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Got Questions? We've Got Answers

Find answers to common questions about your tax rebate, our process, and how we maximise your return.

  • If you are:
    • Employed as PAYE
    (Your tax and National Insurance is paid by your employer)
    • Paying tax
    (if you earn over £12,570 per year then you should be paying tax which is deducted from your wages)
    • Travelling to various locations to carry out your job
    (For example - you don’t work in exactly the same location every day)
    • Using your own vehicle/public transport to various locations to carry out your job
    (or not being fully reimbursed for your travelling expenses)
    • Paying for other things to do your job
    (such as tools, uniform, essential courses, staying away from home, working from home etc) If the above apply to you, then there’s a very good chance you’re entitled to tax relief. If you are CIS, Self-employed or a sole trader, we also offer tax return services and will help reduce your tax liability or claim your tax refund. Please note; if your only expense is travelling to work, your travelling must be to various locations and not just one ‘fixed’ place of work.  This is considered to be ‘ordinary commuting’ by HMRC and does not qualify for tax relief.  If you have to pay for anything else to do your job then we can almost definitely claim tax relief on your behalf.
  • People who aren’t paying income tax and/or anyone who is travelling to the same destination on a permanent basis or not having to pay for anything else to do their job.
  • If you receive travelling expenses from your employer, often this can be topped up and we can claim the balance.  Speak to a member of our friendly team and we can advise.  Remember, if you have to pay for anything else to do your job (and don’t get fully reimbursed) then we can almost definitely claim tax relief on your behalf.
  • Potentially any.  You just have to meet the criteria.  Whilst most of our clients are in construction, we also look after people such as; care workers, sales people, supply teachers, consultants etc.
  • Our fees are deducted from your repayment from HMRC and are not charged upfront.

    Fees start from £60 plus VAT per tax year and are 30% including VAT there after.

    Example (based on an average 1 year claim):

    £1,200 tax rebate

    £360 fees (including VAT)

    £840 paid directly to your bank account

    No rebate, no fee.

    If we can’t get you a tax refund, then there is no fee due.

  • We handle your self-assessment when making your tax refund claim, so you don’t have to. It’s a common misconception that self-assessment means self-employed, which it doesn’t.  It can simply mean that you are claiming tax relief and so you will be issued with a tax return.  You don’t need to complete this as this is part of the service we provide and is included in our fees.
  • If you’ve never claimed before, from your initial sign up with us to payment into your bank account, our average turnaround is 7 weeks.  Every year thereafter we receive payment from HMRC an average of 7 days after submission and you receive it the same day, directly into your bank account.
  • HMRC’s penalty system has changed in recent years.  We’ve always been familiar with the rules surrounding these, including when we can and can’t get you off the hook for penalties. So, if your tax is in a mess and you have penalties you don’t understand, we are here to assist and will have these cancelled wherever possible.  This is all part of our service and covered by our fees. It’s important to remember that if we are claiming tax relief on your behalf, there may be a deadline we have to work towards to avoid any late penalties.  We will let you know ahead of the deadline when that is, so that we can maximise your tax refund.
  • The standard tax code for the current tax year (2023/24) is 1257L.  This means that you can earn £12,570 before any tax is due. From time to time, HMRC changes tax codes and as your Agent, we can liaise directly with HMRC on your behalf if it needs changing or simply checking. If you’re in any doubt, just let us know and we can look into it for you.  This is all part of our service and there is no extra charge.
  • If you’re paid via the CIS system, you should have a UTR number and will pay 20% tax (sometimes 30%).  It’s important to know that this does not include any National Insurance contributions and this is calculated when we prepare your tax return and any applicable tax refund. If you’ve been a combination of CIS and PAYE during any given tax year, we can still handle your tax refund and return and our normal fees apply.
  • If you have a company vehicle you’re taxed on and a fuel card too, then you can’t claim tax relief for your travelling.  However, if you receive a car allowance instead, or your fuel isn’t paid for, then you probably can.  Remember, there are other areas we can explore for tax refunds such as tools, parking, uniform etc.
  • Yes, HMRC allows refunds for overpayments, usually through Self-Assessment.

