Last updated: 14 October 2026
How long does HMRC take to process tax refunds?
Most Self Assessment refunds are repaid within about 2 to 4 weeks of the return being processed, and PAYE refunds claimed online often arrive within a few weeks. But HMRC has been criticised by MPs, the National Audit Office and taxpayer groups for long delays when claims are checked manually, are made by post or are flagged for security. Paper repayment claims can take months. If your refund is late, you can check its progress in your HMRC account and complain if it goes beyond HMRC’s published service times.
Typical timescales
| Type of refund | What usually happens |
| Self Assessment refund requested on the return | Paid after the return is processed; often within a few weeks |
| PAYE refund after the end of the tax year | HMRC sends a P800 calculation, then pays or sends a cheque |
| Online claim for job expenses | Usually decided within weeks |
| Paper claim (for example form R40 or P87) | Can take several months |
| Claims selected for checks | Longer, until the checks are complete |
Use HMRC’s “Check when you can expect a reply” tool on gov.uk for the latest timescales.
Why refunds get delayed
- The claim is made on paper rather than online
- Bank details are missing or don’t match the taxpayer’s name
- HMRC’s security checks flag the claim as unusual, for example a large expense claim
- There’s tax owing elsewhere, such as a payment on account, which HMRC offsets first
- The figures on the return don’t match information HMRC holds from employers or banks
Criticism of HMRC
HMRC’s service levels have fallen in recent years. Reports have highlighted long call waiting times, slow post handling and staff shortages, and MPs on the Public Accounts Committee have called for improvements. HMRC has responded by encouraging people to use its online services and app, which are usually faster.
Example
Sam files his Self Assessment return online on 10 May showing an overpayment of £1,400 and asks for a refund. The return is processed within days. Because his bank details are already on his HMRC account, he receives the money in about 3 weeks. His colleague, who sent a paper P87 claim for uniform expenses in the same month, waited several months for an answer.
How to speed up your refund
- Claim online through your personal tax account or the HMRC app
2. Make sure your bank details are correct
3. Reply quickly to any HMRC letter asking for evidence
4. Keep receipts and supporting documents ready
5. Use an accountant who can file electronically and chase HMRC through the agent channels
If your refund is very late
Check the status online first. If the published processing time has passed, contact HMRC. If you aren’t happy with the response, you can make a formal complaint, and then ask the Adjudicator’s Office to review it. HMRC may pay repayment interest on overpaid tax from the date it was paid, for some taxes, and may cover reasonable costs caused by its mistakes.
Beware refund scams
Fraudsters exploit refund delays by sending fake “tax refund” texts and emails. HMRC never tells you about a refund by text or email asking for bank details.
Frequently asked questions
Can I phone HMRC to speed up my refund?
Only after the published processing time has passed.
Does HMRC pay interest on late refunds?
Repayment interest is usually added to Self Assessment overpayments.
Can an accountant get a refund faster?
They can’t skip the queue, but they can avoid errors that cause delays.
How far back can I claim?
Usually 4 tax years.
Related: company tax refund timescales and refunds on pension income.
Talk to Accotax
Want this handled for you? Our team at Accotax can help with chasing a delayed tax refund. See our tax refund accountants service, or contact us for a free, no-obligation quote.
This page is general guidance based on HMRC rules for the 2026/27 tax year, checked against gov.uk on 14 October 2026. It is not personal advice, so speak to an accountant about your own situation.
