Emergency Tax Calculator UK 2025/26

Your Annual Gross Salary (£)

Select Your Emergency Tax Code

Months on Emergency Tax This Year

Emergency Tax Paid

£0

Correct Tax Should Be

£0

Potential Refund Due

£0

Tax Calculation	Emergency Tax	Correct Tax	Difference

How to Claim Your Refund:

Give your P45 to your new employer immediately
Call HMRC on 0300 200 3300
Use your Personal Tax Account at gov.uk
Complete form P50 if you've stopped working

Understanding Emergency Tax Codes

Emergency tax is a temporary tax arrangement used by HMRC when they don't have complete information about your tax situation. This commonly happens when you start a new job, return to work after a gap, or work multiple jobs.

Common Emergency Tax Codes

BR (Basic Rate)

All your income is taxed at 20%. You get NO Personal Allowance. Used when you have another main job.

0T (Zero T)

No Personal Allowance applied. Tax calculated on ALL income at standard rates (20%, 40%, 45%).

D0 (D Zero)

All income taxed at 40% Higher Rate. No allowances applied. Common for second jobs of higher earners.

W1, M1, X

Week 1/Month 1 basis. Tax calculated each pay period without cumulative adjustments. Often added to other codes.

Why You Might Be on Emergency Tax

Started a new job without providing your P45
Your previous employer didn't submit your leaving information
First job and no Starter Checklist completed
Returning to work after career break or maternity leave
Working multiple jobs simultaneously
Coming back to UK after working abroad

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How to Get Your Emergency Tax Refund

Check Your Payslip
Look for your tax code. Emergency codes include BR, 0T, D0, or any code ending in W1, M1, or X.
Provide Your P45
Give your P45 from your previous employer to your new employer as soon as possible. This contains your tax code and earnings to date.
Complete a Starter Checklist
If you don't have a P45, complete HMRC's Starter Checklist so your employer can set up your tax correctly.
Contact HMRC Directly
Call 0300 200 3300 or use your Personal Tax Account at gov.uk to update your details and request your correct tax code.
Wait for Automatic Refund
Once your tax code is corrected, your employer will adjust your tax over your remaining pay periods, refunding the overpaid amount.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is emergency tax?

Emergency tax is applied when HMRC doesn't have enough information about your tax situation. You'll be given a temporary tax code (like BR, 0T, W1 or M1) which often results in paying too much tax. Common situations include starting a new job without a P45, returning to work after a gap, or working multiple jobs.

What are emergency tax codes?

Emergency tax codes include: BR (Basic Rate - all income taxed at 20%), 0T (no Personal Allowance), W1/M1/X (week 1/month 1 basis - no cumulative calculation), and D0 (all income taxed at 40%). If your tax code ends in W1, M1 or X, you're on emergency tax.

How do I get an emergency tax refund?

Contact HMRC on 0300 200 3300 or use your Personal Tax Account online. Provide your P45 from previous employer, details of any benefits/pension, and complete forms P50 (if stopped work) or P53 (if leaving UK). Refunds typically take 5-6 weeks but can be faster through your employer once your tax code is corrected.

How long does emergency tax last?

Emergency tax typically lasts until HMRC updates your tax code, usually within 2-6 weeks of starting a new job. However, it can continue all tax year if you don't provide the correct information. Once corrected, you should receive a refund for overpaid tax, either through your wages or directly from HMRC.

Will I automatically get emergency tax back?

Yes, in most cases. Once HMRC issues your correct tax code, your employer will adjust your tax through your wages over the remaining tax year. If you've already left the job or it's near year-end, HMRC will issue a P800 tax calculation or you can claim directly. Always check your payslip to ensure the refund is applied.

Related Tax Calculators

Last updated: January 2026 | Verified with latest UK rates

Expert Reviewed — This calculator is reviewed by our team of financial experts and updated regularly with the latest UK tax rates and regulations. Last verified: January 2026.

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