  • No. HMRC will not penalise you if the information is accurate.

  • Errors made despite reasonable care, e.g., following guidance but misunderstanding a rule.

  • If HMRC deems you careless, they may charge 0-30% of the tax involved, but voluntary disclosure often reduces this to zero.

  • Yes, as of 2026 for late filings, but one-off refund claims generally are unaffected.
  • Yes, HMRC allows appeals if you disagree with their assessment.
  • Generally yes, especially if you voluntarily disclose them and take reasonable care.
  • No, but agents can help avoid mistakes and ensure compliance.
  • Only if HMRC determines negligence or fraud. Honest claims are usually safe.
  • Possibly, if patterns appear unusual. Keep records of all claims.
  • The principle is the same: accurate, supported claims are safe.
  • Not always. Errors can happen, leading to overpayment refunds.
  • Yes, if they were taxed incorrectly under the scheme.
  • Standard four-year limit applies.
  • Yes, proof of CIS deductions helps HMRC process the refund.
  • Only if taxed under CIS rules incorrectly; standard PAYE is separate.
  • Yes, if they overpaid due to their tax bracket misapplied.
  • No. HMRC processes them after checking records, sometimes weeks or months.
  • Yes, a registered agent can submit on your behalf.
  • No, but HMRC may adjust future payments if instructed.
  • Yes, through their tax return.
  • Yes, usually via P87 form, online or post.
  • No, relief is only for employees or self-employed carrying out taxable work.
  • Only for travel to temporary workplaces, not to your permanent home office.
  • Yes, if the trip is a valid business journey.
  • Yes, as long as the journeys meet HMRC rules and you have records.
  • Not necessarily. Relief is for eligible business journeys, overnight not required.
  • Only the difference between reimbursement and HMRC-approved rates.
  • Only if needed for business travel to a temporary workplace.
  • Only when travelling for business to a temporary site.
  • Yes. Overpayments from PAYE can accumulate if your tax code wasn’t updated promptly. HMRC will refund any overpayment once they review the full year.
  • Only if they are essential for your job and not reimbursed by your employer.
  • Yes. Interest earned above your Personal Savings Allowance can sometimes lead to an overpayment you can claim back.
  • Sometimes. HMRC may automatically refund overpayments, but it’s safer to check your tax record.
  • It can. Your tax liability may be adjusted based on time spent working in other countries.
  • Yes. Higher-rate taxpayers may be entitled to additional relief on workplace or private pension contributions.
  • No. Tax refunds relate only to income tax, PAYE, and self-assessment payments.
  • Yes, if their total income exceeded their Personal Allowance or they had PAYE deductions.
  • No. Each employer calculates PAYE separately, but HMRC can reconcile at year-end.
  • Yes. HMRC will refund overpaid tax once the correct code is applied retroactively.
  • Only the extra cost incurred for work, not your standard household bill.
  • Only if they are required for your current job and not for general career development.
  • Yes, if it’s part of a business journey (not commuting).
  • Not unless you are overnight away from home and it’s necessary for work.
  • Yes, if directly used to perform your job.
  • Only if required for work at a temporary workplace.
  • For self-employed yes, for employees only if required by employer.
  • Yes, if necessary and not reimbursed.
  • Yes, if they are essential and not reimbursed by your employer.
  • Only if it is protective clothing or uniform required by your employer.
  • Only if your employer or tax code isn’t updated. HMRC reconciles at year-end.
  • Yes. Employees often forget to claim allowable expenses that could reduce taxable income.
  • Yes, irregular employment can lead to overpaid PAYE that goes unnoticed.
  • Often. Self-employed individuals may forget eligible expenses or reliefs.
  • Yes, higher-rate taxpayers sometimes fail to claim additional relief.
  • Absolutely. It’s a common reason for unnoticed refunds.
  • Yes, especially if the subcontractor doesn’t reconcile deductions properly.
  • Not always. Some overpayments require you to check manually or submit a claim.
  • Yes, even a few hundred pounds can be missed if people assume it’s not worth the effort.
  • Yes, certain deductions or adjustments can affect total tax paid and refunds.
  • You can claim for the current tax year plus the previous four tax years.
  • No. The four-year limit applies to both, but the method differs (Self-Assessment vs P87 form).
  • Yes, up to four years back, if you’re eligible for additional tax relief.
  • You can still submit a claim for any of the last four years, HMRC will process it once submitted.
  • Yes, HMRC reviews total income and PAYE deductions for the year to calculate overpayment.
