What is a P45 for?

Question

I finished working in debenhams last year and they sent me out a P45 once i finished, it says on it total pay - 1166.16
Total tax - 256.30

What do i do with this, does it mean i can claim that tax back?
i am 20 at university, i do not currently have a job and havent had one for about 3 months, but i am looking to get one very soon,

What is this P45 and what do i do with it?
thanks.

the date on the form is 11th August 2006

it says about claiming back the tax, am i too late to do this, (P50 form)

Also, this might make this more understandable, i had two jobs, i finished at debenhams in August 06 but i carried on my other job until just 3 months ago, now i have finished that and am unemployed and dont know what to do with this form, would be good if i could claim it back because i need the money but i think im far too late.

Answer 1

A P45 is a form you should have handed in to your new employer to tell them how mach tax you had paid so far that year and what your tax code was.
The person that employed you in April 2007 should have given you a P60. That should how much you earnt till the end of that tax year and the amount of tax you paid.
Write or phone your tax office (the address should be on the P60) and ask for a form (P50) to claim back over paid tax.

You can claim back tax overpaid up to 3 years after the end of that tax year.