Pensioners' HMRC tax codes to change for Winter Fuel Payment
Following the announcement that pensioners who receive under £35,000 a year will now receive winter fuel allowance, HMRC has confirmed it will take back the money from those with incomes above £35,000 through their tax codes, or by asking them to complete a self-assessment tax return.
HMRC said: "Winter Fuel Payments will be paid automatically without a claim, and any charges will be collected via PAYE, or via self-assessment for those with other income to declare."
It may look like a secret code, but the formula is pretty simple (and explained below). The most common HMRC tax code is 1257L, which is based on the Personal Tax Allowance of £12,570 - this is the amount you can earn before you need to pay tax.
But, many people are paying too much tax - as we go into the HMRC tax year 2025 - 2026 it's worth making sure you aren't one of them - and if so, look at how to get a rebate.
Your tax code is used by your employer or pension provider to work out how much Income Tax to take from your pay or pension. HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) will tell them which code to use.
You can find your tax code:
This week's 'Joker' #martinlewis break bumper: If you have a 1250L tax code - what does the number bit stand for?
a) Just an ID code
b) You can earn 10x that number tax free each year
c) It's your additional allowance on top of the standard allowance
If you check your tax code online or in the HMRC app, you can also:
You can use the HMRC tax code checker to find out:
The numbers in your tax code tell your employer or pension provider how much tax-free income you get in that tax year.
HMRC works out your individual number based on your Personal Allowance and income you have not paid tax on (such as untaxed interest or part-time earnings). They also consider the value of any perks you get from your employer (such as a company car).
The full list can be found on the GOV.UK website, but these are the most common, and what they mean:
Recommended reading:
If you think you are on the wrong tax code, you can contact HMRC on 0300 200 330 or speak to an advisor online via their live chat service.
HMRC will contact your employer to correct your tax code and you will get any money you overpaid in tax in your next payslip.
You can also claim back up to four additional years if you have been overpaying for some time.
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