A P800 form, also known as a tax calculation summary, is sent by HMRC when there's a discrepancy in your tax payments for the previous tax year. This document notifies you by post if you've overpaid or underpaid your taxes.
Here's what a P800 indicates:
- Overpaid Tax: If you've paid more tax than due, HMRC informs you about your entitlement to a refund.
- Underpaid Tax: If you've paid less, HMRC outlines how you can settle the outstanding amount.
Occasionally, HMRC may issue a Simple Assessment in situations like sole income from a state pension or having multiple income sources. However, as of the latest updates, the issuance of Simple Assessments has been paused.
Why Might Your Tax Be Incorrect?
Several factors can lead to inaccuracies in your tax payments:
- Being on an emergency tax code with a new employer
- Part-year employment or holding multiple jobs
- Incorrect tax code usage by your employer
- Changes in your personal circumstances
- Receiving various forms of PAYE income, such as pensions or benefits
Received a P800? Here's What to Do
Upon receiving a P800, verify its accuracy against your financial documents like P60, P45, and P11D. If you have more than one P800, focus on the latest one, as HMRC accounts for past discrepancies in the most recent calculation.
- Correct P800: No further action is required.
- Overpaid Tax: Expect a refund from HMRC within four weeks.
- Underpaid Tax (<£3,000): The owed amount will be adjusted through your tax code.
- Underpaid Tax (>£3,000): HMRC will propose a repayment plan.
Don't wait for a P800 to claim refunds on deductible expenses; you might be eligible for a refund regardless of receiving a P800.
