Tax Frequently Asked Questions

Tax Rebates

Q. When can I make a claim?
A: Either at the end of the financial year (April 5th), or when you have finished work and won't be working again in that financial year.

Q. Do I get all of my tax back?
A: If you have earned less than £6,475 in the 09/10 financial year then you will receive a full rebate of tax paid. If you have earned over your tax-free allowance you may be still entitled to a tax refund. Click here to calculate your tax rebate.

Q. If I make a claim midway through the tax year, do I have to wait until the end of the tax year to receive my tax rebate?
A: No. You can claim at any time of the year and expect to receive your tax rebate within 6 to 8 weeks.

Q. How far back can I claim and are there any late lodgement penalties?
A: You can claim back as far as 6 years and as most people are not required to make statutory returns, there are no late lodgement penalties.

Q. Can we take over your tax rebate if it has been sent to the Inland Revenue and they are taking a long time?
A: Yes we can. Just contact us today and we'll explain in detail what we can do for you.

Q. What is the correct tax code?
A: The standard tax code for 09/10 tax year is 647L.

Q. How do I know if I am paying emergency tax?
A: If there is a suffix or prefix on your code then you have an emergency code. The most common are; W1, M1, BR, X, WK1, MTN1.

Q. Under what circumstances would I be most likely to get a tax refund?
A: There is more chance of receiving a tax rebate if you are on the wrong tax code, paying emergency tax, have not worked the full tax year OR worked in the construction industry on a CIS basis.

Q. Do I need a National Insurance number to make a claim?
A: No. If you don't have a NI number we will apply for a temporary one as part of the service.

Q. Can I reclaim my National Insurance contributions?
A: Not in the form of a cash refund. You can transfer a portion of your contributions into a UK private pension, which will mature once you reach retirement age.

Q. I work on a CIS basis in the construction industry. Can I claim tax back?
A: Most certainly. On a CIS basis you are taxed at a very high rate (20%) or in some circumstances (30%) and allocated no free tax allowances. You can claim extensively for any work related expenses such as; Accountant fees, Travel, Telephone, Tools, Clothing, etc. that could reduce your tax liability.

Q. What's the difference between a P60, P45 and a CIS?
A: A P60 is a statement of income and tax to the end of the Tax Year. You will receive a P60 from your employer after April. A P45 is your Group Certificate received when you finish employment. A CIS is a unique Tax Form solely used in the construction industry.

Q. If I am not a UK citizen, does that mean I can get all my tax back?
A: Only if you have earned less than £5,225 (2007/2008), £5,435 (2008/2009) and £6,475 (2009/2010) in the financial year.

Q. Can I only claim for one job if the others were only part time?
A: No you have to declare your entire earnings even if you only work a part time position. All income must be declared to the HM Revenue & Customs.

Q. Can I claim for just one tax year if that's all I want to claim?
A: No, you have to claim for your entire work history.

Q. What official documents are required by the HM Revenue & Customs?
A: You will need to make a signed declaration of various facts. We will also require a certified copy of your passport.

Q. I don't have a bank account can I get cash from your office?
A: Providing you have a Passport we are happy to pay your claim in cash. If not we can always deposit the money into a nominee account.

Q. I won't get my P45 from my last job until I have left the country can I still lodge my tax return?
A: Yes we can lodge the claim with the tax office and then forward to them the P45 once we receive it.

Q. Can I lodge a tax claim on my friend's behalf?
A: No you would not be able to sign the forms on their behalf. You can always collect the forms or we would be pleased to post them.

Q. How much money will I get back?
A: We can only calculate this once we have the information from all your employment.

Tax Returns Service

Q. Do I have to do a tax return?
A: If you have been sent a paper tax return, or a Notice to Complete a Tax Return, then you must complete this and send it in. If you are still unsure if you are required to complete a tax return please contact us to discuss your circumstances.

Q. What is the deadline for submitting my tax return?
A: For paper tax returns the deadline this year is 31st October. For online filing the deadline is 31st January.

Q. Why do I have to pay payments on account?
A: While employees have tax deducted at source, some taxpayers do not - e.g. self-employed people. Therefore, it is considered fairer if those taxpayers should pay payments on account.

Q. How are the payments on account calculated?
A: HM Revenue & Customs assumes that you will earn a similar amount from year to year. Therefore, the payments on account are set at your tax liability for the previous year, payable in two equal instalments.

Q. When are payments on account paid?
A: The two instalments are paid by January 31st in the year of assessment, and July 31st in the following year.

Q. Will I get penalised if I don't complete my tax return?
A: If you are required to complete a tax return and do not complete one, HM Revenue & Customs may charge late filing penalties. You will also need to pay any outstanding liabilities by the due dates otherwise interest, surcharges and penalties may be applied.

Q. I have less than a month to do my tax return and get it in for the deadline, can you help me?
A: Yes. We offer a fast track service whereby we will ensure your return is completed within 5 working days or less on receipt of all information required. Please note that this is a premium services with an additional charge.

Q. I have heard that I can submit my tax return online, how does that fit in with your service?
A: We can submit online on your behalf. To enable us to do this we will require your Unique Tax Reference number. HM Revenue & Customs will send you an authorisation code, once you receive this please forward this to us and then we are set up to complete your return online.

Q. How will I know that you have submitted by tax return?
A: We will email you to confirm the details on the tax return are correct, and will email you again to confirm that we have submitted the return.

Q. If I engage you then isn't it your responsibility to submit my tax return by the deadline?
A: It is still your responsibility to ensure the return is submitted on time. IMS will always try to ensure that the return is completed and submitted before the deadline. This will be dependant on us receiving all necessary information to enable us to complete and file the documents with HM Revenue and Customs.