General Tax Info What is a tax refund? Who can make a Tax Refund claim? How much can I claim back? When can I claim my tax back? How many years can I claim tax back for? Why would I have overpaid tax? What do I need to claim tax back? How do I get my refund? What is the financial year? Tax Related Documentation What is a CIS Tax Refund? What is a P45 Document? What is a P60 Document? What if I've lost my P45 or P60? What is a P11D Tax Codes and Emergency Tax? Most Popular Tax Questions Do I need a National Insurance Number (NINO)? How long does it take to get tax back? What is a self-assessment Tax Return? Who needs to complete a Self Assessment Tax Return? What if I have received benefits from my employer? Can I claim my tax back when I am outside the country? What are our fees?

FAQ - Frequently Asked Tax Questions - Most popular tax questions

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16. Do I need a National Insurance Number (NINO)?

A National Insurance number is a reference number that HM Revenue & Customs uses to record where you have worked and what your earnings have been. You are obligated by law to get a permanent NINO once you start working. Due to increased security at the Inland Revenue, it is now a firm requirement to obtain a NINO in order to for your tax refund to be processed. If you have already left the UK, it is still advisable to apply for a NINO.

17. How long does it take to get tax back?

Once you have provided us with your details and all documentation, 1st Contact will process and submit your claim to HM Revenue and Customs. We aim to finalise your claim within 6 - 8 weeks which allows for the average tax office postal backlog of 6 weeks.

Please note that some claims may exceed the expected completion time due to the client not having a permanent National Insurance number, providing incorrect or insufficient information and/or unavoidable delays caused by HM Revenue & Customs. Unfortunately all correspondence with the Inland Revenue is done via telephone and post.

18. What is a self-assessment Tax Return?

Self-Assessment requires the mandatory submitting of a Tax Return. This is an Inland Revenue issued document, which requires you to declare your earnings and tax paid for a financial year.

Please note that, unlike a tax refund claim, a Self Assessment Tax Return is required by law from certain individuals.

19. Who needs to complete a Self Assessment Tax Return?

If you have more complicated tax affairs than the straight PAYE system you may need to complete a tax return.

There are also certain circumstances in which you will always need to complete a tax return - for example if you're self-employed, a company director or a trustee or if you have foreign income.

20. What if I have received benefits from my employer?

Any benefits received are taxable and you will need to obtain a P11D from your employer for each tax year that you received benefits. This form must be submitted along with your P45s and P60s.

If you have received any dividend income, you will need to submit a dividend certificate for the relevant tax year.

21. Can I claim my tax back when I am outside the country?

Yes you can claim back any tax you may have overpaid, even if you have already left the country.

So long as you submit a claim through 1st Contact within 5 years of leaving the UK , along with the necessary documents you will still be eligible.

22. What are our fees?

We offer a NO REFUND DUE, NO FEE policy. If there is no refund due to you from HM Revenue & Customs, 1st Contact won’t charge you. 

1st Contact Tax Refunds also offers a Price Match Policy - we will match any price quoted by another ATA bonded company.

Our Fees are 12.5 % + VAT.
A minimum of £50 +VAT will be charged on all claims. VAT wont be charged if you choose to have your refund deposited into a Non UK bank account.

For those customers that choose to do their Shipping through 1st Contact, the commission rate, for your tax refund will drop to 11%.

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