Think you're on top of your tax return? You might be surprised. The team at MCC Accountants has uncovered one of the most common reasons people end up paying more than they should to HMRC and it’s something that often flies completely under the radar.

So what’s the culprit? Believe it or not, it all starts with your tax code.

The Tax Code Trap

Most people never give their tax code a second glance. It sits quietly on your payslip, unassuming and cryptic, yet it holds the key to how much tax you pay. If that code is wrong and it often is then guess what? You’re probably overpaying.

MCC Accountants have seen it time and time again. Someone changes jobs, takes on an extra income stream, or draws from a pension, and suddenly their tax code no longer reflects their real financial situation. The result? More tax gets deducted than necessary. And unless you’re checking regularly, you could be none the wiser.

Ever wondered why your refund wasn’t quite what you expected? Or worse, why you didn’t get one at all? Your tax code might have something to say about that.

What Else Could Be Costing You?

While tax codes top the list, they’re not the only thing making your wallet lighter. MCC Accountants often find other sneaky reasons people pay too much tax:

• Work-related expenses left unclaimed: If you wear a uniform, buy tools for your job, or travel for work, those costs could be tax deductible. But if you don’t tell HMRC, they certainly won’t chase you to give that money back.
• Multiple income sources: Got a side hustle? Maybe two part-time jobs? When your personal allowance isn’t split correctly between them, you could end up paying too much tax across the board.
• Pension withdrawals: Taking money from your pension pot might come with more tax than you bargained for, especially if HMRC assigns you an emergency tax code. A simple strategy like withdrawing a small amount first to trigger a correct code can make a huge difference.

The truth is, HMRC doesn’t always get it right. But the good news? That’s where MCC Accountants come in.

How MCC Accountants Put You Back in Control

The team at MCC Accountants are tax specialists who don’t just crunch numbers. They look at the full picture.

Here’s how they help their clients stop overpaying and start maximising:

• Tax code reviews: They’ll check if yours is accurate so you’re not giving away more than you should
• Claiming what’s rightfully yours: From mileage and subscriptions to tools and training, they make sure you’re not missing out on allowable expenses
• Smart pension planning: Avoid emergency tax situations with clever compliant strategies
• Support for multi-income earners: Whether you're juggling jobs or have investment income on the side, MCC can help you manage your tax smartly

What would you do with a few hundred pounds back in your pocket? A weekend getaway? New tools for your business? A few extra savings for a rainy day? That money is yours and MCC Accountants want to help you keep hold of it.

A Trusted Name with Your Interests at Heart

Based in the North West and known for their friendly professional approach, MCC Accountants support businesses and individuals across the region with expert advice that makes a real difference. They believe tax should not be confusing and it certainly should not cost you more than necessary.

So if your tax situation feels a bit unclear or you just want peace of mind, it’s time to speak to the experts. MCC Accountants are here to help you make sense of it all and to make sure every penny works in your favour.

Visit www.mccaccountants.co.uk to book a consultation and start making your tax return work for you.