Tax

[zipadeedodah]

I am 19, and in a gap year, and have had a part-time job since Christmas (it is my only job). Im not that good with tax, but I think I'm on the wrong tax code (BR). I don't earn very much, but am being taxed about 22% on all the money I earn. I have read today that BR is commonly used for people if it is their second job, and therefore all they earn is taxed for that job.  I am actually leaving the job next week, to start back at college. 

If I am owed anything, would I still be able to claim back for the tax I paid between Christmas and April, or is it too late?  Also, how do I go about getting a refund? How do I get a form?

Thanks very much!

[kags]

It certainly sounds as if you have paid too much tax. You should have your P60 for the year ended 5 April 2005, and when you leave your job you will be given a P45. Send both of these to your local tax office with a covering letter stating that you will be returning to college and not earning any further income before 5 April 2006 (provided that is correct), and that you did not earn any income from 6 April 2004 until the date you commenced your part time job (again, provided this is correct). In my experience the Inland Revenue will usually accept this and make a refund, although they couldinsist on a tax return completing for the last tax year, and they may send you a declaration to sign for the current year.

[kags]

and be sure to keep copies of everything you send!

[Hermia]

It sounds like you were put on an emergency tax code when you started the job, but someone forgot to take you off it. I got put on the BR one when I started my current job. I used to regularly receive tax refunds when I was a teenager and only doing the odd bit of temping. I got them automatically, but there's no harm in contacting them just in case.