Higher rate tax, also known as the higher income tax rate, is a tax rate that applies to individuals in the United Kingdom who have an annual income above a certain threshold. The higher rate tax is typically applied to income that exceeds the basic rate tax band, which is the range of income that is taxed at the basic rate of income tax.

In the UK, the higher rate tax is currently set at 40%. This means that individuals who have an annual income above the threshold are taxed at a rate of 40% on the portion of their income that exceeds the threshold.

The income threshold for the higher rate tax varies depending on a number of factors, including the individual's tax year, their tax status (e.g., single, married, etc.), and their personal allowance (the amount of income that is tax-free). It is important for individuals to be aware of the current income thresholds and tax rates, as they can change from year to year.

If you are a UK taxpayer and are concerned about your tax rate or have questions about your tax liability, it is a good idea to seek advice from a tax professional or from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).