How do I know if I'm owed a tax refund UK?

Common signs: you left a job mid-year, worked multiple jobs, had wrong tax code, paid emergency tax, made pension contributions not claimed, or had work expenses. Check your P60 and payslips against what you should have paid using HMRC's tax calculator.

How long does a tax refund take from HMRC?

Online claims typically take 5-6 weeks for a cheque, or faster if refunded to your bank account. Simple claims may be processed in 2-3 weeks. Complex claims or busy periods can take longer. You can check progress in your HMRC online account.

Can I claim tax back for previous years?

Yes — you can claim tax refunds for the last 4 tax years. So in 2026/27, you can claim back to 2022/23. If you're owed money from further back, you've likely missed the deadline. Check each year separately.

Do I need to fill in a tax return to get a refund?

Not always. Many refunds can be claimed by contacting HMRC directly, using online forms, or through your Personal Tax Account. Self Assessment is only needed if you're already required to file one. HMRC will advise on the best route.

How to Claim Tax Back from HMRC

A complete guide to checking if you’re owed tax back and how to claim it.

Common Reasons for Tax Refunds

When You Might Be Owed Money

Situation	Why You’re Owed
Left job mid-year	May have overpaid
Wrong tax code	Too much deducted
Emergency tax	Temporary higher rate
Multiple jobs	Allowance not split right
Pension contributions	Relief not given
Work expenses	Not claimed
Marriage allowance	Not claimed
Started/stopped work	Part-year earnings

Check Your Situation

Scenario	Likely Refund?
Worked part of year	Yes
Tax code has ‘W1’ or ‘M1’	Possibly
Changed jobs	Possibly
First UK job	Check emergency tax
Made Gift Aid donations	Possibly (higher rate)

Step 1: Check If You’ve Overpaid

Using Your P60

What to Check	Details
Total pay	Box showing gross pay
Total tax paid	Tax deducted in year
Compare to	What you should pay

Simple Check

Calculate	Amount
Your total earnings	£_____
Personal allowance	-£12,570
Taxable income	£_____
Tax due (20% on first band)	£_____
Tax actually paid (P60)	£_____
Difference	Potential refund

Online Calculator

Resource	Use
HMRC tax calculator	gov.uk/estimate-income-tax
Enter your earnings	Get expected tax
Compare to P60	See difference

Step 2: Set Up Personal Tax Account

Why You Need It

Benefit	Details
See tax records	All in one place
Check tax code	Is it correct?
Claim refunds	Some claims online
Track claims	See progress

How to Set Up

Step	Action
1	Go to gov.uk/personal-tax-account
2	Click ‘Sign in’
3	Create Government Gateway account
4	Verify identity
5	Access your records

Claiming Methods

Method 1: Personal Tax Account

Best For	Process
Simple overpayments	Log in
Tax code issues	Check codes
Recent years	Request review

Method 2: Phone HMRC

Contact	Details
Number	0300 200 3300
Hours	Mon-Fri 8am-6pm
Have ready	NI number, P60

Method 3: Online Forms

Form	Use For
P50	When you stop work
P53	Small pension lump sums
P55	Flexible pension access
P87	Work expenses

Method 4: Self Assessment

Required If
Self-employed
High earner
Multiple income sources
Already file one

Specific Claim Types

Work From Home Tax Relief

What	Details
Amount	£6/week (no receipts)
Or	Actual costs (with receipts)
Claim	Via P87 or Self Assessment
Worth	~£62/year (basic rate)

How to Claim WFH

Step	Action
1	Go to gov.uk/tax-relief-for-employees
2	Select ‘Working from home’
3	Follow online claim process
4	HMRC adjusts tax code

Uniform and Work Expenses

Expense	Flat Rate
Uniform upkeep	£60/year typical
Tools	Varies by trade
Professional subscriptions	Actual cost

Industry	Annual Allowance
Healthcare	£125
Engineering	£140
Construction	£140
Retail	£60

How to Claim Expenses

Step	Action
1	Go to gov.uk/tax-relief-for-employees
2	Select expense type
3	Complete P87 online
4	Receive refund or code change

Pension Tax Relief

Situation	Action
Workplace pension (relief at source)	Auto for basic rate
Higher rate taxpayer	Claim extra via SA
SIPP contributions	Claim if not automatic

Marriage Allowance

What	Details
Transfer	Up to £1,260 to spouse
If	One earns under £12,570
Worth	Up to £252/year
Backdate	Up to 4 years

How to Claim

Step	Action
1	Go to gov.uk/marriage-allowance
2	Check eligibility
3	Apply online
4	HMRC adjusts both codes

Emergency Tax Refunds

Signs of Emergency Tax

Indicator	Meaning
Tax code ‘BR’	All taxed at basic rate
Tax code ‘OT’	No allowance
‘W1’ or ‘M1’	Week 1/Month 1 basis
Much higher deductions	Than expected

How to Fix

Step	Action
1	Give new employer P45
2	Or complete starter checklist
3	Wait for code to correct
4	Overpaid tax refunded in wages
5	Or claim refund if left job

After You’ve Left a Job

Form P50

Use When	You’ve
Stopped working
Not claiming benefits
Not starting new job soon

How to Claim

Step	Action
1	Get form P50 from gov.uk
2	Complete with P45 details
3	Post to HMRC
4	Receive refund

If Starting New Job

Situation	Action
Give P45	To new employer
Tax code updated	Automatically
Any overpayment	Refunded in wages

How Refunds Are Paid

Payment Methods

Method	Timeframe
Through wages	Next pay run
Bank transfer	If requested
Cheque	5-6 weeks typical
Tax code adjustment	Spread over year

Chasing Your Refund

If Delayed	Action
Check online	Personal Tax Account
After 6 weeks	Phone HMRC
Have reference	From claim

Time Limits

How Far Back?

Filed By	Can Claim From
2026/27	2022/23 onwards
2025/26	2021/22 onwards
Older years	Too late

Don’t Delay

Reason	Action
Older refunds lost	Check all 4 years
Money waiting	Claim now
Interest-free	To you

Summary

Claim Type	Method
Tax code wrong	Personal Tax Account
Left job mid-year	P50 form
Work expenses	P87 online
Marriage allowance	gov.uk application
Higher rate pension relief	Self Assessment

Step	Action
1	Check P60 vs expected tax
2	Set up Personal Tax Account
3	Identify claim type
4	Use appropriate method
5	Track and receive refund