Tax calculation AN1 UK

This question is aimed at UK graduates who started in finance/M&A straight away

joining an M&A shop for AN1 after graduating. Starting in Aug-Sep. Salary in line with street. Wondering whether you normally get a tax refund in April at the end of the tax year? Because gov taxes you per month as if you made your monthly earnings the whole financial year - but you joined a few months into the financial year. Should you get some money back? Did any of you get money back assuming you graduated in that financial year? How much was it if so?

3 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, if you start working in M&A as an Analyst 1 (AN1) in the UK in August or September, you may indeed be eligible for a tax refund at the end of the financial year. Here's why:

  1. UK Tax System: The UK tax system calculates your income tax on an annual basis but deducts it monthly through PAYE (Pay As You Earn). When you start mid-financial year, the system initially assumes you'll earn your monthly salary for the entire year, leading to higher tax deductions in those initial months.

  2. Tax Refund: Since you only worked part of the financial year, your total earnings for that year will be lower than what the system initially estimated. This discrepancy often results in overpayment of taxes, which can be refunded after the tax year ends (April 5th in the UK).

  3. How Much?: The exact refund amount depends on:

    • Your total earnings from the start date to the end of the financial year.
    • The tax code applied to you during the year.
    • Any other income or deductions you may have.
  4. Claiming the Refund: HMRC (Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs) usually adjusts this automatically. If they don't, you can contact them or check your tax account online to request a refund.

Many WSO users in similar situations have reported receiving refunds, but the amounts vary widely based on individual circumstances. If you're unsure, consulting a tax advisor or using an online tax calculator can help estimate your potential refund.

Sources: UK Student loan advice - To pay or not to pay, Working In Big 4 Audit in London, I cant save money, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/investment-banking/investment-banking-in-the-uk-an-overview?customgpt=1, 20 Most Frequently Asked Questions - London Edition

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

Saepe quia et illo consectetur esse nihil. Culpa et id minus voluptas.

Quas eum aliquid magni vitae quibusdam blanditiis. Atque quibusdam ut doloremque a porro. Soluta dignissimos laboriosam perferendis et exercitationem reprehenderit et. Sint cupiditate ut veniam rerum voluptas laboriosam in.

Doloribus et occaecati odit aut esse. Voluptatem alias aut dolorem aliquam quae similique. Id voluptates et aut non qui.

Ut et quis id perspiciatis fugiat odio cumque. Odit eveniet itaque voluptatem quia est eos ullam. Et mollitia numquam consectetur beatae. Neque et laudantium quibusdam magnam sint vero. Rem impedit enim iste dolorem iusto aut corrupti. Dicta facilis est praesentium in nihil.

Career Advancement Opportunities

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.3%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Evercore No 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.3%
  • BMO Capital Markets 13 97.7%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 98.3%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.7%
  • JPMorgan 01 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (46) $258
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (14) $159
  • 1st Year Analyst (80) $150
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (73) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
3
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
4
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
5
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
6
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
7
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
8
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
9
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
10
Mimbs's picture
Mimbs
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”