A local expert from Citizen’s Advice provides timely tips on consumer issues.
Q: I received a letter from HMRC about my tax code but I am not sure it is correct. What can I do?
A: 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 are currently being issued – you should always review your tax code to ensure the tax is deducted accurately.
If you have more than one source of income, you should check that the tax code for each job or pension is accurate. 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?
On HMRC’s website by signing up to view your Personal Tax Account here
On letters or emails from HMRC
On your payslips from April 2025
By contacting HMRC
What does my tax code mean?
Your tax code is made up of both numbers and letters. The HMRC website explains what your tax code means here and there is also a helpful YouTube video from HMRC below.
In certain circumstances, you may be on an emergency tax code. This is explained in further detail at this HMRC link.
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. It is 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 here.
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. This link covers how to contact HMRC to update your tax code.
This Q&A was compiled in collaboration with Tax Aid.
