What is your approximate annual salary?
This helps us estimate your tax band and which savings apply to you.
Why Most People Overpay Tax
HMRC's tax system is largely automated through PAYE — but it's far from perfect. Every year, millions of UK taxpayers pay more than they need to because of overlooked reliefs, incorrect tax codes, and unclaimed allowances.
The 6 Most Common Reasons for Overpaying
1. Wrong Tax Code
Your tax code tells your employer how much tax-free income you're entitled to. The standard code for 2025/26 is 1257L, meaning you get £12,570 tax-free. If your code is different, it could be because of benefits in kind, underpayments from previous years, or simply an error. Always check your code at the start of each tax year.
2. Marriage Allowance
If you're married or in a civil partnership and one partner earns under £12,570, you can transfer £1,260 of their unused Personal Allowance to the higher-earning partner. This saves £252 per year — and can be backdated for up to 4 years (potentially over £1,000 in total).
3. Work from Home Relief
If your employer requires you to work from home — even just one day a week — you can claim a flat-rate deduction of £6/week (£312/year). At the basic rate, that's £62/year in tax savings. At the higher rate, it's £125. No receipts needed.
4. Uniform & Professional Subscriptions
If you wash, repair, or replace your own work uniform or tools, you can claim HMRC's flat-rate allowance. Similarly, fees paid to HMRC-approved professional bodies (e.g., BMA, RICS, CIMA) qualify for tax relief. Both can be backdated 4 years.
5. Pension Salary Sacrifice
If your employer offers salary sacrifice for pension contributions, you save National Insurance (8%) as well as income tax. Many employees don't realise they're on "relief at source" instead — switching to salary sacrifice could save hundreds per year with no reduction in pension benefits.
6. The 60% Tax Trap
If you earn between £100,000 and £125,140, your Personal Allowance is gradually withdrawn — creating an effective 60% marginal tax rate. Making pension contributions to bring your adjusted net income below £100,000 is one of the most effective ways to avoid this trap.
How to Claim
Most of these reliefs can be claimed directly through HMRC's online portal or by calling HMRC. Marriage Allowance and WFH relief can be claimed in minutes at GOV.UK. For pension changes, speak to your employer's HR or payroll department.
Why Check?
Common Tax Savings
- Marriage Allowance
- £252/yr
- WFH Relief (basic rate)
- £62/yr
- WFH Relief (higher rate)
- £125/yr
- Uniform Allowance
- £12–£74/yr
- Pension Sacrifice (NI)
- £100–£500+/yr