BR Tax code for next year - Will it fix itself?

Emma991

TLDR; Tax code changed to "BR X" 22/23 and "BR" 23/24. Will the BR 23/24 tax code automatically be corrected after April, or do we need to do something about it?

My partner changed jobs at the start of the year and didn't get a P45 so filled in the "new starter pack" given by their new employer selecting the option "I've had a job since April, that has ended and this now my one and only job" (or words to that effect).

First payslip, Tax code as expected "1257L M1". Then we get a coding notice saying their tax code is changing to "BR X" for 22/23 and will be "BR" for 23/24. The second payslip tax code is now "BR M1".

Registered for an online HMRC account to check details. Everything is correct in terms of employment, it didn't think they had 2 jobs, only 1 current job. Had the correct end/start dates for those jobs. We did notice the tax code for the time with the previous employer had changed to "1257LX".

So I know the "X" means HMRC will check their tax record at the end of the tax year (at which point we should get a few hundred pounds back at least).

What I'm concerned about is the second coding notice that states their code will be "BR" for 23/24. 

Has anyone been in this situation before? Is the "BR" code for next year just a placeholder until HMRC do that end-of-year review and we'll get the expected tax code shortly after April?

We'll be trying to call HMRC this weekend, but so close to year-end, I suspect we'll have difficulty getting through to them.

Dazed_and_C0nfused

No it's not a placeholder.

Ring at 8:00am on the dot and explain this is the only job and then a new code can be issued for 2023:24 ready for the start of the tax year.

Any tax overpaid for 2022:23 will be automatically refunded later this summer.

[Deleted User]

Moreover, HMRC are not open for telephone calls at the weekend.

Emma991

Thanks for the replies. We can't call easily during the week, because my partner works the exact same opening hours of their telephone lines. They'll have to keep trying during their lunch break and hope for a miracle I guess. Or wait until the next holiday around easter.

Seems ridiculous that the place you have to call to talk about the tax you pay at work, is only open when most people are at work (rant over, that's been niggling at me for days).

What do you think about using the online system and saying you want to make an update about the current job. Then in the text box saying "this is my one and only job, and my tax code needs to be updated to reflect that"? Would that get us anywhere?

[Deleted User]

Emma991 said:

Thanks for the replies. We can't call easily during the week, because my partner works the exact same opening hours of their telephone lines. They'll have to keep trying during their lunch break and hope for a miracle I guess. Or wait until the next holiday around easter.

Seems ridiculous that the place you have to call to talk about the tax you pay at work, is only open when most people are at work (rant over, that's been niggling at me for days).

What do you think about using the online system and saying you want to make an update about the current job. Then in the text box saying "this is my one and only job, and my tax code needs to be updated to reflect that"? Would that get us anywhere?

Absolutely that is what you should do. There is also an option on each job (I appreciate that there is only one) to state when that employment ceased. 

As an aside - the telephone lines are open until 8pm

Emma991

Thanks purdy. Didn't realise they were open until 8pm, the website says 6pm. That might make it possible to call. We'll try tonight when back from work and if we fail to get through we'll do it online instead.

[Deleted User]

Here you go! Personally, I would do it online if you can.

https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/hm-revenue-customs/contact/income-tax-enquiries-for-individuals-pensioners-and-employees

penners324

Sounds like her old company haven't registered her a leaver. Thus HMRC think she has 2 jobs.

What does here HMRC online account say about her old job?

penners324

Would also explain why no P45 from them.

Has she called the old company payroll chasing this?

Emma991

@[Deleted User] thanks for your help, will do it online then

@penners324 We checked that. I don't have the login details to check the exact wording right now, but I distinctly remember it listing only 1 employer under the "current" heading, and then there was another header (maybe "previous"?) that listed the old job under it. It also had the right start/end dates for the 2 jobs. Emailed old company for P45, and after a long wait, they said it's actually a P60 we need and it's done at end of the year automatically... I know that's wrong, but heads and brick walls are not great bed fellows, so if we can just sort it ourselves I'd rather do that than debate things with the old employer.

penners324

A P60 is only for current employees. Even if you left on 31st March it'd still be a P45.

The old company still has your partner listed as an employee.... or they're completely useless