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HMRC Reminds Workers to Check PAYE Tax Codes as Errors Trigger Refunds or Bills

Taxpayers are urged to use the HMRC app or online account to keep records accurate because emergency codes and missing P45s commonly lead to wrong deductions.

Overview

  • The most common tax code is 1257L, which corresponds to the £12,570 personal allowance for people with one job or pension.
  • If a new employer lacks your previous pay and tax details you may be put on a temporary emergency code ending W1, M1 or X, so providing a P45 helps avoid incorrect withholding.
  • HMRC says individuals are responsible for ensuring their code is correct, and details can be viewed and updated through the HMRC app or personal tax account.
  • Overpayments are refunded and underpayments billed once HMRC receives full income information, and refunds cannot be issued until employer or pension data is in place.
  • For people with multiple income sources, additional jobs may be coded BR, D0 or D1 unless HMRC is informed, and analysts at RIFT report average rebate claims of about £3,000.