Income Tax - wrong tax code?

cornishman86

Hello you lovely bunch!!

Just a query. I started my current job at Royal Mail at the end of March, whilst still working for another company - so in efrfect, Royal Mail was my second job. 2 weeks later though, I left my first job, so Royal Mail became my main and only job.

My original workplace managed to lose my P45 and could not get another copy, so I filled out a P46, about 6 - 8 weeks ago. Since starting at Royal Mail I have been on tax code BR !!!, my basic weekly wage before tax is £168.20 on 20 hours, but I have tax of £33.60 taken off, as well as £6.40 National Insurance, and £1.69 union subscription. So I'm left after deductions with £126.51.

I am aware BR !!! is the higher rate of tax, and shouldn't be paying that much. Is it right that the switch should come into effect into a couple of weeks when the inland revenue have sorted their computers out? And will I get a rebate in my pay?

Hope someone can help,

Thanks in advance,

Cornishman86

fengirl_2

Your original workplace lost your P45 before they even sent it to you?? In that case, they should produce another so you can give it to Royal Mail and get your refund.
Meanwhile, I would ask Royal Mail for another P46 (or download one from www.hmrc.gov.uk) and sign it to say this is your only job. They will then put you on coe 647L week 1, which is emergency code and better than code BR.
There is no point asking HMRC to sort this out, it will take weeks - take charge of your own tax affairs and start back at your original job with the P45 which they must give you.

cornishman86

The P45 from my last job they claim to have lost in the post - they still managed to give me the employee copy, but not the copy for new employer - obviously don't have a clue do they!! They've tried to get another one but they say they aren't allowed to.

I will ask for another P46, but am wondering whether the whole computer update has anything to do with the delay?

fengirl_2

The computer update thing is contributing to the delay, but even before this, most offices had 6-8 weeks post on hand.

cornishman86

OK Thanks guys, will let you know how I get on

suso

If you are still on the wrong code 12 weeks after starting, do as Fengirl says and resubmit a P46 to your employer and they should put you on a Week1 basis, this will mean you are paying the right amount of tax, but won't backdate any overpayments. Then phone HMRC next week after Wedesnday (not this week due to the computer upgrade)

make sure you have the following
New employers PAYE Reference
Your Employee / Payroll Number
Starting Date

They will issue a new code which should be cummulative and this will backdate any overpayments in tax paid since April 6th

Do be prepared to wait on the phone to HMRC they will be busy and learning a brand new system,but most offices are open until 8pm and at weekends