How long do tax code changes take?

GrubbyGirl_2

About 2 weeks ago I updated my 2025/26 interest in my HMRC account as it was £700 more than the previous year and I would prefer to spread the tax over more of the year instead of the last few months as normally happens.

I'm just curious as to how long it takes them to update your tax code? You would have thought, in this day and age, it was all done pretty automatically, but clearly not.

Tree_pipe99

I've just updated my estimated income in the HMRC app and got this message:

"Your update has been received. Your account will be updated within 48 hours."

Dazed_and_C0nfused

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6668077/how-long-do-tax-code-changes-take

I don't think it is automatic as plenty of posters (possibly more common on the savings board) report getting a letter asking for individual bank account details after doing what you have done online.

Updating your estimated pay (or pension) seems to work differently and is more automated. Presumably that is what @Tree_pipe99 has done.

eskbanker

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6668077/how-long-do-tax-code-changes-take

Surely the longer it takes, the longer you have the money and can earn interest on it? Stick equivalent monthly contributions into a regular saver and enjoy the benefit of an interest-free loan from HMRC!

sheramber

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6668077/how-long-do-tax-code-changes-take

You cannot amend the code number for 25/26 now. That year is closed.

Any tax due for 25/26 will be calculated in due course, when your tax position for the year is finalised.

GrubbyGirl_2

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81997011#Comment_81997011

I wasn't amending last year I was amending my interest now I have all my tax certificates. So are you saying I wasted my time so I will simply get a revised tax code towards the end of the year anyway?

GrubbyGirl_2

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81996617#Comment_81996617

I probably would have been better ringing then so could have done it all in one hit

sheramber

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81997403#Comment_81997403

You say you have all your certificates. Presumably these are for 25/26.

Interest is assessed in the year you received it.

Did you update the estimate figure for 26//7 in your personal tax account

You should receive a message advising it will be dealt with in X days.

GrubbyGirl_2

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81997516#Comment_81997516

Yes I did it in my tax account. I've had a good look around and found it under forms submitted. It says 15 days, which has now past

GrubbyGirl_2

I had confirmation that my savings income had been updated on 24th May, but no tax code change as yet. I think I'll give them a call and possibly next time do it on the phone

molerat

Just looking at adjusting mine and the final question is "are you still receiving income from your untaxed interest" - what on earth does that mean ?