Last updated: 12 March 2026
1. What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files that are placed on your device when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites work more efficiently, to remember your preferences and to provide information to the site owners. We also use localStorage, a similar browser technology that stores data locally on your device.
2. Types of Cookies We Use
We use three categories of cookies and local storage on IncomeTaxCalc.co.uk:
2.1 Essential (Strictly Necessary)
These are required for the website to function properly. They cannot be switched off.
| Name | Purpose | Type | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| cookieConsent | Stores your cookie consent preference (accepted or declined) so the banner is not shown again. | localStorage | Persistent (until cleared) |
2.2 Analytics
These cookies help us understand how visitors interact with our website by collecting and reporting information anonymously. They are only set if you click "Accept" on the cookie banner.
| Name | Purpose | Provider | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| _ga | Distinguishes unique users for Google Analytics 4. Generates a random client ID. | 2 years | |
| _ga_* | Used by GA4 to persist session state across page loads. | 2 years |
2.3 Functional (Calculator Persistence)
These use localStorage to remember your last-used calculator settings (such as salary, tax code or period) so you do not need to re-enter them each time you visit. No personal financial data is sent to our servers.
| Name | Purpose | Type | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| uktax_* | Stores your last-used calculator inputs (salary, tax code, options) for convenience on your next visit. | localStorage | Persistent (until cleared) |
3. Third-Party Cookies
The only third-party cookies on our site are set by Google Analytics (GA4). Google uses these cookies to collect anonymous usage data. Google may process this data on servers outside the UK. For more information, see the Google Privacy Policy and Google's Cookie Policy.
We do not use any advertising, social media or tracking cookies.
4. How to Manage Cookies
You have several options for controlling cookies:
4.1 Our Cookie Banner
When you first visit our site, a cookie banner gives you the choice to accept or decline non-essential cookies. If you decline, analytics cookies will not be set. You can change your preference at any time by clearing your browser's localStorage and refreshing the page — the banner will reappear.
4.2 Browser Settings
Most browsers allow you to control cookies through their settings. You can typically:
- View and delete existing cookies
- Block all cookies or only third-party cookies
- Set preferences for specific websites
- Clear localStorage data
For instructions specific to your browser:
4.3 Google Analytics Opt-Out
You can also opt out of Google Analytics across all websites by installing the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on.
5. Impact of Disabling Cookies
If you disable or decline cookies:
- The website will continue to function normally.
- Your calculator inputs will not be remembered between visits.
- We will not be able to collect analytics data to improve the site.
- The cookie banner may reappear on each visit.
6. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated "Last updated" date.
7. Contact Us
If you have any questions about our use of cookies, please contact us at hello@incometaxcalc.co.uk.
For full details on how we handle your data, see our Privacy Policy.