What is my Tax Code?
Understanding your tax code helps ensure that you are paying the correct amount of tax. The numbers in your tax code indicate your tax-free allowance, while the letters provide additional information about your tax situation. Regularly check your tax code and contact HMRC if you have any concerns or questions.
Your tax code is a combination of numbers and letters that tells your employer or pension provider how much tax-free income you are entitled to in a tax year. Here’s a detailed guide to understanding what your tax code means and how it affects your tax payments.
What the Numbers in Your Tax Code Mean
The numbers in your tax code indicate how much tax-free income you are entitled to for the tax year. HMRC calculates this based on your tax-free Personal Allowance and any adjustments for income that hasn't been taxed (like untaxed interest or part-time earnings) and company benefits.
Example:
Standard Personal Allowance: £12,570
Company Benefits: Medical insurance valued at £1,570
Calculation:
£12,570 (Personal Allowance) - £1,570 (Medical Insurance) = £11,000
Tax Code: 1100L
What the Letters in Your Tax Code Mean
The letters in your tax code provide additional information about your tax situation and how it affects your Personal Allowance.
L
You’re entitled to the standard tax-free Personal Allowance
M
Marriage Allowance: you’ve received a transfer of 10% of your partner’s Personal Allowance
N
Marriage Allowance: you’ve transferred 10% of your Personal Allowance to your partner
T
Your tax code includes other calculations to work out your Personal Allowance
0T
Your Personal Allowance has been used up, or you’ve started a new job and your employer lacks details
BR
All your income from this job or pension is taxed at the basic rate (usually for multiple jobs/pensions)
D0
All your income from this job or pension is taxed at the higher rate (usually for multiple jobs/pensions)
D1
All your income from this job or pension is taxed at the additional rate (usually for multiple jobs/pensions)
NT
You’re not paying any tax on this income
S
Your income or pension is taxed using the rates in Scotland
C
Your income or pension is taxed using the rates in Wales
Special Codes and Their Meanings
W1/M1/X: Emergency tax codes used temporarily until your correct tax code is issued.
K Codes: Used when you have income not taxed another way and it's more than your tax-free allowance. Employers or pension providers cannot take more than half your pre-tax wages or pension.
Example: Tax Code 1257L
Numbers (1257): This represents a tax-free Personal Allowance of £12,570.
Letter (L): Indicates you are entitled to the standard Personal Allowance.
Checking Your Tax Code
You can use the HMRC tax code checker to find out:
What the numbers and letters in your tax code mean.
How much tax you will pay.
What you may need to do next.
Information You May Need to Provide
Your annual income before any deductions.
Any company benefits you receive or have received.
The amount of State Pension you get each year.
What to Do If Your Tax Code Changes
HMRC will usually contact you to explain any changes to your tax code. If you notice an unexpected change in your tax code:
Check the Details: Use the tax code checker to understand why your code has changed.
Contact HMRC: If you believe there is an error, contact HMRC for clarification or correction.
Inform Employers/Pension Providers: Ensure that your employer or pension provider uses the correct tax code to avoid overpaying or underpaying taxes.
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