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Free UK Tax Code Checker
Enter your tax code and we tell you what it means, whether it looks wrong, and if you may be owed a refund — instantly, free, no email required.
Informational only, not tax advice. Estimates are based on the code you enter. Final decisions rest with HMRC.
Quick answer
The standard 2025/26 UK tax code is 1257L. Codes such as BR, D0, D1, 0T, or any code with a W1, M1 or X suffix usually mean you are on emergency or non-cumulative tax and may have overpaid. You can reclaim overpaid PAYE tax directly from HMRC for the last four tax years.
Questions
What is the normal UK tax code?+
The standard tax code for 2025/26 and 2026/27 is 1257L, which gives the full £12,570 tax-free Personal Allowance. Codes like BR, D0, 0T or anything ending W1, M1 or X usually mean emergency or no-allowance tax and can indicate an overpayment.
How do I know if my tax code is wrong?+
Check it against your situation: 1257L is normal for one job. BR taxes everything at 20% with no allowance (normal only for a second job), 0T gives no allowance at all, and a W1/M1/X suffix means emergency tax. If any of these apply to your only job, you may be owed a refund.
Can I get emergency tax back?+
Yes. Once your correct cumulative code is applied, overpaid emergency tax is usually refunded through your next payslip in the same tax year; if the year has ended you claim it from HMRC, and you can go back four tax years.
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Guide
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