How Do You Check the Status Of a Tax Refund?
- Adil Akhtar
- Sep 23
- 17 min read
How to Check the Status of Your Tax Refund in the UK: Step-by-Step Guide and Essential 2025 Updates
Picture this: You’ve filed your self-assessment tax return or suspected an overpayment via PAYE, and now you’re eager to confirm whether HMRC owes you a refund. Perhaps you’ve been overtaxed during the year, or your income fell below your personal allowance yet tax was deducted at source. This frustration is common—over 4.7 million PAYE taxpayers received refunds according to HMRC's recent statistics, with an average repayment around £300 in recent years. Knowing how to efficiently check your refund status saves time and stress.
Direct, Practical Steps to Check Your Refund Status
In my years advising clients in London and beyond, the single clearest and fastest way to check a tax refund status is through your HMRC Personal Tax Account or the HMRC App. These digital portals provide a transparent real-time snapshot of your tax affairs.
Here’s a practical checklist for checking your refund:
Log in to your HMRC Online Account or the HMRC App.
● Use your Government Gateway ID credentials you created when filing online or registering for self-assessment.
Navigate to ‘Self Assessment’ if you file a return or ‘Income Tax’ for PAYE taxpayers.
Locate your submitted tax return for the relevant tax year (2024/25, i.e., 6 April 2024 – 5 April 2025).
View your Tax Calculation (SA302) and Tax Year Overview.
● These will confirm if HMRC has processed your tax return.
Check the refund or repayment status.
● Terms like “repayment pending” mean the refund is approved but not yet paid.
Look at ‘Payments and Credits’—you’ll see any payments made or refunds issued.
This process covers individual taxpayers primarily but is also relevant for certain business owners who file self-assessment. For PAYE employees without self-assessment obligations, the personal tax account still tracks overpayments and refunds but may provide less detailed return information.
What “Processed” Means in Practice
In HMRC terms, once your tax return is “processed,” the system will have:
● Assessed your actual tax liability.
● Calculated any overpayments leading to refunds or underpayments requiring extra tax.
● Issued either a repayment order or prompted you to pay shortfalls.
● Made your SA302 document available online reflecting this summary.
Seeing your tax return in the ‘view returns you’ve made before’ list with these documents accessible is a very strong sign HMRC has accepted your figures.
What If You See “Repayment Pending”?
Sometimes refunds take a short while to land in your bank account. Common reasons clients find this frustrating include:
● HMRC’s anti-fraud checks: Refunds may be held for up to 14 days after receipt of tax payments.
● Busy periods: Spring and autumn deadlines mean processing delays.
● Additional HMRC review: Suspicious patterns (large refunds, multiple income streams) can trigger inquiries.
Usually, refunds arrive within 7–10 working days of processing but patience is sometimes necessary.
Real-World Example: Multiple Income Streams Delay
Take Sarah from Bristol, a self-employed graphic designer with a part-time PAYE job. She submitted her 2024/25 tax return in mid-July 2025. The return showed a refund since her PAYE overpaid tax during months she had low freelance earnings.
When Sarah tried to check her refund status through the HMRC app, she only saw “processing” for three weeks despite her records being correct. I advised her to double-check all income entries, especially her PAYE end-of-year forms (P60/P45), and ensure no duplications. Her HMRC account had a slight mismatch in income entries due to late employer submissions. Once corrected, her refund moved to “repayment pending” and she received it within the week.
Up-to-Date 2025/26 Tax Rates and Allowances That Impact Refunds
Understanding the current tax landscape helps when checking for overpayments or expecting refunds from HMRC:
Tax Year | Personal Allowance | Basic Rate | Higher Rate | Additional Rate |
2025/26 (England, Wales, NI) | £12,570 | 20% on £12,571-£50,270 | 40% on £50,271-£125,140 | 45% above £125,140 |
Note that the personal allowance and all thresholds remain frozen since 2021, meaning more taxpayers inch into higher bands over time if their incomes rise. For Scottish taxpayers, the bands differ:
Scottish Tax Year 2025/26 | Band Range | Rate |
Starter Rate | £12,571 - £14,732 | 19% |
Basic Rate | £14,733 - £25,688 | 20% |
Intermediate Rate | £25,689 - £43,662 | 21% |
Higher Rate | £43,663 - £150,000 | 41% |
Top Rate | over £150,000 | 46% |
Welsh taxpayers follow rates similar to England but with occasional variations post-2024 devolution changes.
