Overview
- HMRC, which posted on X on Friday, said almost one million people failed to claim tax refunds last year and urged people to check using its app.
- Under the PAYE system, HMRC checks accounts after the tax year ends in April and sends P800 letters around June that explain how to request a repayment, with many overpayments caused by wrong tax codes, job changes or expense claims.
- Claims made online through a Personal Tax Account or the HMRC app are usually paid in about five working days, while cheques can take up to six weeks.
- Repayments now default to bank transfer by BACS, and HMRC has reduced cheque use after many paper refunds went uncashed, though replacements can still be issued on request.
- Eligible errors can be backdated for up to four tax years, so in April 2026 people can claim as far back as April 2022.