UK Tax Refund Estimator
Estimate your potential tax refund including emergency tax overpayment. Check before leaving the UK.
Your Tax Information
Enter your tax information and press Calculate to see results.
How to Claim Your Refund
Step 1: Gather Documents
Collect your P45 (from employer when leaving), P60 (end of tax year), payslips, and a copy of your passport.
Step 2: Complete Form P85
If you're leaving the UK, fill in HMRC Form P85 ('Leaving the UK'). You can submit it online at gov.uk or by post.
Step 3: Submit to HMRC
Submit the P85 form along with your P45 to HMRC. You can apply before or after leaving the UK.
Step 4: Receive Your Refund
Processing usually takes 6-12 weeks. You can receive payment to a UK bank account or by cheque. You can also request a transfer to an overseas bank account.
What is Emergency Tax?
When you start a new job in the UK without providing a P45, your employer applies an emergency tax code. This means your Personal Allowance (tax-free amount) is not applied, and you're taxed at 20% or more on your entire income. This results in overpayment, which you can later claim back.
Signs you're on emergency tax:
- ●Your payslip shows tax code '1257L W1' or '1257L M1'
- ●Your tax code contains 'W1', 'M1', or 'X'
- ●Much more tax was deducted from your first payslip than expected
What are P45 and P60?
P45
A P45 is a document your employer gives you when you leave a job. It shows your earnings and tax paid in the current tax year. Giving it to your new employer ensures the correct tax code is applied.
P60
A P60 is an annual summary of your earnings and tax paid, issued by your employer after the end of the tax year (April 5). It's an important document for claiming refunds.
Example Calculation
Worked April to October, Earned £15,000
- 1Work period: April to October (7 months)
- 2Personal Allowance: £12,570 (full amount applies)
- 3Taxable income: £15,000 - £12,570 = £2,430
- 4Correct tax due: £2,430 x 20% = £486
- 5Tax paid on emergency code: £3,000 (no PA applied, £15,000 x 20%)
- =Estimated refund: £3,000 - £486 = £2,514
Frequently Asked Questions
This tool provides estimates based on the 2024/25 UK tax year. Actual refund amounts depend on individual circumstances. Please verify with HMRC for exact figures. This is for reference purposes only.
Results from this tool are for reference only and accuracy is not guaranteed. For important matters such as tax, visa, or legal issues, always verify with official sources or professionals. We accept no responsibility for any loss or damage arising from the use of this tool.