Why These Rates Matter
If you’re reassessing your tax refund status, knowing these bands helps in:
● Verifying if you’re properly allocated to the right tax bands, particularly if your income sources differ (employee vs. business).
● Spotting calculation errors where perhaps your refund is smaller than expected due to misapplied rates.
● Understanding whether your tax code (which HMRC uses to work out PAYE tax deductions throughout the year) reflects any allowances or adjustments.
What About National Insurance and Other Deductions?
You might wonder, do National Insurance (NI) or other deductions affect tax refunds?
● NI runs separately but is also key for self-employed and business owners. Refunds related to NI errors are less common but can occur after reconciliations.
● For the 2025/26 tax year, Class 1 and Class 2 NI thresholds and rates remain frozen, which means many self-employed individuals and employers will want to double-check payments to avoid overpayments.
● Income Tax refunds do not include NI payments, so it’s important to check both separately.
When to Contact HMRC Directly?
While most refunds appear straightforward, some clients face complications needing direct contact:
● If you see no update after 30 working days following your tax return filing.
● If payment details for a refund need updating or were entered incorrectly.
● In case of discrepancies in income reported on your tax return vs. PAYE submissions.
● If you suspect HMRC imposed a hold due to suspected fraud or anti-money laundering checks.
Telephone helplines and webchat services exist, but times can be long; preparation with all documentation and previous correspondence helps the conversation flow.
Navigating Complex Refund Checks: Multiple Incomes, Regional Rates & Special Cases
Now, let’s think about your situation – if you’re self-employed, juggling multiple income streams, or living in Scotland or Wales, checking your tax refund status gets a tad more intricate. This part unpacks these complexities with practical advice and real-world insights to help you stay on top of your tax affairs.
Multiple Income Sources: Why This Matters for Your Refund Status
Many of the clients I’ve worked with in bustling cities like Manchester and London have more than one income stream – part-time jobs, freelance gigs, rental income, dividends, or even foreign earnings. Having various income sources can complicate your tax calculation and refund status in several ways:
● HMRC may not have perfectly matched all income and payments across your accounts.
● Refunds for overpaid tax can be delayed until all income is fully accounted for in your self-assessment.
● PAYE codes might not fully reflect your total income, especially if you work two jobs or have a side hustle.
Client Case: Tom’s Side Hustle Surprise
Tom, a sales executive in Liverpool, earned a salary through PAYE and started a small online business on the side. Because he didn’t register as self-employed immediately, HMRC’s system couldn’t capture his business income at year-end. When Tom finally filed his self-assessment, he realised he’d overpaid PAYE tax during the year, but the refund was delayed due to the side income mismatch. He had to submit additional evidence and communicate with HMRC to get the overpayment rectified.
What You Can Do
● Use your HMRC personal tax account to ensure all your income sources are recorded.
● If you’re self-employed alongside being employed, file your self-assessment early to speed up refunds.
● Keep communication open with HMRC if you spot discrepancies — multiple incomes require extra scrutiny on their part.
Regional Nuances: Scotland and Wales Tax Bands and Refund Status
If you reside in Scotland or Wales, the tax bands and rates can affect not only how much tax you pay but also the amount and timing of your refunds.
Region | Personal Allowance | Basic Rate | Intermediate/Starter Rate | Higher Rate | Top/Additional Rate |
England/Wales/NI | £12,570 | 20% | N/A | 40% | 45% |
Scotland | £12,570 | 19% | 20% | 21% | 41%/46% |
Wales | £12,570 | 19% | N/A | 41% | 46% |
● Scottish taxpayers pay income tax at different rates across five bands, which can affect how refunds are calculated.
● Wales applies different rates but uses the standard UK tax bands.
● Your refund status and calculation can be complicated if you’ve moved between regions during the tax year.
