A few FAQ’s about supply teachers' pay and tax...

"When do I get paid?"

We pay our teachers weekly, a week following the completed timesheet.

"Can I use a payroll company for my wages?"

Yes. In fact, Vision Teaching has worked with a preferred payroll provider since we opened in 2007. All supply staff are paid using a payroll provider.

"Intelligent Salary Services Limited (ISS)" are a personable, customer friendly payroll provider who organise and manage your pay so that you don't have to worry about your taxes or other deductions. They will set you up as a contractor which entitles you to tax-free travel and a subsistence allowance. These reduce your tax liability and increase your take-home pay. You can log in to your ISS account online where you’ll be able to view total weekly and annual earnings and tax contributions, as well as payslips and expenses submitted. To get setup with ISS, you simply need to call and register. We will provide the documentation they require for you to complete your registration.

"Is it possible to overpay tax?"

Your weekly salary from Vision may vary, depending upon whether you work for one day or a whole week. Therefore, as UK tax has ‘thresholds’, you may find that some weeks fall under different tax brackets. If you have yet to receive your National Insurance Number, you could be incorrectly taxed.

"I may have overpaid tax - what do I do now?"

We recommend keeping all documentation related to your pay and at the end of the year; you should visit www.hmrc.gov.uk/incometax/refund-reclaim.htm to calculate what you are owed.

In the UK, there are two deductions from your weekly income to cover services in the UK. Firstly we have Pay as You Earn (PAYE) income tax, which has percentage thresholds. The more you earn, the higher the rate on the upper thresholds. Secondly - National Insurance. This covers health and social services, and gives you the right to free doctor services.

"I am new to the UK. What else do I need to arrange ahead of starting work as a supply teacher?"

If you are new to the UK, you will need to obtain a National Insurance Number (NIN). This will enable you to claim back any excess paid tax at the end of the financial year. Contractors working only part of the financial year will have an advantage, as gross earnings will often not make high thresholds and PAYE tax rebates may be due. Between both deductions, on an average teacher wage, you can expect to take home about 75% of your earnings. You will also start receiving money in your second week of work.

For any further payroll or tax questions, please contact 020 7430 7120 or email accounts@visionteaching.co.uk