This email contains information about tax codes and links to HMRC’s online support services, including videos, articles, and online tools to help you find and check your new tax coding notice.
A detailed guide to PAYE tax codes is also available on the TaxAid website at https://taxaid.org.uk/tax-information/employee-paye/paye-and-tax-codes
Information about your PAYE tax code
Your tax code is issued by HMRC and is used by your employer or pension provider to work out how much tax to deduct from the payments they make to you. Codes for the 2025/26 tax year, which begins on 6 April 2025, are currently being issued. You should therefore take action to review your tax code to ensure the tax deducted is as accurate as possible.
It is important to note that if you have more than one job or pension or both an employment and a pension, you should check that the tax code for each job or pension is accurate. In addition, the following are common areas that mean your tax code may be more complex:
- Taxable state benefits include the state pension
- Other employments or other pensions
- Underpayments of tax from previous years
- Work expenses
Where do I find my tax code?
You can find your tax code:
- On HMRC’s website by signing up to view your Personal Tax Account here: Check your Income Tax for the current year – GOV.UK
- On letters or emails from HMRC
- On your payslips from April 2025
- By contacting HMRC: Income Tax: general enquiries – GOV.UK
What does my tax code mean?
Your tax code is made up of both numbers and letters depending on your circumstances and your tax-free allowances.
The HMRC website explains what your tax code means here: Tax codes: What your tax code means – GOV.UK and there is also a helpful YouTube video from HMRC: How does a tax code work?.
Note that in certain circumstances, you may be on an emergency tax code. This is explained in further detail at this HMRC link: Tax codes: Emergency tax codes – GOV.UK or in this YouTube video: What is an emergency tax code?.
Please also note that in addition to sending a tax code for the beginning of the tax year, HMRC may update your tax code part way through the year if they are informed of a change in your circumstances. Please see this link: Tax codes: Why your tax code might change – GOV.UK.
It is very important to keep HMRC informed of changes that may impact your tax position so that they can adjust your tax code. You can see how to do this at this link: Income Tax: general enquiries – GOV.UK.
What if my tax code is incorrect?
If HMRC do not have accurate information about your income, you may be issued with an incorrect tax code. There is information at this link which covers how to contact HMRC to update your tax code: Tax codes: How to update your tax code – GOV.UK. This YouTube video also provides helpful information: How do I update my details online if my tax code is wrong?.