Anecdote: Fiona’s Cross-Border Puzzle
Fiona moved from Edinburgh to Cardiff mid-tax year. Initially, HMRC applied Scottish rates to her income, then switched to Welsh rates. This created confusion in her personal tax account about her refund status until HMRC manually adjusted the records. Key takeaway: if you move between regions, keep a close eye on your personal tax account and expect potential delays.
Emergency Tax Codes and Refunds: Spotting and Fixing Overpayments
None of us loves tax surprises, but here’s how to avoid them or check a refund if it’s already happened. Emergency tax codes sometimes get applied when HMRC doesn’t have your full payroll or employment details immediately—say, when you start a new job unexpectedly.
This usually means paying tax at the basic or higher rate on all your income without personal allowance deducted, leading to likely overpayment.
Common Signs
● Your payslip shows a tax code starting with “1257L W1,” “M1,” or “X.”
● Your paychecks take unusually large tax deductions until the correct code kicks in.
● You receive a P800 or notice from HMRC about overpayment after the tax year.
Many clients I’ve seen recently, especially those changing roles rapidly, encounter this. The good news is the refund generally happens automatically through payroll or via self-assessment if you claim one.
How to Check and Claim Emergency Tax Refunds
Review your payslips for emergency tax codes.
Log into your HMRC personal tax account to see any automatic tax code updates.
If tax was overpaid and you’re no longer employed by the employer who used the emergency code, claim a refund with HMRC form P50.
For self-assessed taxpayers, ensure emergency tax overpayments are captured in your return.
High-Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC): A Common Refund Headache
The HICBC is often a surprise for families earning over £50,000, where child benefit received must be partially or fully repaid via the tax system. Many clients have been caught off guard by this, especially when they don’t realise their income has pushed them into this charge during the tax year.
This can affect refunds because:
● It may reduce the amount of any tax refund you’re expecting.
● You’ll possibly owe HMRC money rather than get a refund if HICBC applies.
● Refunds can be delayed while HMRC checks your income against child benefit records.
Practical Worksheet to Assess Refund Likelihood
Here’s a quick checklist for handling complex refund situations:
Checklist Item | Yes | No | Notes/Action Needed |
Have I reported all income sources to HMRC? |
|
| Use personal tax account to verify |
Am I aware of the correct tax rates for my region? |
|
| Check Scottish/Welsh rates if applicable |
Have I checked if an emergency tax code applied? |
|
| Review payslips and tax code details |
Could the High-Income Child Benefit Charge apply? |
|
| Review income relative to child benefit received |
Have I submitted the correct forms for refunds? |
|
| E.g., P50 for emergency tax refunds |
Have I allowed 6+ weeks for HMRC processing? |
|
| Contact HMRC if delay exceeds usual timeframe |
In Your Shoes: Business Owners and Deducting Expenses
For business owners, refunds can be trickier, especially when expenses and allowances come into play. Overstating expenses or missing allowable deductions can delay refunds or trigger HMRC queries.
One builder client in Birmingham thought he was owed a substantial tax refund until a detailed review revealed some claimed expenses were disallowed. This led to a revised calculation, resulting in a smaller refund than expected and a lesson in keeping pristine records.
To smooth the refund process:
● Keep clear, dated records of all business expenses.
● Use accounting software that can integrate with HMRC submissions.
● Submit accurate figures on your self-assessment and supply any requested supplementary information promptly.
Advanced Tax Refund Checks: Interpreting HMRC Communications and Troubleshooting Issues
So, the big question on your mind might be, “What if something’s gone sideways with my tax refund?” Whether you’ve received puzzling letters from HMRC, your refund seems stuck in limbo, or you want to double-check calculations yourself, this section steps you through expert tips, practical fixes, and when to seek help.
Understanding HMRC Letters and Notices About Your Refund
HMRC’s correspondence can sometimes feel like a foreign language. Common letters related to refunds include:
● P800: This is a summary showing you’ve paid too much or too little tax during the year, and whether you’re due a refund or need to pay more.
● Simple Assessment: A formal calculation by HMRC if they believe you owe additional tax or have overpaid.
● Tax Calculation Summary: Sent after processing your self-assessment tax return, it details how much tax you owe or how much will be refunded.
When these letters arrive:
● Read them carefully and check their figures against your records.
