Last updated: 19 October 2026
Millions of people pay too much tax each year, usually because of a wrong tax code, leaving a job part-way through the year, or not claiming expenses they are entitled to. HMRC will repay overpaid tax, but you sometimes need to claim it. This guide explains how HMRC tax refunds work, how to claim, which time limits apply and how to get your money faster.
What Is an HMRC Tax Refund?
A tax refund (or rebate) is a repayment of Income Tax you paid but did not owe. It can arise through PAYE, Self Assessment, or tax taken off savings, pensions or CIS payments.
How Does HMRC Refund Tax?
Refunds are paid by bank transfer, by cheque, or through your pay when HMRC corrects your tax code during the year. If you are owed tax from a Self Assessment return, the refund is paid to the bank account you give, or set against your next payment on account if you ask.
Will I Get a Refund Automatically?
If you pay tax through PAYE, HMRC reconciles your record after the tax year ends on 5 April. If you have overpaid, it sends a P800 tax calculation, normally between June and the end of November. Some P800s let you claim online; others say a cheque will be sent to you automatically.
You will not get a P800 if you file a Self Assessment return, and HMRC cannot refund expenses it does not know about, so many refunds still have to be claimed.
What If I Don’t Claim?
You can claim overpaid tax for the previous four tax years. In 2026/27 you can still claim back to the 2022/23 tax year, but the deadline for 2022/23 is 5 April 2027. After that, the refund is lost.
How to Claim Overpaid Tax From HMRC
If You Receive a P800
Follow the instructions on the letter. If it says you can claim online, sign in to your personal tax account or the HMRC app; refunds are usually in your bank account within about five working days. You can also ask for a cheque, which takes up to six weeks. If the letter says a cheque will be sent automatically, it should arrive within 14 days of the date on the letter.
If You File a Self Assessment Return
Any refund is calculated when you file. Claim it through your online account. Refunds normally arrive within a few weeks, although HMRC may check larger claims first.
If You Have Stopped Working During the Year
If you have left a job and are not starting another one or claiming taxable benefits, you can claim a refund in-year using form P50, with your P45.
For Previous Years With No P800
Contact HMRC or use the relevant online form, for example P87 for employment expenses. If your expenses are over £2,500, you need to claim through Self Assessment.
What You Need Before You Start
- Your National Insurance number.
- P60s and P45s for the years you are claiming.
- Payslips, and details of any benefits in kind.
- Receipts for expenses, mileage logs and professional subscriptions.
- Your Government Gateway login for your personal tax account.
Common Reasons for a Tax Refund
- Emergency or wrong tax code after starting a new job.
- Leaving work part-way through the year without starting another job.
- Uniforms and work clothing you wash and maintain yourself; most people can claim a flat rate of £60 a year. See uniform tax rebates.
- Business mileage in your own vehicle where your employer pays less than HMRC’s approved rate of 55p a mile for the first 10,000 business miles and 25p a mile after that. You can claim relief on the shortfall.
- Professional fees and subscriptions to HMRC-approved bodies.
- Marriage Allowance, which lets a non-taxpayer transfer £1,260 of their Personal Allowance to a basic-rate partner, saving up to £252 a year, and can be backdated four years.
- Pension contributions where higher-rate relief has not been claimed.
- CIS deductions for subcontractors. See our CIS tax refund service.
- Working from home costs for 2025/26 and earlier years. Employees can no longer claim relief for unreimbursed homeworking costs from 6 April 2026, but you can still claim for up to four earlier years if you were required to work from home.
HMRC Tax Refund Timescales
| Claim route | Typical time |
|---|---|
| P800 claimed online by bank transfer | Within 5 working days |
| P800 claimed online, cheque requested | Within 6 weeks |
| P800 says a cheque will be sent automatically | Within 14 days of the date on the letter |
| Self Assessment refund | Usually a few weeks after filing |
| Postal forms (P87, P50) | Can take several weeks |
How to Get Your Refund Faster
- Claim online through your personal tax account or the HMRC app.
- Give correct bank details and keep your address up to date.
- Have evidence ready in case HMRC asks for it.
- Avoid tax refund companies that charge high fees for claims you can make easily yourself.
Beware of Scams
HMRC never tells you about a refund by text, email or phone call asking for bank details. Only use GOV.UK, your personal tax account or the HMRC app, and report suspicious messages to HMRC.
What If HMRC Has Refunded Too Much?
If HMRC overpays you, it will ask for the money back, usually by adjusting your tax code for the following year or through Self Assessment. If you owe less than £3,000 and pay through PAYE, it is normally collected through your tax code over the next year.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find out if HMRC owes me money?
Check your personal tax account or the HMRC app after the tax year ends, and look out for a P800. You can also check your tax code and income figures for each year.
How far back can I claim a tax refund?
Four tax years. During 2026/27 you can claim back to 2022/23.
Can I claim working from home tax relief for 2026/27?
No. The relief for unreimbursed homeworking costs ended on 6 April 2026. Your employer can still reimburse eligible costs tax-free.
Is a tax refund taxable?
No. A refund is your own tax being returned. Any interest HMRC adds (repayment interest) is taxable.
Final Thoughts
Check your tax code every year, keep records of your work expenses and claim within four years. If your situation is more complicated, for example multiple jobs, CIS work or a mix of employment and self-employment, our tax refund accountants can work out what you are owed and claim it for you. Contact us to get started.
