Understand a letter or document
Received something you don't understand? Find clear guidance on common letters, notices and documents, what they mean and what you may need to do next.
What have you received?
Start with who sent it — that's usually the quickest way to the right guide.
HMRC and tax letters
Tax calculations, assessments, tax codes and other HMRC post.
P800 tax calculation letter explained
What an HMRC P800 letter means, how to read the tax calculation, how refunds are paid, how long they take, and what to do if the figures look wrong.
Read guideHMRC Simple Assessment letter explained
What an HMRC Simple Assessment (PA302) letter means, why you got one instead of a tax return, how to check the figures, deadlines to pay, and how to query it.
Read guideTax code notice (P2) explained
What an HMRC PAYE coding notice is, how to read the code on it, why codes change mid-year and what to check before your next payslip.
Read guideUnderstanding an HMRC letter
What HMRC letters usually mean, how to spot the deadline, what to check, and what to do next. UK-focused plain-English guide from ClariDoc.
Read guideHousing and renting documents
Tenancy agreements, Section 21 and Section 8 notices, rent increases and mortgage offers.
Section 21 notice explained
What a section 21 notice is, how much notice a landlord must give, when a section 21 is invalid, what happens after it expires, and where UK tenants can get free help.
Read guideSection 8 notice explained
What a section 8 notice means, the grounds a landlord can use, how long the notice period is, how it differs from a section 21, and where UK tenants can get free help.
Read guideRent increase notice explained
What a rent increase notice is, the different ways a landlord can propose an increase, what to check on the notice and where to get free housing advice.
Read guideUnderstanding a tenancy agreement
What to check in a modern assured tenancy under the Renters' Rights Act 2025: rent, deposit, notice, repairs, pets and the end of fixed terms and Section 21. Plain-English guide from ClariDoc.
Read guideUnderstanding a mortgage offer
How to read a mortgage offer: rate, term, fees, conditions and offer expiry. Plain-English guide from ClariDoc.
Read guideCouncil and local government letters
Council tax bills, reminders, summonses and other council correspondence.
Understanding a council tax letter
See a realistic council tax letter example, understand your band, discounts, reminder deadlines and summons — plus exactly what to do next. Free UK guide.
Read guideCouncil tax summons explained
What a council tax summons means, what a liability order allows the council to do, court costs, how to stop enforcement, and where to get free UK debt advice.
Read guideUnderstanding a council letter
How to read letters from your local council — housing, benefits, planning, parking and licensing. Plain-English guide from ClariDoc.
Read guideParking and driving notices
Parking Charge Notices, Penalty Charge Notices and Notices to Keeper.
Parking Charge Notice explained
What a Parking Charge Notice is, how it differs from a council Penalty Charge Notice, discount and appeal deadlines, POPLA and IAS appeals, and what debt letters mean.
Read guidePenalty Charge Notice (PCN) explained
What a council Penalty Charge Notice is, how it differs from a private parking ticket, what to check on it and how the appeal stages usually work.
Read guideNotice to Keeper explained
What a Notice to Keeper is, why a private parking company has written to the registered keeper, what to check on it and what your options usually are.
Read guideBills and utilities
Energy bills, final bills, payment reminders and statements.
Energy bill explained
How to read a UK energy bill: standing charge, unit rate, estimated versus actual readings, your balance, and what to check before you pay.
Read guideOverdue bill or payment reminder explained
What a payment reminder or overdue bill letter means, how to check it is genuine, what to do if you cannot pay, and how these letters usually escalate.
Read guideMoney and debt letters
Default notices, debt collection letters and letters before claim.
Default notice explained
What a default notice under a credit agreement is, why it was sent, what to check on it, how it can affect your credit file and where to get free debt advice.
Read guideLetter before claim explained
What a letter before claim (or letter before action) is, why it was sent, what to check, why the reply date matters and where to get free advice.
Read guideEmployment documents
Payslips, P45s, P60s and other paperwork from an employer.
Insurance and everyday admin
Renewal notices, policy documents and routine statements.
Official and legal correspondence
Government department letters and solicitors' letters.
Understanding an official government letter
How to read letters from DWP, HMRC, DVLA, Home Office and other UK government departments. Plain-English guide from ClariDoc.
Read guideUnderstanding a legal letter
How to read a solicitor's letter or letter before action, what deadlines mean, and what to do next. Plain-English guide from ClariDoc.
Read guideNot sure what your letter is asking?
Upload your document to ClariDoc. We'll explain it in plain English, pull out the deadline and give you a clear next-step checklist — usually in under a minute.