How do I check my tax code online with HMRC?

Full answer

Your tax code tells your employer how much tax-free pay you get before income tax is deducted. An incorrect code costs or saves you money, so it is worth checking at least once a year. **How to check online** 1. Go to gov.uk/personal-tax-account and sign in with your Government Gateway or One Login credentials. 2. Select 'Pay As You Earn' or 'Income Tax'. 3. Your current tax code appears alongside each employment or pension source. 4. Click the code to see a breakdown -- which allowances and deductions are included. **What the letters mean (common codes)** - 1257L -- the standard code for 2026/27 (personal allowance £12,570). - BR -- all income taxed at 20% (no personal allowance applied here). - D0 / D1 -- all income taxed at 40% or 45%. - K code -- your deductions exceed your allowances, so extra tax is collected. - W1 / M1 suffix -- emergency 'week 1 / month 1' basis, non-cumulative. - NT -- no tax deducted. **If your code looks wrong** You can update income details, add allowances (e.g. working from home relief, professional subscriptions) or remove items you no longer receive (e.g. company car benefit you handed back). HMRC will issue a revised code to your employer, usually within a few weeks. **By phone or post** If you cannot access the online account, call the HMRC income tax helpline on 0300 200 3300 (Mon-Fri 8am-6pm). Have your National Insurance number ready. **Key tip for 2026/27**: If your total income from all sources exceeds £100,000, your personal allowance is tapered at £1 for every £2 over £100,000 -- so your code will reflect a reduced or zero allowance. If your code still shows 1257L and you earn over £100,000, contact HMRC to avoid an underpayment.

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