You must take action if you get a particular letter from HMRC
You could get a letter from HMRC(Image: Getty)
HMRC has set out some key dates about when customers can expect to get a tax refund. The group has also shared some guidance about letters going out to taxpayers.
The back payments issue was put in the spotlight after a parent contacted HMRC on social media. They wanted some help regarding their son’s situation, as he had overpaid tax after losing his job during the 2025/2026 tax year. The parent said that the overpayment details were already listed on his online record, They posed the question: “This is recorded on his personal tax account. When will he exactly receive his refund?”
Setting out the primary timelines to note, HMRC replied: “Your son will receive his refund within five working days if he claims it online through his personal tax account.” Alternatively, if you request a paper cheque to be sent in the post, this “takes up to six weeks to arrive”, the group said.
The parent followed up with another question about expected dispatch dates for outstanding funds. They queried: “The money has been outstanding since the end of the tax year.
“You say HMRC will mail the cheque, when should that have been sent?” In response, HMRC clarified: “It could be any time between June and November. To expedite this I would suggest contacting the income tax helpline.”
HMRC statement
The tax body was asked to explain in more detail the process for claiming a tax refund. An HMRC spokesperson said: “Customers who have overpaid tax through PAYE receive a P800 tax calculation letter which explains what action they need to take to claim the money owed, either via gov.uk or the HMRC app.
“Anyone yet to receive a letter can check if they are due a refund by logging into their personal tax account or the HMRC app.” The Government body said that its peak operational period for resolving PAYE end-of-year refunds is from June to July.
This is when the department focuses its work on issuing tax calculations and processing overpayments. People who are owed money back must take active steps to claim it.
After policy changes brought in from May 2024, HMRC no longer automatically issues a paper cheque in the post 21 days after sending a P800 letter. The burden is now on the taxpayer to take action and request the refund themself once they get the letter.
