What is the emergency tax rate in the uk?

What rate is emergency tax?

• I started a new job at the beginning of December and only got paid for the first time yesterday. In the pay period, which ended on 15th January, I had worked 181.5 hours and am on an hourly rate of £7. When I started other employees warned me that I would probably get emergency taxed for the first few months due to very bad organisation within the company. Some people have told me emergency tax is 40% but others have told me it should only be BR at around 20%. I haven't got my pay slip yet but I was only paid £764 which leads me to assume that I have either been taxed around 40% or vastly underpaid. So I was wondering if anyone could explain to me why I have been taxed 40% as opposed to the Basic Rate as it seems that this will probably go on for a few months (although I realise I can claim the tax back). I am also wondering if there is any way I can get my tax code adjusted without going through my employers? I am starting to worry that my boss has lost my p45, can I request a new one from my old employers?

• Answer:

  There's a clear explanation of emergency rate tax on the HMRC website, which should answer all your queries: http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/incometax/emergency-code.htm You cannot get a new P45 from your old employer; they may only issue one, and form itself carries a warning to this effect.