4 Million Tax Refund Letters Being Sent – Here’s What You Need to Know
🚨 4 Million Tax Refund Letters Being Sent – Here’s What You Need to Know
Between June and August, HMRC is issuing around 4 million income tax refund letters to taxpayers across the UK. If you receive one, it could mean you're owed a refund – but it’s also a time when scammers are most active, pretending to be HMRC to steal personal information or money.
At Barnett & Co Accountants, we’re here to help you understand whether your letter is genuine and what steps to take to safely claim any refund owed to you.
Who Is Receiving These Letters?
The tax letters – known as a P800 – are being sent to people who have overpaid income tax, often through the PAYE system. This includes:
Employees with incorrect tax codes
People who started a new job and were paid by two employers in the same month
Individuals who recently began receiving a workplace pension
Recipients of Employment and Support Allowance or Jobseeker's Allowance
If you fall into any of these categories, there is a chance you may receive a refund letter.
How to Spot a Genuine Letter from HMRC
Fraudsters often impersonate HMRC, especially during refund season. To stay safe:
✅ HMRC will always write to you by post – never by text, email or unsolicited calls demanding action
✅ If you're owed money, you'll either be issued a cheque automatically or be instructed to claim via HMRC’s official website
❌ Never click on links in suspicious letters, texts or emails – fake websites can look identical to the real thing
If you're unsure, always go to the official site:
👉 www.gov.uk/tax-overpayments-and-underpayments/if-youre-due-a-refund
How to Claim Your Refund Safely
Depending on what your P800 letter says, HMRC may:
Send you a cheque by post automatically within 14 days – no action needed
Ask you to claim online using your P800 reference number and National Insurance number
In this case, you can request payment directly into your UK bank account or opt for a cheque
Be aware:
HMRC will never ask for personal or banking information by email, text or cold calls.
Prefer Not to Claim Online?
There are alternative, official ways to claim your refund:
✅ Log in to your Personal Tax Account
✅ Use the HMRC App
✅ Call HMRC and request your refund by cheque
📌 Online claims are typically paid within five working days.
📬 Cheques can take up to six weeks.
Need Help or Advice?
At Barnett & Co Accountants, we help individuals and businesses navigate HMRC correspondence, refunds, and compliance. If you’re unsure about your tax refund letter, or need help with any part of the claims process, do not hesitate to contact us.
📞 Call us: 0345 646 1516
📧 Email: info@barnettandco.uk
🌐 Website: www.barnettandco.uk
Stay safe. Stay informed. And never share your personal or banking information unless you’re 100% sure it’s HMRC.
