Tax after mat leave

[any009]

hi I’m wondering if someone could help me? I came back off mat leave and I’ve not paid any tax for 2 months. My work place told me it’s because I haven't earned enough whilst being on mat leave? Does this mean I won’t get taxed until I earn a certain amount? Thanks so much

You are able to earn up to £12,500 before you pay any income tax. The tax year runs from April to April so it depends how quickly you reach the threshold. When you have earned more than £12,500 since April you'll start paying tax again.

Amazing thank you so much!

I don’t think this is quite right. The tax allowance is spread across the 12 months, assuming you’ll earn the same amount each month, so just over £1k per month tax free. If you’ve earned nothing between April and now, you’ve built up £6k ish of tax free income til now, so until you earn that you won’t pay any tax. Assuming you were paid some maternity pay (including statutory) since April you will have used some of this allowance already. Once you hit £6k you’ll start paying tax on anything over £1k ish per month for the resr of the tax year. You just not pay tax on the whole first £12.5k you earn this tax year, the allowance is spread out across the year. If you don’t end up earning over £12.5k you won’t pay any tax.