Tax Refund in the UK — HMRC, Self-Assessment, P85, Emigration, How to Recover
Poles in the UK often overpay taxes due to various situations such as working only part of the year, having multiple jobs, changing jobs, or leaving the UK before the end of the tax year (April 5). HMRC refunds through Self-Assessment (online form) or P85 (leaving the UK). The standard Personal Allowance is £12,570 (2024-25) tax-free, with rates above that being 20% (basic rate), 40% (higher), and 45% (additional). Emergency tax codes (BR, OT, M1, W1) often lead to overpayments. The average Polish tax refund is £1,000-3,000+. Tax refund companies charge 25-40% — it can be done for FREE by oneself. The deadline is a maximum of 4 years back. Forms P60 (from employer) and P45 (from previous job) are key.