by Asim Abbas
11 November 2026 
Does HMRC owe you money? How to check for a tax refund
Does HMRC owe you money? How to check for a tax refund
Millions of people overpay tax each year, through wrong tax codes, emergency codes, unclaimed expenses or leaving a job partway through the year.
- Check your tax in the HMRC app or personal tax account
- P800 letters show over or underpayments
- Claims can go back four years
- HMRC never texts or emails about refunds
HMRC repays some automatically, but many refunds have to be claimed, and some go back four years.
This guide explains the common reasons for overpaying, how to check and how to claim safely.
Common reasons you’ve overpaid
- An emergency tax code on a new job or pension
- Two jobs both taxed at the wrong code
- Leaving work or retiring partway through the year
- Unclaimed job expenses, uniform or professional fees
- Unclaimed pension relief or Gift Aid as a higher rate taxpayer
- Marriage Allowance not claimed
- Overpaid CIS deductions
- Pension emergency tax on a withdrawal
Tax code checker
Is your tax code right?
How to check
- Log in to the HMRC app or your personal tax account
- Check your tax codes and estimated pay
- Look for a P800 after the tax year, usually by the end of November
- If you file Self Assessment, check your return and SA302
P800 tax calculations
If you’re employed or get a pension, HMRC checks your tax after the year end. If you’ve overpaid, it sends a P800 and you can usually claim online within 21 days, or a cheque is sent.
Amira started a new job in September 2025 and was put on an emergency code for two months. By April 2026 she had overpaid £640. In autumn 2026 she received a P800, claimed online and had the refund in her bank within five working days.
Fixed-fee accountancy support
Transparent monthly packages for sole traders, landlords and limited companies. Fixed fees agreed upfront, VAT included.
Get a fixed-fee quoteCall 0161 531 4179Claiming refunds yourself
- Employment expenses: online or form P87
- Pension emergency tax: P55, P50Z or P53Z
- Leaving the UK: P85
- Self Assessment: amend your return or claim overpayment relief
- CIS: through your Self Assessment return
Avoid refund scams
HMRC never sends refund notifications by text or email, and never asks for bank details that way. Fake messages are common, especially around the January deadline. Report them to HMRC. Also be careful with refund companies charging high fees for claims you can make free.
Use HMRC’s claim a tax refund page, our tax code checker, or our CIS rebate calculator.
What should I do next?
Check codes and pay.
After the tax year.
Back four years.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if HMRC owes me money?
Check your HMRC app or personal tax account, and look out for a P800 after the tax year.
How far back can I claim a tax refund?
Four tax years.
Does HMRC text about tax refunds?
No. Texts and emails about refunds are scams.
How long does a refund take?
Online P800 refunds usually arrive within five working days.
Should I use a tax refund company?
Most claims are simple to do yourself for free.
Need help with this? Wingate Accountants offers fixed-fee online accountancy support across the UK. Call 0161 531 4179 or request a quote at wingateaccountants.co.uk.
About the Author
Ali Imran
I’m Ali Imran, an accountant at Wingate Accountants. I help sole traders, landlords and directors get their returns filed early and accurately, without the last-minute panic.
