Stopped Working in the UK, Claiming back Tax…

Saam999

Hi there, 

I working in the UK after finished my university degree between April - September 2023 before quitting my job. I went travelling before Christmas and now that i’m back, I don’t intend to work before April 2024. I earned approximately £12,250 (so just under the £12,570 personal allowance) and paid approximately £1,200 in tax. 

My question is, am I entitled to all of this tax back automatically due to earning below the threshold? I’ve had conflicting answers such as I’m only entitled to a portion because I left the country for 2 months and I can’t claim back now because I left work voluntarily. 

If I am entitled to claim back my full tax amount paid, would it be better to fill out a p50 and try to claim that back now or just wait until the end of the tax year and hope they refund me fully? 

Thanks! 

[Deleted User]

The two ‘conflicting answers’ are both rubbish!

The P50 is the correct approach and, based on what you have said, you would be entitled to the refund you have indicated.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/claim-back-income-tax-when-youve-stopped-working

Albermarle

or just wait until the end of the tax year and hope they refund me fully? 

You can also do this but normally the automatic tax calculations do not happen to around October.

Grumpy_chap

Saam999 said:

Hi there, 

I working in the UK after finished my university degree between April - September 2023 before quitting my job. I went travelling before Christmas and now that i’m back, I don’t intend to work before April 2024. I earned approximately £12,250 (so just under the £12,570 personal allowance) and paid approximately £1,200 in tax. 

My question is, am I entitled to all of this tax back automatically due to earning below the threshold? I’ve had conflicting answers such as I’m only entitled to a portion because I left the country for 2 months and I can’t claim back now because I left work voluntarily. 

If I am entitled to claim back my full tax amount paid, would it be better to fill out a p50 and try to claim that back now or just wait until the end of the tax year and hope they refund me fully? 

Thanks! 

Purdyoaten has confirmed the correct answer with regard to income tax.

The comments about "leaving work voluntarily" were probably made in the context of ability to claim benefits and possible sanctions that may apply in that case.  Not relevant to your question about tax.