● Use your personal tax account to verify what HMRC has calculated.
● Don’t ignore requests for more information or document submissions – delays here translate directly into refund hold-ups.
In a recent example, a client in Newcastle got a P800 claiming he owed tax because HMRC didn’t have records of his pension contributions. He swiftly provided proof via the personal tax account, and the refund was processed within weeks. Moral: don’t delay responding to HMRC.
DIY Refund Checks: Manual Income Tax Calculation Worksheet
For those who prefer hands-on checking, here’s a straightforward worksheet you can use to estimate your tax liability and verify if you’re owed a refund:
Step | Calculation | Example (£) | Notes |
1. Total Income (Salary + others) | £45,000 | Input your total income here |
|
2. Less Personal Allowance | £12,570 | Fixed for 2025/26 |
|
3. Taxable Income | (Line 1 - Line 2) | £32,430 |
|
4. Tax Owed @ Basic Rate (20%) | 20% of taxable income ≤ £37,700 | £6,486 |
|
5. Tax Owed @ Higher Rate (40%) | For income above £37,700 | £0 (Example income below threshold) |
|
6. Total Tax Owed | Sum of lines 4 and 5 | £6,486 |
|
7. Tax Paid Through PAYE | From payslips or P60 | £7,000 |
|
8. Estimated Refund or Balance Due | Tax Paid - Tax Owed | £514 (Refund expected) |
|
This calculator helps catch errors like overpaid PAYE or missing allowances. For business owners, add your allowable expenses at Step 2; for Scottish and Welsh taxpayers, adjust rates according to regional tables.
What to Do If Your Refund Is Missing or Disputed
If the refund isn’t appearing as expected:
● Double-check your personal tax account and tax return submission confirmation.
● Look out for any HMRC messages or phone calls requesting further info.
● Check for unpaid tax debts or outstanding liabilities that HMRC might offset against refunds.
● If you suspect an error, call HMRC’s dedicated helpline for tax refunds; have your UTR, NI number, and tax documents handy.
Be careful here, because I’ve seen clients trip up when ignoring HMRC messages, resulting in penalties or extended delays.
How Long Should You Wait? HMRC Refund Timelines
● PAYE corrections and refunds typically process within 4-6 weeks of HMRC identifying an overpayment.
● Self-assessment refunds can take 6-12 weeks after filing online; longer for paper returns.
● Refunds linked to complex cases, like offshore income or charitable donations, might take longer.
● If it’s been over 12 weeks, it’s time to get proactive and check in with HMRC.
Advanced Insight: Avoiding Common Tax Refund Problems
Drawing on years working with businesses and individuals, here are some pitfalls to watch for:
● Missing Dividends/Rental Income: Not reporting these means HMRC may under-calculate your tax liability.
● Incorrect UTR or National Insurance Number: Small typos cause big headaches—always confirm your identifiers before filing.
● Unclaimed Reliefs: Many taxpayers miss tax reliefs on pension contributions, Gift Aid donations, or business expenses. Missing these reduces your refund.
● Emergency Tax Carryovers: Refunds from emergency tax can sometimes be lost if you change jobs mid-year without updating HMRC promptly.
Unique Case: James and the Contractor Confusion
James, a contractor based in London, believed he’d paid sufficient tax under IR35 rules. However, HMRC adjusted his tax calculation after a detailed review of his expenses and deemed some deductions ineligible, which meant his refund was reduced. This case highlights how understanding the rules around contractor expenses and off-payroll working is crucial to accurate refund expectations.
Summary of Key Points
A tax refund means you’ve overpaid tax that HMRC needs to return.
The 2025/26 UK personal allowance is £12,570; basic tax rate is 20% up to £50,270.
Your quickest refund status check is via the HMRC personal tax account.
Scottish and Welsh rates and bands differ; regional residencies affect refunds.
Multiple incomes complicate your refund status; keep HMRC updated.
Emergency tax codes lead to overpayments; claim refunds with form P50 if needed.
The High-Income Child Benefit Charge can reduce refunds or create balances due.
Read and respond promptly to HMRC refund letters to avoid delays.
Manual tax calculations help confirm your expected refund amount.
