UK PAYROLL
Emergency tax, explained.
If your tax code ends in W1, M1 or X, or shows BR, 0T or D0, you are likely on emergency tax. Find out why, what it costs you and how to fix it.
Educational estimates only. Not tax, legal, financial, payroll or employment advice. Verify with your employer's payroll team or HMRC.
Read more on emergency tax
What is emergency tax?
Plain-English definition.
Why am I on emergency tax?
The 5 most common reasons.
How to come off emergency tax
P45, starter checklist, and the HMRC fix.
Emergency tax refund
When and how HMRC pays you back.
BR tax code explained
Basic rate flat, no allowance.
0T tax code explained
No allowance at all, banded rates.
Common questions
How do I know if I am on emergency tax?
Look at the tax code on your payslip. Codes ending in W1, M1 or X are non-cumulative. Codes BR, 0T, D0 or D1 also indicate emergency or restricted application. The full standard code is 1257L on a cumulative basis.
How long does emergency tax last?
Until HMRC issues a corrected code (usually a P9 to your employer). For new starters with a P45, this typically happens within one or two pay cycles. Without a P45, you may need to submit a starter checklist or contact HMRC directly to speed things up.
Will I automatically get a refund?
In most cases yes. Once you are back on a cumulative code, HMRC and your employer reconcile the year to date and any overpaid tax is returned through your next payslip. If you have left the job, you may receive a P800 calculation and a refund cheque.
Can I prevent emergency tax in the future?
Hand your P45 to a new employer immediately, or fill in a starter checklist on your first day. Make sure your tax code on your first payslip is correct before the second payday.
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Open the toolPayslipIQ provides educational information and estimated calculations only. It does not provide tax, legal, financial, payroll, accounting, pension, benefits or employment advice. Always verify your payslip, tax code, deductions and take-home pay with your employer's payroll department, HMRC, your pension provider, a qualified accountant, tax adviser or another appropriately qualified professional.