  • Yes. Construction Industry Scheme overpayments can be claimed for the last four years.
  • The four-year statutory limit is the main constraint; there isn’t a separate online deadline.
  • Not always, but having evidence makes the claim smoother. HMRC may ask for proof in certain cases.
  • Yes. HMRC considers your UK income for that tax year, even if you now live overseas.
  • Yes. HMRC generally adds interest to overpaid tax refunds, though it is modest.
  • Unlikely for honest claims. Keeping clear records protects you in case HMRC reviews your claim.
  • Yes, digital submissions reduce errors and provide an electronic record for HMRC.
  • Not if your claim is legitimate and evidence-backed. HMRC mainly targets suspicious or repeated discrepancies.
  • Yes, as long as contributions are correctly declared. HMRC has clear guidance for claiming higher-rate relief.
  • Yes, HMRC can correct overpayments caused by employer errors once notified.
  • Some do, often 20-30%, but it’s optional. Claims can often be done directly for free.
  • Yes, HMRC will reconcile overpayments once your correct code is applied.
  • Only if HMRC deems you “careless” or fraudulent. Honest mistakes with reasonable care are generally corrected without penalty.
  • If you spot a mistake and notify HMRC yourself, they often reduce penalties to zero.
  • Only if the agent submits false claims. Using a reputable agent like ETC ensures safe and compliant submissions.
  • No — PAYE mainly applies to employees. If you’re self-employed, a freelancer, or running your own business, you’ll usually deal with Self Assessment instead.
  • Yes. PAYE adjusts based on your earnings, tax code, bonuses, overtime, and sometimes even job changes. That’s why your payslip can look different month to month.
  • This often happens because of an emergency tax code or delayed payroll information. HMRC may not yet have your correct details when you first start working.
  • No — they’re different deductions. PAYE refers to the system used to collect Income Tax, while National Insurance is a separate contribution taken from your wages.
  • Yes. Some people work a normal PAYE job while also earning extra income from freelancing, property, or side businesses that must be declared separately.
  • It can. A large overtime payment may temporarily increase the amount of tax deducted because PAYE estimates your yearly income based on current earnings.
  • You could end up paying too much or too little tax. Usually HMRC corrects this later, but it’s worth checking your tax code yourself if something feels off.
  • Sometimes, yes. HMRC may issue automatic refunds after reviewing your records, although not every overpayment gets corrected immediately.
  • They can. It depends on how much they earn and whether their income exceeds the Personal Allowance threshold.
  • You can usually check your tax code, income history, and PAYE details through your HMRC Personal Tax Account online or via the HMRC app.
  • Usually no. Most employees pay tax automatically through PAYE. Self Assessment is generally for people with untaxed or additional income.
  • You may need to register if you're self-employed, receive rental income, earn money from a side business, or have other untaxed income. HMRC provides guidance on who must complete a Self Assessment tax return.
  • Yes — and plenty of people do. You can usually submit your online Self Assessment tax return as soon as the tax year ends in April.
  • For online tax returns, the deadline is usually 31 January following the end of the tax year. If the deadline falls on a weekend or bank holiday, HMRC may allow the next working day.
  • HMRC can still issue an automatic late filing penalty, even if you're only one day late. Unfortunately, they're not big on "close enough."
  • Yes. A late filing penalty can apply even when no tax is due.
  • A Payment on Account is an advance payment towards your next tax bill. HMRC may require these if your previous Self Assessment tax bill was more than £1,000. Payments are usually due on 31 January and 31 July.
  • You may be able to arrange a payment plan with HMRC, depending on your circumstances. Ignoring the problem completely usually makes things worse.
  • Yes. HMRC usually allows you to make changes to a submitted tax return within certain time limits.
  • You should keep records of income, expenses, invoices, bank statements, and any documents related to your earnings and tax deductions.
  • Yes, but only if linked to HMRC via bridging software. Manual uploads are not allowed.
  • April 2026 for 2024/25 income over £50,000, April 2027 for 2025/26 income over £30,000.
  • No, quarterly submissions are required, plus one annual declaration.
  • Only if below the income threshold. Otherwise, MTD is mandatory.
  • Yes, property income counts towards the combined threshold for MTD.
  • Yes, as long as it is HMRC-approved or compatible.
  • No, it works alongside it for annual declarations.