Delays beyond 6-12 weeks warrant direct contact with HMRC and review of your tax details.
Don’t let tax refund mysteries keep you guessing. With these tools and insights, you’re better equipped than ever to understand, check, and claim what’s rightfully yours.
For detailed official guidance, always refer to HMRC’s resources on personal tax accounts, self-assessment tax returns, and specific forms like P50.
FAQs
Q1: Can someone change their tax code if it’s incorrect?
A1: Well, it’s worth noting that if your tax code looks off—say it’s missing your personal allowance or applying emergency rates—you can contact HMRC to get it corrected. I’ve seen clients in retail who only noticed their tax code mistake after receiving unexpectedly low pay. The key is to flag it early; HMRC can usually adjust it quickly, and any overpaid tax will be refunded, often through payroll rather than a separate claim.
Q2: How do multiple jobs affect checking a tax refund status?
A2: Having more than one job can mess with your PAYE calculations, leading to either overpayment or underpayment of tax. In my experience, the main issue is HMRC applying the full personal allowance against your main job, leaving your second job taxed at the emergency rate. When you check your refund status, make sure both incomes are recorded properly in your personal tax account, or you’ll be waiting for a refund that doesn’t show up because HMRC hasn’t accounted for the second job correctly.
Q3: What should self-employed individuals watch out for when checking refund status?
A3: For the self-employed, your tax refund is tied to your self-assessment filing. A common pitfall is missing income or expenses, which delays processing. For instance, a solicitor I advised in Leeds accidentally omitted a client payment, leading to HMRC pausing her refund pending clarification. Always double-check your return for completeness and keep an eye on your personal tax account where HMRC updates refund progress.
Q4: How do Scottish and Welsh tax rates impact tax refunds?
A4: Ah, a subtle but important point! Scotland and Wales have their own rates and bands, which means your tax calculation—and by extension your refund—might differ from England. If you’ve moved across borders mid-year, make sure your personal tax account reflects those changes. I once helped a client who moved from Cardiff to Edinburgh mid-tax year; the refund was delayed due to rate mismatches on the account. Keeping HMRC updated with your correct address and residency status is vital.
Q5: Can freelancers with irregular income predict when their tax refund will arrive?
A5: Freelancers with fluctuating income often find refunds unpredictable due to payment timings and expense claims. In practice, the sooner you submit your self-assessment, the faster HMRC can process your refund. Waiting until the deadline often means waiting longer. I recommended one Glasgow-based freelancer to submit early because his client payments varied, and it smoothed his cash flow by getting refunds released within six weeks rather than months.
Q6: What happens if I forget to declare rental income when checking my refund status?
A6: Missing rental income is a classic underreporting error that can cause HMRC to adjust your tax position, delaying refunds. A landlord client in Birmingham overlooked a small flat’s income and only realised after HMRC queried a mismatch. The refund she expected was withheld pending extra payments. To avoid this, reconcile all income sources before filing, and monitor your tax account for any requests HMRC might make.
Q7: How can contractors confirm if CIS deductions are correctly reflected for refunds?
A7: Contractors often have CIS deductions taken at source. These should reduce your tax liability. However, I’ve seen builders and subcontractors miss claiming these deductions properly, causing refund discrepancies. The smart move is regularly checking your CIS statements on your personal tax account and ensuring your self-assessment reflects the accurate gross and net amounts. This prevents refund surprises and possible tax shortfalls.
Q8: What’s the best way to confirm if an emergency tax code caused an overpayment?
A8: Emergency tax codes are temporary and typically lead to overpayment, but they’re easy to spot in your payslip — codes like “1257L W1” or “M1” signal emergency coding. If you spot this, check your personal tax account for automatic refunds or consider submitting form P50 if you left the job. In one instance, a client who switched jobs twice in quick succession across Manchester didn’t get the emergency code refund until we submitted the form, speeding up what would otherwise have been a lengthy wait.
Q9: Can someone check refunds related to the High-Income Child Benefit Charge easily?
