Leaving The UK? Claim A Tax Refund

In 2008 more then 395,000 people left the UK, an increase of 24% on the previous year according to the Office of National Statistics. 60% of those leaving the UK were migrants, returning home after having worked or lived in the UK with many feeling the pinch from the economic downturn. The remaining 40% are British citizens, leaving the UK for a better life abroad, because of the high cost of living and ever increasing taxes. Since 1997 over two million British citizens have moved abroad to live and work, which has resulted in the fastest rate of emigration since the First World War.

Most people who leave the UK are unaware that there is a very high chance of being eligible for a tax refund which can amount to over a thousand pounds if they have worked before leaving the UK.

Everyone who works in the UK is given a tax free allowance which in the 2009/2010 tax year was £6,475. This allowance is usually divided throughout the year so you receive a proportion in each pay packet. If you subsequently decide to leave the UK, part-way through the tax year, you will not have received your entire tax free allowance and as a result you will be due a tax refund.

When you finish working you should be given a P45 from your employer. On your P45 there should be an amount for your income and tax for the year. Input these figures into a Tax Refund Calculator to see how much you’re eligible to receive.

Once you have established that you are due a tax refund you can send your P45 and any P60s that you may have for previous years, together with a P85/P86 and a completed form P91 to your local tax office. Alternatively you can use a tax agency to claim your Tax Refund For Leaving The UK. The time limit on making a claim is 6 years. So if you have left the UK anytime in the last 6 years you can still make a claim.

If you have any further questions about claiming a tax refund do not hesitate to contact Tax Fix

Additional Information:

1. Claim tax back when going traveling
2. Tax refund on Leaving the UK
3. Claiming back tax when you leave the UK permanently