Tax Refund Claims

If you overpay tax through your employer or pension scheme, HMRC usually sends a P800 calculation or Simple Assessment letter between June and January after the tax year. These documents indicate if you’ve overpaid and outline the refund amount if applicable. Common reasons for refunds include incorrect tax codes, holding multiple jobs, failing to claim allowable expenses or changes in pension contributions. The P800 or Simple Assessment will detail the tax owed or refund due and provide further instructions.

To claim your refund from your P800, the quickest method is online via the GOV—UK website. You’ll need the P800 reference number and your National Insurance number. You can opt for a direct bank transfer, which typically arrives within five working days, or request a cheque, which may take up to six weeks to arrive.

If you haven’t received a P800 or Simple Assessment but believe you’ve overpaid, you can still claim your refund. Log in to your Personal Tax Account on GOV.UK and select “Claim a tax refund.” If you don’t have an account, you can create one using your National Insurance number. Alternatively, you can call HMRC’s helpline for assistance.

You have up to four years from the end of the tax year in which you overpaid to reclaim any tax that is due to you. For example, if you overpaid during the 2020–21 tax year, which ended on 5 April 2021, you have until 5 April 2025 to make your claim. After this deadline, HMRC will no longer accept refund requests for that year, so it is important to review your annual tax position in good time. Marking your diary with the relevant four-year cut-off dates helps ensure you do not miss the window for any claim.

Several common situations lead to tax overpayments. If you hold more than one job in the same tax year, your Personal Allowance—the amount you can earn tax-free—may not be split correctly between your employers, resulting in too much tax being deducted. Another frequent cause is a change in pension contributions part-way through the year. Higher contributions reduce your taxable pay, but unless your tax code is adjusted, your employer may keep deducting tax at the old rate. Unclaimed employment expenses such as travel, professional subscriptions or tools can also lead to overpaid tax if you do not notify HMRC and adjust your tax code or file a Self Assessment.

Keeping accurate records simplifies the refund process. Save your payslips, P60 forms, and any receipts for allowable expenses. These documents are essential for self-assessment claims on large expenses or complex income tax returns. Always verify the values on your P60 against the P11D, as this helps avoid under- or over-payments.

Review your tax code and annual tax position after 5 April. If you find an error, you can adjust your tax code for the new year or claim a refund through your Personal Tax Account. Acting promptly helps recover owed money and avoids interest charges from HMRC for underpayments. Staying organized ensures your tax affairs remain accurate.