Reclaiming tax without a P45/46

[finlay666]

On a similar note to Snootyjim's thread, but as it's different I thought I would start my own

I was employed until August last year on a proper contract then placed on retainer afterwards, I was charged tax at the regular rate for the 4 months in the tax year, but I did not earn over the threshold.

As my contract was switched I did not receive a P45 and I have yet to receive an end of year statement from the current company.

Is it possible using my tax code to contact HMRC and claim the tax back for the previous year? It's a fairly substantial amount so I'd rather get it back if possible for obvious reasons (and I made need the money if I gain a job and need to relocate)

[dave87]

Have you got your last payslip of the year?

Should have Year to Date earnings on it which would allow you to show to HMRC what you have (or haven't earned).

However, was your retainer paid by PAYE? If it was the tax should have corrected itself?

[oolon]

The easiest way to get money back is to do a self assessment tax return. You could be able to use the information from your last pay slip to fill it in. Have you phone the company and asked for a P45/P60, as they are responsible for filing one. If they refuse say you will call up the tax office. The might be they didn't register you, in which case it might be hard to get money back, as they have not payed any money to the government. Your tax office might be able to prove the information so long as it has been filed, however they will only give it out on written request. I have however got them to confirm figures over the phone (after a sob story).

[peterb]

There is a deadline by which the company has to file it's own end of year tax return (saying what they have paid you and the tax deducted. That is 19 May. There is also a deadline - 31st May - when they have to have given you a P60 (if you are still on their payroll - if you are not, your current employee should give you a P60 that reflects all the pay and tax you have received and paid for the year.)

If you ring your local tax office with your NI number they should be able to advise you, but it may be better to wait until after 19 May.

There is a load of info here:

http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/index.htm

[finlay666]

Have you got your last payslip of the year?

Should have Year to Date earnings on it which would allow you to show to HMRC what you have (or haven't earned).

However, was your retainer paid by PAYE? If it was the tax should have corrected itself?

I have, but the to date is with that company, not including my previous employer

It was directly paid, possibly BACS, but it's not adjusted or I would be getting more as it would be £50 or so more a month

Apparently the P60s are sent out end of the month so I'll enquire when I get mine in the post

[Unique]

On a similar note to Snootyjim's thread, but as it's different I thought I would start my own

I was employed until August last year on a proper contract then placed on retainer afterwards, I was charged tax at the regular rate for the 4 months in the tax year, but I did not earn over the threshold.

As my contract was switched I did not receive a P45 and I have yet to receive an end of year statement from the current company.

Is it possible using my tax code to contact HMRC and claim the tax back for the previous year? It's a fairly substantial amount so I'd rather get it back if possible for obvious reasons (and I made need the money if I gain a job and need to relocate)

the simple answer is - yes

you can claim back from HMRC. just explain the circumstances

you won't get a P60 as you left in august. only staff currently employed at 5th april who have year to date earnings under the current period of employment at that date will get a P60. if you mean your job was transferred to another company under TUPE and you remained on the payroll, then you would get a P60, but you should have had your tax refunded via payroll if you were left on the payroll. you should speak to your employer about this if your employment wasn't terminated in august

the employer should have sent you a p45 when you left, but if you changed address it could have gone missing. the employer can't send you a duplicate P45 but a copy of the P45 information is sent to HMRC upon leaving. this is sent electronically if the company has more than 50 or so employees

once you hit a new tax year, only HMRC can provide tax rebates

[oolon]

you won't get a P60 as you left in august.

Well many firms where they use temporary workers (and most contracting firms) leave people on the books unless you ask to be taken off them, Finlay has not got a P45, so this would suggest them employer has not taken them off the books, hence he is entitled to a P60. It costs money to put people on the books, so if there is a chance to use them again in the year its best to make them inactive.