HMRC tax refunds: Nearly a million Brits could be owed money – here’s how to check.
Almost one million people across the UK could be due a tax refund without even realising it.
HMRC tax refunds are being overlooked by hundreds of thousands of taxpayers, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has warned. The department is now urging the public to check if they’re eligible to reclaim cash they may have overpaid.
In a recent post on X (formerly Twitter), HMRC stated: “Don’t miss out on your tax refund! Almost 1 million people haven’t claimed the money they’re owed. Use the HMRC app to check today.”
Don’t miss out on your tax refund!
Almost 1 million people haven’t claimed the money they’re owed.
Use the HMRC app to check today. https://t.co/EJ2kO5v6cr pic.twitter.com/A7Vj8L1jR5
— HM Revenue & Customs (@HMRCgovuk) July 22, 2025
The message serves as a reminder that not all refunds are automatic. Some taxpayers may need to actively claim the money that’s rightfully theirs.
Refunds are typically owed to those who’ve paid too much on income from wages, pensions, redundancy payments, savings interest, or payment protection insurance (PPI).
A common cause is being assigned the wrong tax code. People who’ve lived abroad with UK income, or who earned foreign income while based in the UK, may also be entitled to a refund.
Each summer, HMRC begins issuing P800 tax calculation letters. These show how much tax you’ve paid compared to what you should have paid.
Around four million of these letters will be sent between now and November 30, 2025. If there’s a discrepancy in your favour, the letter will explain how to claim a refund, either via bank transfer or cheque.
Taxpayers can file a claim through the official government website, by logging into their personal tax account, using the HMRC app, or by contacting HMRC directly. There’s also a tax refund eligibility checker available on Gov.uk.
More details on the HMRC tax refund letters being sent to millions of UK households are already available for those looking to understand what to expect.
For those opting for a bank transfer, refunds are typically processed within five working days. If you choose to receive a cheque, it can take up to six weeks. If your letter states a cheque is being sent automatically, it should arrive within 14 days of the letter’s date, according to Devon Live.
If something in your tax calculation seems incorrect, HMRC recommends getting in touch. And if you haven’t received a letter yet, it may simply mean your calculation hasn’t been completed.
The department also issued a warning about scams. With refund season underway, fraudsters are increasingly posing as HMRC, sending fake texts, emails, or making phone calls to trick people into revealing personal information.
“Brits have also been warned by MoneySavingExpert to stay alert to fraudsters pretending to be HMRC online and over the phone.”
HMRC emphasised that it never contacts taxpayers about refunds via text, email, or phone. Genuine communications always arrive by post, and HMRC will never ask for your banking details out of the blue.
If you suspect you’re owed money, don’t delay. Open the HMRC app, log in to your account, or visit Gov.uk. You could be sitting on a refund without knowing it.
