Tax codes

Emergency tax codes

If you’re on an emergency tax code your payslip will show:

  • 1250 W1
  • 1250 M1
  • 1250 X

These mean you’ll pay tax on all your income above the basic Personal Allowance.

You may be put on an emergency tax code if you’ve started:

  • a new job
  • working for an employer after being self-employed
  • getting company benefits or the State Pension

Emergency tax codes are temporary. Your employer can help you update your tax code.

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