A9: The High-Income Child Benefit Charge often catches taxpayers unaware, especially when incomes fluctuate near the threshold. You can check your personal tax account to see if HMRC applied this charge, as it can reduce your refund or create a tax bill. For example, a teacher in Norwich who crossed £50,000 in bonuses found the refund tracked there was lower due to this charge. Being aware helps you plan and avoid surprises.
Q10: Are there time limits for claiming a tax refund that affect checking status?
A10: Yes, there are time limits: generally, you have four years from the end of the tax year in which the overpayment happened to claim a refund. If your refund is delayed beyond this, it might be too late to claim. For example, a client recently discovered an overpayment from 2019 but was informed by HMRC that the claim window had closed, underscoring how important timely checks are.
Q11: If I have multiple income streams, how do I ensure my refund is accurate?
A11: It’s vital to collate all taxable income into your self-assessment return or check that your PAYE codes reflect each job’s income separately. I’ve seen business owners juggling sales, consulting income, and rental earnings who mixed dates on receipts, confusing HMRC and delaying refunds. Detailed record-keeping and cross-checking your personal tax account entries help catch such issues early.
Q12: Can a business owner check if allowable expenses are correctly reducing their tax refund?
A12: Definitely, though it requires diligence. Reviewing your self-assessment calculations and receipts is key since overstated or understated expenses impact your refund. For example, a restaurateur in Bristol claimed some personal costs as business expenses, which HMRC flagged during an audit, delaying refund release. Use accounting software integrated with HMRC filing to spot discrepancies before submission.
Q13: How do changes to National Insurance thresholds in 2025 affect refunds?
A13: National Insurance contributions can influence your overall tax liability, especially if you’re self-employed or a director. Changes in thresholds could increase what you owe, reducing refunds. In practice, clients with fluctuating profits often overlook NIC impacts on refunds. Checking your NIC statements alongside your tax account helps clarify whether any refund amounts consider these contributions.
Q14: What should someone do if the refund status shows 'repayment pending' for weeks?
A14: If your account shows 'repayment pending' for longer than expected, first verify that all your submitted information is complete and correct. Periods of high HMRC processing volumes can cause delays, but sometimes HMRC needs extra verification. One client in Leeds waited six weeks until an agent prompted her to provide proof of pension contributions, after which her refund was promptly paid out.
Q15: Can remote workers expect different tax refund experiences post-2025?
A15: Remote work has introduced complexities around tax residency and allowable expenses. Those working partly from home might be entitled to expense reliefs, impacting refund calculations. I’ve advised clients on claiming these correctly, as missing them can understate refunds. Verifying your tax code and checking your personal tax account for these allowances helps ensure your refund is neither under- nor over-estimated.
Q16: How can someone check if their tax refund includes Gift Aid relief?
A16: Gift Aid donations give you extra tax relief and potentially increase refunds. Whether claiming through PAYE or self-assessment, ensure your donations are properly recorded. A friend of mine donating regularly for charity noticed her refund was smaller than expected until she updated her personal tax account with Gift Aid details. Checking the “Tax Calculation” document in your account reveals if Gift Aid is factored in.
Q17: What happens if a taxpayer’s National Insurance number is incorrect in HMRC’s system?
A17: This seemingly minor error can have major refund delays because HMRC can’t properly match your payments or returns. I dealt with a client in Sheffield whose refund was stuck for months until we corrected a typo in his NI number. If your refund seems unusually delayed, checking and confirming your NI number in your personal tax account is a smart first move.
Q18: Are refunds for pension contributions processed differently?
A18: Yes, refunds related to pension contributions often depend on whether relief is given at source or via your tax return. For higher-rate taxpayers, claiming relief through self-assessment increases refunds. A consultant in Newcastle missed out on a refund because her pension contributions weren’t fully declared on her return. Reviewing pension payment records and matching against your tax calculation is critical.
About The Author:
Adil Akhtar, ACMA, CGMA, CEO and Chief Accountant of Pro Tax Accountant, is an esteemed tax blog writer with over 10 years of expertise in navigating complex tax matters. For more than three years, his insightful blogs have empowered UK taxpayers with clear, actionable advice. Leading Advantax Accountants as well, Adil blends technical prowess with a passion for demystifying finance, cementing his reputation as a trusted authority in tax education.
Email: adilacma@icloud.com
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