No tax on first pay after mat leave - is this right?

[PurpleFlower1983]

I went back to work at the beginning of July after 12 months maternity leave, no pay in April, May and June. I have had my first pay slip and I haven’t been taxed at all. I know this is because I haven’t earned anything this tax year but is this a normal way of doing things? I only took 8.5 months last time so didn’t have this. Thanks.

Sounds about right. I got taxed my first month back but then it was refunded the next month and no tax taken. after that I was taxed again.
There's real time updating to HMRC now so things can be calculated quicker.

I just searched for this on google as I'm exactly the same! Glad to hear it's normal!

It's because the tax-free amount you can earn per year is worked out monthly. By June, you have accrued 3 months' tax allowance but only earned 1 months' salary, so you probably won't pay any for a couple more months.

That's a nice little bonus after 3 months of nothing! Should it be a normal amount for the rest of the year upto April when we do start getting taxed?

Thanks so much for that! I was a little worried but it seems to be quite standard! I will enjoy the extra cash! Much needed after a while with no pay!

@PurpleFlower1983 you may also be due a refund for last tax year if you went onto zero pay before 5 April. Your employer may have automatically refunded you, but it depends what tax code you were on back then.

I was on nothing from 5th April but SMP for the previous 3 months so possibly.