Tax Code/ p45

[LIZS]

Started working just over a month ago, first pay packet have paid just over 20%(basic rate) tax. Queried it and have been asked for p45. As I stopped working about 10 years ago when I went on ML , took a 5 year career break, my p45 was issued in about 2002. They still want it if I can find it or to fill in a p46(?). Even so will my code be adjusted to reflect the fact that I haven't previously earned in this tax year or will I have to wait until April anyway then claim any tax overpayment back ?

fill in a p46 (saying this is your first employment this tax year basically) - they should give you a blank copy.
They submit it to the revenue who then issue you a tax code, employer then applies this to your pay on a cumulative basis - so say they got the coding through in Nov you would get Apr - Nov allowances (ie 8/12ths) against your total pay to date - they then take off the total PAYE paid to date and you pay (or get back) the difference.

Sign the P46 which basically confirms that this is your main job and you are entitled to your allowances in this employment. You should see an adjustment in your take-home straight away from that - any further refunds usually come back to you through PAYE so you shouldn't have to claim it back.

good point - you will be put on a month 1 code - which basically gives your you allowances for that month, but not cumulatively. Then when the coding comes through it goes to a cumulative basis.

ah ok so perhaps I should get a p46 from them instead .

yes - old P45 is useless, it is only relevant for earnings in the tax year it relates to.

Thanks , that is what I thought but perhaps they didn't understand what I meant by eons old !