by Asim Abbas
12 November 2026 
P800 and P2 letters from HMRC: what they mean
P800 and P2 letters from HMRC: what they mean
A P800 tells you whether you paid the right tax last year. A P2 tells you about a new tax code. Both are common, but they often cause confusion.
- P800: tax calculation for the last tax year
- P2: notice of a new tax code
- Refunds via P800 can be claimed online
- Underpayments are often collected through your tax code
Checking them carefully can uncover refunds or stop underpayments building up.
This guide explains what each letter means and what to do.
The P800
HMRC sends a P800 after the tax year, usually between June and the end of November, if you’re employed or get a pension and paid too much or too little tax. It shows your income, allowances and tax paid.
- Overpaid: claim the refund online, or a cheque is sent
- Underpaid: usually collected through next year’s tax code, if under £3,000
Tax code checker
Check your new code.
Ola’s P800 for 2025/26 shows she underpaid £420 because her employer didn’t update her code after she got a company car. HMRC adjusts her 2027/28 tax code to collect it, about £35 a month. She checks the car benefit figure against her P11D to make sure it’s right.
The P2 coding notice
A P2 explains your tax code for the coming year, showing allowances and deductions such as benefits in kind, underpayments or untaxed income. Your employer gets the code but not the details.
Fixed-fee accountancy support
Transparent monthly packages for sole traders, landlords and limited companies. Fixed fees agreed upfront, VAT included.
Get a fixed-fee quoteCall 0161 531 4179What to check
- Income figures match your P60s
- Benefits in kind match your P11D
- Estimated untaxed income, such as interest, is reasonable
- Allowances like Marriage Allowance are included
- Underpayments being collected are correct
If something’s wrong
Contact HMRC through your personal tax account or the HMRC app. Many corrections can be made online.
Self Assessment taxpayers
If you file a Self Assessment return, you usually won’t get a P800 for that year, as your return calculates the tax.
See GOV.UK guidance on tax overpayments and underpayments, our refund guide and our tax code checker.
What should I do next?
Income and benefits.
Accuracy.
Within 21 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a P800?
A tax calculation showing over or underpaid tax for the last year.
What is a P2?
A notice explaining your new tax code.
How do I claim a P800 refund?
Online through your HMRC account or app.
How are underpayments collected?
Usually through your tax code if under £3,000.
Do Self Assessment taxpayers get P800s?
Usually not.
Need help with this? Wingate Accountants offers fixed-fee online accountancy support across the UK. Call 0161 531 4179 or request a quote at wingateaccountants.co.uk.
About the Author
Asim Abbas
I’m Asim Abbas, founder of Wingate Accountants and a Chartered Certified Accountant. I help sole traders, landlords and directors stay on top of their tax with fixed fees and plain-English advice.
