The joy of tax
Question
From September I will be a full-time Masters student, and will be taking two jobs to support myself, working 37 hours per week. Will I have to pay a higher tax rate on my second job?
Answer
The income tax you pay is determined by how much you earn, regardless of how many jobs you have. If tax is being deducted at source (i.e. from your monthly salary) then your tax-free allowance will be applied to one job.
Each year you'll have a tax-free allowance, and above that you will be taxed. Our article on Income Tax has information on the current allowances and rates.
As you will be working for more than 30 hours per week you might be entitled to Working Tax Credit and, if you have any children, Child Tax Credit. If you want to consider an application you could telephone the Tax Credits helpline on 08453 003 900.
You may also want to consider using the Entitled To website to see if there are any other benefits that might be available.
Updated: 13/04/2010
Question answered by CAB
