a HE Short Course Loan, loan repayment will start in April after the course ends. Please contact your university or college to determine this date.

If you are a part-time student, loan repayment will commence in April after you finish or leave your course or in April four years after the course start date (whichever comes first), even if you are still studying.

Repayments will only begin if your income exceeds the repayment threshold, which is currently £27,295 per year, £2,274 per month, or £524 per week in the UK. If your income falls below this threshold, repayments will cease and resume only when your income surpasses the threshold again.

You can make additional voluntary repayments to SLC at any time.

The repayment amount will be 9% of your income above the repayment threshold, which is currently £27,295 per year, £2,274 per month, or £524 per week in the UK. If your income changes, whether it increases or decreases, your repayment amounts will automatically adjust accordingly.

Need Help?

If you have questions about your payslip, tax code, or deductions, our payroll team is here to help:

📧 payroll@smartwork.com
📞 0800 434 6446

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