If you’re leaving the UK you should make a UK Tax Claim.
When leaving the country there are so many matters to take care of that many people don’t claim the UK tax back they are due, or deal with the income they still have in the UK.
What is a UK tax claim?
A tax claim in the UK is important because if you have paid too much tax it lets you claim it back. It is paid by the tax office and is a refund of the tax automatically deducted from your wages as seen on your payslips. When you make a UK tax claim you can get back any tax you have overpaid in the last four years.
Who should make a UK tax back claim?
If you are about to move abroad, or if you have already left the UK and you were employed in the UK it is likely that you will be eligible to make a UK tax back claim. There is a four year deadline to get back the tax you are owed, and a claim can still be made if you have already left.
Am I eligible to make a UK tax back claim?
UK tax back can be claimed for many different reasons for example:
- When you leave the UK without having reached your available tax-free allowance for the tax year. Essentially this means that you have not earned enough money during that year in order to justify the amount you have been taxed.
- If you have had to spend your own money for work, such as buying and washing your own uniform, or using your own car for your job.
- Wrong tax code. Sometimes taxpayers are given the wrong tax code – this is the code that tells your employer how much tax to deduct from your wages. It’s worthwhile checking your tax code as part of your tax claim UK.
There are lots of other reasons that may make you eligible for UK tax back, so it’s worth finding out more before you make a claim.
What if I still have income in the UK?
If you have left the UK and still have income in the UK such as rental or investment income you will normally have to declare it on a self assessment tax return. The tax return needs to be submitted within strict deadlines (or penalties will be imposed) and will allow for any tax rebate owed to be issued.
Being a non resident UK tax payer can be a complex matter and our UK non residents tax guide and UK non resident landlords guide cover many of the main issues around UK non residency for tax purposes.
How do I make a UK tax claim?
To start a UK tax back claim, a P85 form will be needed. The P85 tells the tax office that you have left the UK. Depending on your circumstances other information will be needed like a P45 or P60. The process of making a claim can take some time, and may be complicated especially if you have already left the UK.
