Nigeria PAYE & Income Tax Calculator 2026 — Take-Home Pay ☆ Save
Loan Balance Paydown Curve
Amortization & Payment Schedule
| Period | Payment | Principal | Interest | Total Interest | Balance |
|---|
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The bands, and the tax-free threshold
Nigerian personal income tax runs on annual bands, and the first one matters most: the first ₦800,000 of chargeable income is taxed at 0%.
| Annual chargeable income | Rate on that slice |
|---|---|
| First ₦800,000 | 0% |
| Next ₦2,200,000 (to ₦3,000,000) | 15% |
| Next ₦9,000,000 (to ₦12,000,000) | 18% |
| Next ₦13,000,000 (to ₦25,000,000) | 21% |
| Next ₦25,000,000 (to ₦50,000,000) | 23% |
| Above ₦50,000,000 | 25% |
The bands are progressive — only the slice inside each band is taxed at that band's rate. So your effective rate is always lower than the band you top out in, and a raise can never reduce your take-home pay.
What comes off before tax
Several deductions reduce your chargeable income, which is why PAYE is lower than a straight reading of the bands suggests:
- Pension — 8% of qualifying emoluments, the employee's share under the contributory scheme;
- National Housing Fund — 2.5%, where applicable;
- Rent relief — 20% of annual rent paid, capped at ₦500,000. This one is frequently missed. If you pay rent, it directly reduces what you are taxed on, and the cap means it is worth up to ₦500,000 of relief.
The calculator above applies these — enter your rent to see the difference it makes.
Checking your payslip
- Run your gross through the calculator and compare each line;
- Confirm the 8% pension is calculated on the right base;
- Check whether your employer is applying rent relief — many do not unless you provide the details;
- Identify any other deduction and confirm you agreed to it in writing;
- Keep your payslips — they are required for loan applications and are your evidence in any dispute.
What else takes a share
PAYE is not the only tax on your money. VAT is 7.5% on most goods and services — see the VAT calculator. Investment returns are taxed separately: dividends carry 10% withholding tax (see the dividend calculator) and disposals may attract capital gains tax (see the CGT calculator).
Frequently asked questions
Why is my PAYE different from this estimate?
Usually allowances treated differently, a pension base that differs from gross, or rent relief your employer has not applied. Check the lines individually and query differences with payroll in writing.
Is the first ₦800,000 really tax free?
The first ₦800,000 of chargeable income is taxed at 0% — and chargeable income is after allowable deductions, so the amount you can earn before paying anything is higher than ₦800,000 of gross.
Should I turn down a raise to stay in a lower band?
Never. Bands are progressive — only the extra slice is taxed at the higher rate.
Do I need to file a return if PAYE is deducted?
Requirements depend on your circumstances and state of residence. Keep your records and confirm with the relevant tax authority or a practitioner.
How do I claim rent relief?
Provide your rent details to your employer or claim through your filing. It is worth 20% of rent paid up to ₦500,000, and it is commonly unclaimed.
Bands and reliefs are the current figures held in this site's tax configuration. Tax law changes — confirm with the relevant tax authority or a registered practitioner. General information, not tax advice.