Claiming Tax Back On A Working Holiday Visa

Many countries offer working holiday visas for young adults allowing them to combine traveling while earning some money at the same time. These visas are usually up to two years in length and in certain circumstances can be extended. If you are leaving the UK to work in another country, you can claim a tax refund and you can also make a claim if you are returning to your home country if you have been on a working holiday visa in the UK.

Below are a number of common questions and answers regarding tax and how to claim it back if you are going or have been on a working holiday visa.

1. I am leaving the UK to go on a working travel visa. Can I claim a tax refund?

Yes. As you are leaving the UK you will be able to claim a tax refund if you have worked during the tax year before leaving.

2. How much tax can I claim back?

It will depend on how much you have earned in the tax year. If you have earned below the tax free allowance (for 2012/2013 this is £8,105) you will be able to claim back all the income tax that you have paid. If you have earned more than the tax free allowance you can still claim a tax refund. For an estimate of your tax refund, you can use a Tax Refund Calculator.

3. When can I claim my tax back?

As soon as you have finished working and before leaving the UK you are able to claim your tax back. Your employer should provide you with a P45 when you finish working. Once you have this, you can make your claim.

4. What if I have lost my P45?

You can still claim a tax refund even if you have lost or were not given a P45, from your previous employer. Simply send a letter to your previous employer’s payroll department asking for a statement of earnings. They are required by law to provide you with one and this is a sufficient replacement for a P60 or P45.

5. How do I claim my tax refund?

You can use a tax agency to claim your UK Tax Rebate or alternatively you can claim it yourself. If you are claiming it yourself you will need any P45/P60s you might have as well as a P85 and P86 if applicable. You will also need to complete a covering letter claim as well as a P91 – employment history form. Send these completed forms to your local tax office.

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

Additional Information:

1. Tax refund on Leaving the UK
2. Emigrating from the UK? Claim a tax refund
3. Claim a tax rebate when leaving the UK