Methodology

Last updated: June 2026

1. Purpose

This page describes the general methodology AKCalc uses to research, build, verify, and maintain its finance calculators. It is intended to help users understand how the calculators work, where the underlying rules come from, and what steps are taken to keep them reliable.

Each calculator on AKCalc may reference its own country-specific rules and sources. This methodology applies across the website while allowing each tool to follow the approach that is appropriate for its subject and jurisdiction.

2. Research Process

When a new calculator is being developed, the first step is identifying the applicable rules for the country and topic. Research relies on authoritative primary sources wherever they are available and applicable. These may include:

• Government agencies and official publications
• Tax authorities and revenue services
• Official legislation and legislative databases
• Public regulations and regulatory guidance
• Official statistical organizations
• Other authoritative primary sources relevant to the subject

Not every calculator draws on every type of source. The specific sources depend on what is published and applicable for the country and topic in question. Where authoritative primary sources are not available or do not cover the specific calculation, we use the best publicly available information and clearly indicate the basis.

3. Building Calculator Logic

The process for building calculator logic generally follows these steps:

• Understand the applicable rules: the relevant laws, regulations, rate schedules, thresholds, or formulas are reviewed from the identified sources.
• Convert rules into logic: the rules are translated into a structured calculation method that handles the inputs and produces the expected outputs.
• Define assumptions: where rules allow interpretation or where inputs may be incomplete, reasonable assumptions are documented so users can evaluate whether the result applies to their situation.
• Handle inputs: the calculator accepts the information needed to perform the calculation, such as amounts, periods, locations, or other relevant parameters.
• Produce outputs: the result is displayed together with any supporting breakdown that helps the user understand how it was derived.

The exact implementation details and internal logic vary by calculator. This description outlines the general approach rather than the specifics of any single tool.

4. Content and Explanations

Each calculator is accompanied by explanatory content written to help users understand:

• What inputs are required and why
• What the output represents
• What assumptions have been made
• What limitations apply to the result
• Country-specific terminology and concepts
• How to use the calculator effectively for their situation

Explanations are written in plain language and are reviewed alongside the calculator logic before publication.

5. Country-Specific Methodology

Every country has its own:

• Laws and legal framework
• Tax systems and rate structures
• Regulations and compliance requirements
• Terminology and definitions
• Currency and reporting conventions

Each calculator is researched individually using sources that are relevant to that country. A calculator for one jurisdiction should not be used as a substitute for a calculator designed for another. The methodology for each calculator reflects the rules and practices of its specific jurisdiction.

6. Sources

Wherever appropriate, calculators reference the authoritative sources used to build them. Examples of sources that may be referenced include:

• Government publications and official websites
• Official legislation and statutory instruments
• Tax authority guidance and circulars
• Regulatory agency rules and schedules
• Official documentation published by the relevant authority

The exact sources cited differ by calculator and jurisdiction. Where a specific source is referenced on a calculator page, users can consult it directly to verify the basis for the calculation.

7. Updates

AKCalc reviews its calculators when important official changes are identified. This includes changes such as:

• Annual budget announcements that affect tax rates or thresholds
• Legislative amendments that alter calculation rules
• Regulatory updates that change published rates or schedules

When a verified change is identified, the relevant calculator is updated to reflect the new rules. AKCalc does not continuously monitor every jurisdiction in real time, and updates may take time depending on the availability and verification of source documents. Users should check the last-verified date shown on each calculator for an indication of its review status.

8. Limitations

AKCalc calculators are designed to provide general informational assistance. They are not a substitute for professional financial, tax, legal, or accounting advice.

Results may differ from actual outcomes depending on individual circumstances, including but not limited to:

• Personal exemptions, reliefs, or deductions not accounted for in the general calculation
• Employer-specific policies or contractual arrangements
• Special economic zone or regional variations within a country
• Rounding or calculation methods used by different institutions

Users who require personalized advice should consult a qualified professional with knowledge of their specific situation.

9. Feedback

Users who identify potential issues, outdated information, or errors in any calculator are encouraged to report them. Feedback can be submitted through the Contact page. Reported issues are reviewed and, where verified against the relevant sources, corrected in the affected calculator.