  • Yes, HMRC systems are secure, and digital submissions reduce errors.
  • Yes, but digital copies are preferred.
  • Not directly, but it helps avoid mistakes and ensures accurate reporting, which may prevent overpayments.
  • Not always. While many workplace pensions apply tax relief automatically, some individuals may need to take extra steps depending on how their pension is set up or how they report their income.
  • Yes, tax rules and allowances can change over time, which may affect how much relief you receive. Your own circumstances, such as changes in income, can also impact it.
  • Not always. Some providers include tax relief within your total contributions, rather than listing it separately, which can make it less obvious at first glance.
  • In some cases, pension contributions can interact with other allowances or thresholds, particularly for higher earners. This is why it can be useful to understand how everything fits together.
  • There is no strict minimum for qualifying contributions, but they must fall within certain limits set by HM Revenue & Customs to be eligible for tax relief.
  • Yes, tax relief can still apply even if you contribute irregularly. It does not have to be a fixed monthly amount, as long as the contributions meet the required conditions.
  • Yes, but your new pension setup may work differently. It is worth checking how tax relief is handled when you move to a new employer or pension scheme.
  • Yes, if you contribute to more than one pension, your total contributions across all schemes are considered when applying tax relief and allowances.
  • No, tax relief applies when you contribute to your pension. However, withdrawals in retirement are taxed differently, which is something to be aware of when planning ahead.
  • Not exactly. While basic rate relief is widely available, higher earners may be entitled to additional relief, which is sometimes not applied automatically.
  • Yes, depending on your income and how your pension is set up, contributions can reduce the amount of income that is taxed.
  • No, contributions made into a pension are usually treated differently to regular income, which is why they can help reduce your taxable income.  
  • Yes, there are limits in place on how much you can contribute each year and still receive tax advantages, depending on your earnings and circumstances.  
  • They can. By directing part of your income into a pension, you may be structuring your money in a way that is more tax efficient over time.  
  • In many cases, no extra reporting is needed as tax relief is applied automatically. However, this can vary depending on your situation.  
  • Yes, many pension schemes allow you to change how much you contribute, which can affect your tax position depending on the timing and amount.  
  • Yes, employer contributions are usually added to your pension and can also play a role in how your overall contributions are treated for tax purposes.  
  • In some cases, yes. Contributions can impact how your income is viewed for tax purposes, which may affect certain thresholds.  
  • Not exactly. Pension contributions are specifically designed for long-term savings with tax advantages, unlike standard savings accounts.  
  • Not always. The timing and method of tax relief can depend on how your pension scheme operates and how your contributions are made.
  • Yes, keeping track of your contributions can make it easier to spot if anything looks off and helps if you ever need to query or correct something.
  • Yes, incorrect or outdated information, such as your tax code or income details, can impact how tax relief is applied.
  • It can be slightly more complex, as you will need to review each pension separately to make sure everything is being applied correctly across all of them.
  • Yes, if you are unsure or do not feel confident reviewing it yourself, you can seek guidance to make sure everything is set up correctly and nothing has been missed.
  • It is a good idea to check at least once a year or whenever your income or employment situation changes, as this can affect how tax relief is applied.
  • Yes, while it is usually handled automatically, errors can happen depending on how your pension or tax details are set up. This is why occasional checks are important.
  •  If something does not look right, you can contact your pension provider or review your tax details. In some cases, you may need to contact HM Revenue & Customs to resolve it.
  •  It can. Different providers may apply tax relief in slightly different ways, so it is worth reviewing things if you switch or consolidate pensions.
  •  Yes, salary sacrifice arrangements work differently, as contributions are taken before tax is calculated. This can change how tax relief appears on your payslip or statements.
  • Yes, in some cases there can be a delay between making a contribution and seeing the tax relief added, especially with certain types of pension schemes.
