TV money-saving expert Martin Lewis has become an increasingly important figure to millions of Britons this year as the nation battles a desperately bleak cost of living crisis, dishing out vital personal finance tips at a time when many are tightening their belts.
Bringing compassion and expertise to his appearances on his ITV programme The Martin Lewis Money Show Live, via his BBC podcast, his website and newsletter and through his regular media interviews, Lewis is providing a major public service to those struggling to make ends meet.
No concern is too small to warrant his attention and, in a recent episode of his ITV show, Lewis fielded a call from a viewer who believed she had been overtaxed and wanted confirmation that she was entitled to a refund.
“I’m on a 16-hour contract, and last month, I did lots of overtime. I was put on the basic rate temporarily and overtaxed by more than £800,” she said.
“My tax code is now back to 1257L, but I’m short £500, worrying about money. Will I get a tax rebate?”
Lewis turned to his guest, tax expert Rebecca Benneyworth, for an answer.
“It depends whether she’s on a Month One tax code or not,” Benneyworth replied.
“Month One is often referred to as Emergency Code. If she is, she needs to sort that with HMRC, either by phoning them or by going into her personal tax account through the HMRC app.”