Freelance platform fee and tax calculator
Pick Fiverr, Upwork or PeoplePerHour, enter the job price and see what you keep after fees, then a rough tax figure.
Platform fees used
| Platform | Freelancer fee |
|---|---|
| Fiverr | You receive 80% of the client's payment (a 20% fee) |
| Upwork | 0% to 15% per contract, shown before you accept or bid, fixed once the contract starts |
| PeoplePerHour | 20% under £250 billed to a client, 7.5% from £250 to £5,000, 3.5% over £5,000, all plus VAT, minimum £1 + VAT per invoice |
Worked examples
1. Fiverr logo job: £200 job, fee £40.00, you get £160.00. 20 a year with £300 costs and £25,000 wages: set aside £440.00.
2. Upwork at 10%, no other job: £500 job, fee £50.00. 12 a year is £5,400.00, under the Personal Allowance: £0.00 tax.
3. PeoplePerHour regular client: £400 job at 7.5% + VAT is £36.00. 30 a year with £500 costs and £30,000 wages: £1,984.00.
Free: The UK Contractor's Cheat Sheet 2026/27
CIS rates, overtime maths, tax dates, mileage, VAT and late payment, on 2 pages. Keep it on your phone or print it for the van.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Fiverr take?
Fiverr says freelancers receive 80% of the client's payment, so the fee is 20%.
What is Upwork's fee?
Between 0% and 15% per contract. You see it before you accept an offer or send a proposal, and it doesn't change once the contract starts.
What does PeoplePerHour charge freelancers?
20% + VAT on the first £250 billed to a client, 7.5% + VAT from £250 to £5,000, and 3.5% + VAT above £5,000, with a £1 + VAT minimum per invoice.
Do I pay tax on Fiverr or Upwork income?
Yes, it's self-employed income. Over £1,000 a year you'll usually need to register for Self Assessment.
Sources
- How Fiverr works for freelancers – Fiverr Help
- Freelancer Service Fee – Upwork Help
- Freelancer commission fees – PeoplePerHour
- Income Tax rates and Personal Allowances – GOV.UK
- Self-employed National Insurance rates – GOV.UK
- Tax-free allowances on property and trading income – GOV.UK
This guide is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Rules and rates change, so check the linked GOV.UK pages for the current position.