🇬🇧 UK · 2026/27 Tax Year · Free

How to claim a tax refund from HMRC.

HMRC holds hundreds of millions in unclaimed tax refunds every year. Here is the exact, step-by-step process for every method — with no jargon.

📅

Claim window

Up to 4 years back

💷

Average refund

£350 – £900

⏱

Processing time

5 weeks online

✉️

Deadline

31 Jan each year (SA)

Choose the method that works for you.

💻

Via HMRC Personal Tax Account (online)

⏱ 5–10 minutes to submit · 5 weeks to receiveDifficulty: Easy
  1. Go to gov.uk/personal-tax-account and sign in with your Government Gateway ID (or create one).
  2. Select 'Check your Income Tax' from the main menu.
  3. Click 'Check if you paid the right amount of tax' for the relevant tax year.
  4. HMRC will show you a calculation. If you've overpaid, click 'Claim a refund'.
  5. Choose how to receive the refund — direct to your bank account (fastest) or cheque.
  6. HMRC will process within 5 weeks (usually faster).
Best for: Most employed people checking the current or previous year.
📞

By phone (HMRC Income Tax helpline)

⏱ 20–45 minutes on hold · 5–10 weeks for refundDifficulty: Moderate
  1. Call HMRC on 0300 200 3300 (Monday–Friday, 8am–6pm).
  2. Have your National Insurance number ready.
  3. Ask the agent to check if you've overpaid tax for the year(s) in question.
  4. If there's an overpayment, request a refund by cheque or bank transfer.
  5. Allow 10 working days for confirmation letter and up to 5 weeks for payment.
Best for: People without online access or those with more complex situations.
📄

Via Self Assessment tax return

⏱ 1–2 hours to file · 5 weeks for refund after filingDifficulty: Moderate
  1. Register for Self Assessment at gov.uk if not already registered.
  2. File your tax return for the relevant year by the deadline (online: 31 January).
  3. Any overpaid tax will appear as a repayment on your calculation.
  4. HMRC will repay the amount to your bank account (if registered) or send a cheque.
Best for: Self-employed people, directors, and higher earners with complex tax affairs.

Important deadlines.

You can claim overpaid tax from HMRC going back 4 tax years. After that, the claim is time-barred and HMRC will not process it. For example, in the 2026/27 tax year, you can claim back to 2022/23.

2022/23 overpaymentClaim by 5 April 2027
2023/24 overpaymentClaim by 5 April 2028
2024/25 overpaymentClaim by 5 April 2029
2025/26 overpaymentClaim by 5 April 2030

⚠️ Self Assessment deadline: If you need to file a Self Assessment return to claim (e.g. for higher-rate pension relief or employment expenses), the online filing deadline is 31 January following the end of the tax year.

Check your full take-home pay

Make sure your monthly budget adds up. Use our comprehensive payslip calculator to see exactly how much you will take home after tax, pension, and student loan deductions.

Take Home Pay Calculator →

Frequently Asked Questions

How far back can I claim a tax refund from HMRC?↓
You can claim a tax refund for up to 4 previous tax years. For example, during the 2026/27 tax year, the earliest year you can claim for is 2022/23. The absolute deadline to claim is April 5th of the fourth year after the tax year you're claiming for.
How long does it take HMRC to pay a tax refund?↓
If you claim online through your Personal Tax Account directly to a UK bank account, it typically takes 5 to 10 working days. If you request a cheque, it can take up to 5 weeks. Claims made via phone or paper forms can take significantly longer (up to 12 weeks during busy periods).
How will HMRC send my tax refund?↓
HMRC will usually send your refund via BACS transfer directly to your bank account if you claim online and provide your details. Otherwise, they will send a cheque (payable to you) to your home address.
Can I get a tax refund if I didn't work a full year?↓
Yes. In fact, working only part of the tax year is one of the most common reasons for overpaying tax. Your tax-free personal allowance (£12,570) is divided across the whole year, so if you only work 6 months, you may have paid tax on income that should have been covered by your allowance.

Related guides & tools

🤔
Am I Overpaying Tax?
8 most common causes
→🔍
Wrong Tax Code?
How to identify and fix it
→⚡
Emergency Tax Explained
Why you might be on emergency tax
→