Leaving the UK? How to get your tax right
When you leave the UK, you can tell HMRC and ask for a repayment of tax from your UK job. You can do it online once you've left, or by post. We've read each official page and show when we last checked.
Leaving the UK: form P85 (HMRC)
HM Revenue & Customs
What it does: Tell HMRC you've left, or are leaving, the UK and ask for a repayment of tax from your UK employment. You can do it online once you've left, or by post. Online, once you've left the UK. You get a reference number to track progress.
What you need: Your P45 'details of employee leaving work', if you have one
Limits: If you haven't left the UK yet, you must print and post the form. You don't need a P85 if you're sending a Self Assessment tax return for the tax year you leave. HMRC pays by payable order posted to your address or your nominee's, to be paid into a bank account in your or your nominee's name. HMRC won't pay currency conversion or transfer fees, so you may want to keep your UK bank account open until the repayment arrives.
Cost: Free
Last verified 3 November 2026 · Source: GOV.UK (HMRC)
Tax if you leave the UK to live abroad (GOV.UK)
HM Revenue & Customs
What it does: Tell HMRC if you're leaving the UK to live abroad permanently, going to work abroad full time for at least one full tax year, or you're a foreign national leaving the UK. HMRC can then work out if you're due a tax refund.
What you need: See the official page for what you need.
Limits: If you usually do Self Assessment, you tell HMRC through the residence section of your return (SA109), by post.
Cost: Free
Last verified 3 November 2026 · Source: GOV.UK (HMRC)
How far back you can ask
Income Tax paid too much in the UK, for earlier tax years.
The rule: Generally within 4 years after the end of the tax year (tax years end on 5 April).
Worked out on 3 November 2026: 2022-23 is still in time, until 5 April 2027.
Source: GOV.UK (HMRC), checked 3 November 2026
How it works, step by step
Ask for your UK tax back after leaving the UK with form P85
- Have your P45 'details of employee leaving work' ready, if you have one.
- If you've left the UK, fill in form P85 online. If you haven't left yet, print the form and post it.
- Track progress with the reference number you get.
Questions
Do I need a P85 if I send a Self Assessment return?
No. You don't need a P85 if you're sending a Self Assessment tax return for the tax year you leave.
Can I send form P85 from abroad?
Yes. Online, once you've left the UK. You get a reference number to track progress.
Do you need a company to do this?
Some companies offer to ask for a tax refund for you. They usually charge a fee or keep a share of the refund. The official route on this page is free, and you can usually use it yourself. If you do use a company, read its terms first so you know what it will take.
What the official pages say:
You can claim a tax refund (also known as a tax rebate) on GOV.UK. You do not need an agent to do this for you.
An agent will charge fees for claiming a tax refund for you.HMRC: How to choose a tax agent, last updated 23 July 2024
HMRC does not officially approve or endorse any intermediaries.
Intermediaries should never ask you to sign a blank form or to give them your HMRC login details.HMRC: HMRC's approach to intermediary harm, published 14 October 2025
We always point people to the free government tracing route first, and we take nothing from financial advisers.
Frank Marco and the Capital FM ★ Find Money team
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