Money in Wales: what is different

Land Transaction Tax, Council Tax, school meals and other support in Wales.

The short answer

Wales has its own property tax and some different support for families, but most money rules, including Income Tax rates, are the same as England. This page lists the main differences with links to the official Welsh Government sources.

Income Tax in Wales

Welsh rates of Income Tax apply if Wales is your main home. For 2026/27 they are the same as England and Northern Ireland: 20% basic rate, 40% higher rate and 45% additional rate. Your tax code starts with "C". Savings interest and dividends are taxed at UK rates. See Income Tax bands explained.

Buying a home

Wales has Land Transaction Tax (LTT) instead of Stamp Duty. The main residential rates are 0% up to £225,000, 6% from £225,001 to £400,000, 7.5% from £400,001 to £750,000, 10% from £750,001 to £1,500,000 and 12% above that. Higher rates apply if you already own another property. Wales has no first-time buyer relief. Use the stamp duty calculator for an estimate and the Welsh Revenue Authority for the current rules.

Council Tax

Wales has nine Council Tax bands, A to I, based on 2003 property values. Check the Welsh Government site, because a revaluation may change this.
Council Tax Reduction for low-income households is run by your local council under Welsh rules. You apply through your council.
Single adults can get a 25% discount.

Help for families and households

Free primary school meals: all pupils in Welsh maintained primary schools up to Year 6 can get a free school meal. Older pupils who are eligible keep their free school meals. See free school meals and Healthy Start for the wider picture.
Childcare Offer for Wales: up to 30 hours a week of combined funded education and childcare for 3 and 4 year olds, for up to 48 weeks a year. Eligibility conditions apply, so check on the Welsh Government site.
Discretionary Assistance Fund: grants that do not need repaying for people in financial hardship, such as emergency payments for food or fuel, and help with household items.
PIP applies in Wales. See our PIP guide.

Students

Welsh undergraduates apply through Student Finance Wales, which has its own grants and loans. For 2026/27 the maximum fee loan is £9,790 at most providers, and the amount of maintenance support depends on where you live and your household income. Check Student Finance Wales for the rules that apply to you, because the repayment plan depends on when and where you started. Our student loan guide explains how repayment works.

Where to learn more

This guide is for information only and is not tax, benefits or financial advice. Rules and amounts can change, so check the official pages before you rely on them.