Tax Code/ p45

[LIZS]

Started working just over a month ago, first pay packet have paid just over 20%(basic rate) tax. Queried it and have been asked for p45. As I stopped working about 10 years ago when I went on ML , took a 5 year career break, my p45 was issued in about 2002. They still want it if I can find it or to fill in a p46(?). Even so will my code be adjusted to reflect the fact that I haven't previously earned in this tax year or will I have to wait until April anyway then claim any tax overpayment back ?

[ChasingSquirrels]

fill in a p46 (saying this is your first employment this tax year basically) - they should give you a blank copy.
They submit it to the revenue who then issue you a tax code, employer then applies this to your pay on a cumulative basis - so say they got the coding through in Nov you would get Apr - Nov allowances (ie 8/12ths) against your total pay to date - they then take off the total PAYE paid to date and you pay (or get back) the difference.

[mrsflowerpot]

Sign the P46 which basically confirms that this is your main job and you are entitled to your allowances in this employment. You should see an adjustment in your take-home straight away from that - any further refunds usually come back to you through PAYE so you shouldn't have to claim it back.

[ChasingSquirrels]

good point - you will be put on a month 1 code - which basically gives your you allowances for that month, but not cumulatively. Then when the coding comes through it goes to a cumulative basis.

[LIZS]

ah ok so perhaps I should get a p46 from them instead .

[ChasingSquirrels]

yes - old P45 is useless, it is only relevant for earnings in the tax year it relates to.

[LIZS]

Thanks , that is what I thought but perhaps they didn't understand what I meant by eons old !