Emergency tax question

[poppymango]

Basically, I don’t understand emergency tax.

I need to get a second part time job on top of my full time job otherwise I am never going to get on top of my ever escalating credit card debt, but I am aware that if I do that then I will get taxed more. I don’t really understand why or if that is a temporary thing which can be avoided or fixed.

I’m worried that I’ll end up having no days off and taxed more it’ll hardly be worth it.

If I inform HMRC somehow then can I avoid it? Or can you claim it back at some point? I’ve sold just about everything I can but even with a pay rise I will still need a second job, unless I win £10,000 on the lottery.

It’s all very stressful.

Also - does anyone know of some part time WFH jobs? I was planning on restaurant work or retail but something I could do on my computer would be better. I work in admin currently. No degree. Just very desperate.

Thanks.

Just to give some idea of my current situation…

I got paid today. After paying my rent, bills, and credit card payments, I now have £300 to live on for the whole month.

I’ve found a way to get to work super cheaply, which is fine as it’s summertime and I don’t mind the extra time it takes walking, but that won’t be fun when the weather turns. I will be practicing “intermittent fasting” to save face in front of my housemates because realistically I will have to start skipping meals. I may become vegan for a while to give me an excuse to live on lentils etc. 😂

I really need another job. Or two.

You don't get emergency taxed. You have a personal tax allowance each year and you are allowed to earn that amount before paying any tax (standard personal allowance is currently £12,750). Anything earned over that amount is taxed at 20% assuming you are a basic rate tax payer.

If you use your whole tax allowance on your main job, then you will pay basic rate tax on everything earned from your second job.

You don't get taxed 'more' (do you mean at a higher rate? Only if you end up going over one of the thresholds) on a 2nd job. You do need to speak to HMRC and let them know where you want your tax free allowance allocated.

What is your yearly wage?

If it is less than the personal allowance you only get taxed for the amount that is above that. But your second job is likely to be subject to emergency tax until they work your tax codes out.

Emergency tax is usually only for the first month & you will.get it back at some point when they apply your proper tax code.

As PP said, anything over 12,750 is taxed at 20% up to £50kish where it jumps to 40%

I personally enjoyed waitressing & bar work as a second job (in my mid 20's?) because it was social, it meant I wasn't spending money going out in the evening & the steps kept me fit as my opportunities to exercise were fewer. There were ALWAYS extra shifts going.

That’s brilliant - that does make me feel better. Thank you!

I worked in hospitality for a long time and was very happy to get away from it. It does have its plus sides (as you mention) but I’m worried about burning out, so I would like to consider WFH options too if there are any.

Trying to talk myself out of wasting money on a lottery ticket!!