Overpaid Tax - Confused

MGENT123

Hi All,

Just looking for some advice or explanation as it is impossible to get through to HMRC!

I believe I have overpaid tax on my most recent payslip by quite a substantial amount. Let me explain;

10th August 2022 - Received £4,384 Taxable Income
                               Paid Tax of £813

26th July 2023 - Received £4,024 Taxable Income
                           Paid Tax of £1,189

So for some reason I have paid £376 more tax on a £360 less payslip?!

I live in Scotland, I have the same tax code as last year S1257L, not claiming nay benefits or credits.

P.S. This is not my usual income, I sometimes get bonuses at work which gives me a really nice sum of money compared to my normal salary package.

I am very confused so any ideas would be great!

Thank You

JGB1955

Presumably you have already received a bonus since 6 April 2023, whereas you hadn't received the same bonus as at August 2022.

MGENT123

JGB1955 said:

Presumably you have already received a bonus since 6 April 2023, whereas you hadn't received the same bonus as at August 2022.

Interesting, I checked and it makes me even more cofnused.

I have actually received in total about £2000 less up to this point in 2023 than I did last year in 2022.

badmemory

It is difficult to see what has happened by taking one month in isolation especially if the income varies from month to month.  It is the year to date which matters.  If your bonus was early in the year it could have triggered a higher rate of tax which will gradually work its way out over the months.

chrisbur

The details needed to see what is going on are as follows
Taxable pay to date
Tax paid to date

On what date was the payment previous to this one made?

What is your normal pay period  Monthly four weekly ????
Is that definitely 26 July 2023

Albermarle

Just looking for some advice or explanation as it is impossible to get through to HMRC!

If after following the advice above, you still feel the need to phone HMRC, then normally it is best to do so early in the morning. The lines open at 08.00 and if you phone then, or just afterwards you should not have to wait more than 10 minutes or so ( in theory anyway).

chrisbur

Albermarle said:

Just looking for some advice or explanation as it is impossible to get through to HMRC!

If after following the advice above, you still feel the need to phone HMRC, then normally it is best to do so early in the morning. The lines open at 08.00 and if you phone then, or just afterwards you should not have to wait more than 10 minutes or so ( in theory anyway).

It is unlikely that HMRC will be of any help,  all they can confirm is that the tax code is correct.
On details given so far this appears to relate to moving up into a higher tax band, the affect of which will vary depending on the salary paid that month, earnings before that salary is paid and time of the tax year it happens.