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Sun 18 Jan 2026 • 23:41

Brits Advised to Check Paychecks Amid Tax Code Errors Affecting 5.6 Million

Brits Advised to Check Paychecks Amid Tax Code Errors Affecting 5.6 Million

# Brits Urged to Review Paychecks Due to Tax Code Errors Affecting 5.6 Million

Workers in the UK are being advised to thoroughly examine their paychecks as a staggering 5.6 million individuals may be overpaying taxes to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) due to incorrect tax codes. This situation arises because HMRC does not have a requirement to inform workers about tax overpayments, which could lead to significant financial loss for many.

Tax codes dictate how much income tax is deducted from wages, and if these codes are incorrect, it can result in overpayments. Employees should especially look closely at their tax codes and year-end Pay As You Earn (PAYE) summaries for inaccuracies. "Individuals must check their tax codes and year-end PAYE summaries for mistakes. Particularly those with any form of non-PAYE income or company benefits," warns an expert from UHY Hacker Young.

The issue of incorrect tax codes isn't a new phenomenon but has been exacerbated in recent months, leading to growing concern among financial experts. Many workers who earn additional income or receive benefits from companies may find themselves particularly vulnerable to these errors.

This heightened alert comes as HMRC continues to highlight the importance of keeping accurate tax records. The agency's inability to notify taxpayers about their overpayments puts the onus firmly on workers to take action. Those who suspect they have been affected can review their documentation and contact HMRC for clarification.

With millions potentially impacted, the advice encourages proactive measures to ensure tax codes are correctly aligned with individual circumstances. This will not only safeguard against unnecessary financial strain but also assist in reclaiming any overpaid amounts.

This report is for informational purposes only and is not financial advice.