  • Yes, you can open a private pension alongside or after leaving a workplace scheme, but moving funds between them should be considered carefully.
  • They can. The age you can access your pension may vary slightly depending on the scheme rules, although there is a general minimum age set in the UK.
  • Yes, workplace pensions often have a limited range of funds, while private pensions may offer a wider choice depending on the provider.
  • Private pensions usually offer more flexibility to pause or change contributions, while workplace pensions may have set rules depending on your employer.
  • They can. Workplace pensions sometimes benefit from lower fees due to employer arrangements, while private pensions vary depending on the provider and investment choices.
  • Your pension usually stays where it is and continues to be invested, although you can choose to transfer it if you want to manage things differently.
  •  In some cases, yes, but it depends on the rules of your workplace scheme and whether transfers are accepted.
  • Both generally benefit from pension tax relief, although how it is applied can differ depending on the scheme.
  •  Employers must automatically enroll eligible employees, but individuals usually have the option to opt out if they choose.
  • Not necessarily. They serve slightly different purposes, and many people find that using both together gives them a more balanced approach to saving.
  • In some cases, you may be able to claim tax relief on previous contributions, especially if you are a higher rate taxpayer who has not claimed the full amount. Time limits and rules apply, so it is worth checking your situation.
  • Yes, you can still receive basic rate tax relief on pension contributions even if you do not pay income tax, as long as you meet certain conditions. This can be a useful way to build savings even with lower or no taxable income.
  • Yes, having more than one job does not stop you from receiving pension tax relief. However, your overall income and contributions across all roles may affect how much relief you can receive.
  • No, tax relief is only applied to your own contributions. Employer contributions are added separately and are not treated as taxable income in the same way, which is still a valuable benefit.
  • If you exceed the annual allowance, you may face a tax charge on the excess contributions. This is designed to limit how much tax relief can be claimed each year.
  • Yes, higher and additional rate taxpayers can usually claim extra tax relief beyond the basic rate. This often needs to be done through a Self Assessment tax return or by contacting HM Revenue & Customs.
  • Yes, it can. Because pension contributions may reduce your taxable income, your take-home pay might be slightly different, but your overall financial position can improve due to the tax savings and pension growth.
  • No, while the concept is the same, the way tax relief is applied can vary depending on the type of pension you have and how contributions are made. This is why it is important to understand your specific setup.
  • The amount of tax relief you can claim depends on your income and how much you contribute to your pension. Most people can receive tax relief on contributions up to 100% of their earnings, within an annual allowance set by HM Revenue & Customs.
  • Yes, there is an annual allowance which limits how much you can contribute to your pension while still receiving tax relief. If you exceed this limit, you may have to pay a tax charge on the extra amount.
  • Often yes. Many pension providers now offer online portals or apps where you can track contributions and balances.
  • They usually stay active unless transferred. Many people end up with multiple pension pots from different employers over time.
  • Most UK workplace pensions do include tax relief, although the way it’s applied can vary depending on the pension scheme type.

  • Sometimes, yes. In certain situations, you may be able to claim missed tax relief from earlier tax years.

  • It can. Different employers may use different pension providers, contribution rates, or payroll systems.
  • Yes. Some people opt out temporarily, change jobs, or miss eligibility requirements without realising contributions stopped.
  • Usually yes. Pension deductions are often listed separately alongside tax and National Insurance.
  • With salary sacrifice, pension contributions are taken before tax, which can reduce taxable income differently compared to standard contributions.
  • Yes. Even small contributions or tax relief errors can grow over time because pensions build gradually across many years.
  • Yes. Self-employed workers can still receive pension tax relief when contributing to eligible pension schemes.

Still have questions?

If you couldn’t find the answer you were looking for, our dedicated team is ready to assist you with your tax claim.

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