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HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) is the UK government department responsible for:
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Overview
Neutral Information Guide Based on UK Law and Official Sources
This guide explains how the UK tax system works, what HMRC does, and the legal rights taxpayers have when dealing with HMRC. It uses official government sources wherever possible.
1. What is HMRC?
HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) is the UK government department responsible for:
- Collecting taxes
- Administering National Insurance
- Paying certain benefits and tax credits
- Enforcing tax laws passed by Parliament
HMRC must follow UK law and cannot create tax laws itself. Tax laws are created by Parliament and enforced by HMRC.
Official HMRC information:
2. Your Rights When Dealing With HMRC
HMRC must:
- Treat you fairly and with respect
- Protect your personal information
- Explain decisions affecting you
- Allow you to challenge decisions
- Provide appeals procedures
- Follow data protection laws
Official taxpayer rights:
HMRC Charter (Your Rights and Responsibilities)
Additional protections:
- Information Commissioner's Office
- Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman
Official websites:
Information Commissioner's Office (ICO)
Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman
3. Understanding Income Tax
Income Tax is paid on certain types of income including:
- Employment earnings
- Self-employment profits
- Pensions
- Rental income
- Certain savings income
Most people receive a tax-free Personal Allowance before paying Income Tax.
Official guide:
4. Personal Allowance
The standard Personal Allowance is:
£12,570 per year
Most people do not pay Income Tax on income below this amount. Higher earners may have their allowance reduced.
Official guide:
Income Tax Rates and Personal Allowances
5. Understanding Tax Codes
A tax code tells your employer how much tax-free income you can receive before tax is deducted.
Common codes:
Tax Code
Meaning
1257L
Standard allowance
BR
All income taxed at basic rate
D0
All income taxed at higher rate
K
Tax owed exceeds allowances
M
Receiving Marriage Allowance
N
Transferring Marriage Allowance
The most common code is 1257L.
Official checker:
Check What Your Tax Code Means
6. PAYE Explained
PAYE (Pay As You Earn) is the system used by employers to collect:
- Income Tax
- National Insurance
before wages are paid.
Your employer sends deductions directly to HMRC.
Official guide:
7. National Insurance (NI)
National Insurance helps fund:
- State Pension
- Certain benefits
- NHS funding through general taxation arrangements
NI is separate from Income Tax.
Your tax code does not normally affect National Insurance calculations.
Official guide:
8. Marriage Allowance
If:
- You are married or in a civil partnership
- One partner earns below the Personal Allowance
- The other is a basic-rate taxpayer
You may transfer part of your allowance.
This can reduce the receiving partner's tax bill.
Official guide:
9. Tax-Free Allowances
Common allowances include:
Personal Allowance
£12,570
Trading Allowance
£1,000 tax-free self-employment income
Property Allowance
£1,000 tax-free property income
ISA Income
Tax-free
Savings Allowance
Varies depending on income level
Official guide:
10. Understanding Your Payslip
A payslip normally shows:
- Gross Pay
- Income Tax
- National Insurance
- Pension deductions
- Student loan deductions
- Net Pay (take-home pay)
Your employer must provide itemised pay information.
Official guidance:
11. Understanding a P45
A P45 is issued when you leave a job.
It shows:
- Tax paid
- Earnings to date
- Tax code
You should give it to a new employer to help avoid emergency tax.
Official guide:
12. Understanding a P60
A P60 is provided after the tax year ends.
It shows:
- Total earnings
- Total tax paid
- National Insurance information
Keep it for records and financial applications.
Official guide:
13. Tax Refunds
You may receive a refund if:
- Too much tax was deducted
- Your tax code was wrong
- You stopped work
- You changed jobs
Official guide:
14. Overpaid Tax
If HMRC has collected too much tax, you can:
- Check your tax account
- Contact HMRC
- Request a review
- Appeal if necessary
Official tax account:
15. Underpaid Tax
If HMRC believes you owe tax:
They must normally:
- Explain why
- Provide calculations
- Allow you to challenge the decision
- Allow appeals within legal time limits
You are entitled to request evidence supporting their calculation.
Official guidance:
16. If You Disagree With HMRC
You have legal rights to:
Request a Review
HMRC can internally review a decision.
Appeal
Appeal to the independent:
HM Courts and Tribunals Service
Official information:
17. Data Protection Rights
Under UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018, you can:
- Request your data
- Correct inaccurate data
- Complain about misuse
Official sources:
Request Personal Information From HMRC
Useful Official Resources
Government
HMRC
Tax Calculator
Citizens Advice
Citizens Advice Tax Help
TaxAid (Charity)
Low Incomes Tax Reform Group
Important Note
This guide is intended to be neutral and based on current UK law and official guidance. HMRC has legal powers to collect taxes authorised by Parliament, but taxpayers also have legal rights to information,
fairness, privacy, review, appeal, and independent oversight. Always verify important tax matters using
official government sources or a qualified tax adviser.