HMRC sends wrong message about tax code after worker says employer won’t change it

The person said they had been trying to resolve the issue for months.

HMRC has issued a message regarding the person responsible for processing tax codes after a frustrated taxpayer asked for help. The person contacted the authority to raise their concerns, asking: “Is there a way to report an employer who is using the wrong tax code and not changing it despite being repeatedly informed, including by emailing the payroll department?”

Initially, HMRC asked the employer if they had received the correct tax code they had issued. The employee reported a lack of progress in this regard, stating: “They keep saying it’s not their job and it’s the employee’s responsibility.”

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However, HMRC have made it clear that the responsibility does not lie with the employee, stating: “It is not the employee’s responsibility because you, as an employee, cannot process the tax code we have sent you for use. This is done through payroll.”

The taxpayer elaborated further on his predicament, saying, “Payroll was notified months ago and has yet to respond or change their status. I feel stuck and ignored. The tax code has been wrong for a very long time and I just want this fixed, can you advise me how to get my employer to change it as they seem to be ignoring me?”

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Following this, HMRC asked the person to provide the tax code currently used by the employer and the one that should be applied. The person replied: “You issued form 1257L and they have been using form 1205L for over 2 years.

“I don’t know if they got it from you, I printed out a page from my HMRC online account and gave it to them. They still haven’t done anything.” HMRC then asked the person if they had a personal tax account and if so, what code was displayed on it.

They replied that they did have an account and that their code was 1257L. This is the most common tax code, which means that you are entitled to the full personal allowance.

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HMRC then said: “It appears the employer has not been issued with the correct code. You will need to call our helpline to request the code be reissued: 0300 200 3300.” Your tax code can be found on your payslip or on a P45 or P60, as well as online via your personal tax account.

An account can be created on the government website, with the tool displaying details such as your estimated income tax for the current tax year, your national insurance number and your state pension entitlement.