Claiming taxes when you leave the country...?

Question

I have read somewhere that when you leave the UK, after have worked here for several years, one can claim up to the last six years of your paid taxes...is that true? That you have to fill in a p85 form..or something like that...have someone done it? and how much do you get per month paid?

Answer 1

You will only get a repayment if you have over paid any tax.

You should fill in the P85 and attach parts 2&3 of the P45. This will deal with the tax year of your departure. For any previous years which you think you may have overpaid, send your P60's and the tax office will review each years for you.

If the correct amount if tax has been paid in a tax year, then you will not be due a repayment for that year.

Answer 2

You can only claim for the current tax year 5/4 to 6/4. Your employer should issue with a P45, take this to your local tax office who will pay you any tax overpaid.

You did not say but I have assumed you were taxed under PAYE. Effectively your allowances are spread over 12months. So if you leave halfway during the year you are due a refund.

Answer 3

You read wrong about claiming tax back for six years! You can go back six years for your tax to be reviewed, but that could show up underpayments as well as overpayments. Liability doesn't change.

The only repayment you can claim on the grounds of leaving the UK is for the current tax year, as from last 6th April. You have to be staying abroad until after 5th April 2009. If you will be back before then, you will have to complete a Tax Return at the end of the tax year, and include any foreign earnings, but you will be given credit for any foreign tax deducted. If you are going long-term, you can download form P85 from www.hmrc/p85, and send it to tax office with form P45.

Can't say how much refund will be, depends on how much earnings are, how much tax is paid, and dates of leaving job and departure. Tax is still payable on any earnings over tax-free personal allowance in year of departure.

Answer 4

If you're leaving the UK you must tell HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC). Your Tax Office will give you form P85 to get any tax refund you're owed and work out if you'll become non-resident. If you still need to complete a tax return after you leave they'll let you know. They only refund any Tax you have overpaid in the current financial year. If you become non-resident, you won't pay UK tax on your income from working overseas.

Answer 5

I have done it twice.

In the UK although you pay as you earn (PAYE) actually tax works on an annual basis.

So if you leave the country part way through a tax year you will probably have overpaid tax and can get a refund

To do this you must complete form P85 and send it with your P45 to the tax office who after some months will end you a refund.

All you need to know including the form is available from

http://www.hmrc.gov.uk

Just search on the site for P85

If know someone you can trust you can get the refund paid to them.

Its easier than it sounds!