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What Is Emergency Tax UK? Understanding Your Tax Obligations



Emergency Tax: The Basics


In the United Kingdom, "emergency tax" refers to a temporary tax code assigned by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) in specific situations. When a person starts a new job, or resumes work with a previous employer, but does not provide enough details for HMRC to issue an appropriate tax code, emergency tax is used.

This default tax withholding method typically results in the employee overpaying tax, but the good news is that any excess amount paid can be reclaimed after the year's end or, in some cases, during the tax year if the necessary information is provided. Throughout this article, we will dive deeper into emergency tax obligations, eventually enabling readers to gain a better understanding of the system.

When Is Emergency Tax Applied?


Emergency tax codes are applied in several different situations. Understanding these can help individuals manage their tax affairs more effectively. The most common circumstances leading to emergency tax are:

  • New Job: If you begin a new job and your employer does not have your tax code, they will use an emergency tax code to calculate your tax.
  • Previous Employer Details: When you start a new job, without having received a P45 form from your previous employer, your new employer will be unable to calculate your tax code using the information on that form. Hence, an emergency tax will be levied until the necessary details are provided.
  • Tax Issue Notice or Forms Unavailable: If your employer has not received your P45, your P60, or any tax calculation guidance from HMRC, they will resort to using the emergency tax code until proper documentation is received.
  • Change in Employment Status: If you move from self-employment to being an employee, an emergency tax may be applied until your correct tax code becomes available.

Codes Designated for Emergency Tax


Once an emergency tax situation arises, an employer will use a specific tax code to calculate withholding rates. Typically, these codes correspond to the standard tax-free allowances for the tax year. The emergency tax codes often seen are:

  • 1257L W1/M1: The most common emergency tax code for PAYE (Pay As You Earn) employees. For 2021/2022, it represents a personal allowance of £12,570. W1/M1 stands for "week 1/month 1 basis," meaning it divides the personal allowance into weekly or monthly amounts rather than considering the full annual allowance.
  • BR (Basic Rate): The BR code means that all of your earnings from this job will be taxed at the basic 20% rate. There is no tax-free personal allowance applied in this case.
  • D0: This code indicates that all earnings are taxed at the higher rate of 40%.
  • D1: The D1 code is used for earnings that must be taxed at the additional rate of 45%.
These codes are temporary, and HMRC will issue the correct tax code once the required details have been provided.

How Emergency Tax Affects Your Income


Emergency tax codes may result in over-taxation. This occurs primarily because the emergency tax codes do not consider an employee's income from other sources, tax reliefs, or other stances that could impact their overall tax liabilities. However, after the correct tax code is applied, any overpayment made will be refunded.

Refunds can be received in several ways:

  • Adjustment of Tax Code: Once your employer receives your updated tax code from HMRC, any overpaid tax may be automatically refunded to you through your pay, spread evenly over the remaining payments of the tax year. This is the most common method of receiving refunds.
  • End of the Tax Year Claim: If the issue is not resolved during the tax year, you may wait until the year-end and claim a refund from HMRC. This usually involves the completion of the necessary form and providing your P45 or P60 as evidence. Refunds are typically made within a few weeks of the application.
  • Automatic Refunds: In some cases, HMRC may detect that you've overpaid tax and automatically issue a refund without requiring action from you. It is essential to keep your personal details, including your address, accurate and up to date with HMRC to ensure prompt refund delivery.

How to Avoid Emergency Tax


To prevent being assigned emergency tax codes or to resolve the issue quickly, you should ensure your employer receives the necessary information. To facilitate this process, you can:

  • Provide Your P45: If possible, obtain a P45 form from your previous employer, if any, and submit it to your new employer. The form contains essential information, such as your tax code and earnings in the current tax year, for accurately determining your tax responsibilities.
  • Complete a New Starter Checklist: If you do not have a P45, your employer may ask you to complete a New Starter Checklist. This will enable your new employer and HMRC to work collaboratively and resolve the situation more quickly.
  • Contact HMRC: If you suspect there is a discrepancy in your tax code or you are being emergency taxed in error, contact HMRC for clarification and rectification.

Preparing for the Unexpected


Emergency tax codes might seem overwhelming, but they comprise a temporary measure designed to account for missing information or discrepancies. Understanding emergency tax obligations is essential for all taxpayers hoping to deal with such circumstances efficiently. By promptly providing your employer and HMRC with accurate and up-to-date information, you can rectify the situation and reclaim any overpayments made.

Remember, it is crucial to communicate with your employer or HR department whenever there is a potential tax issue or when you notice inaccuracies in your tax deductions. By being proactive, you can detect errors and resolve them more quickly, ensuring that you pay the correct amount of tax and safeguard your finances.


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