Claim a tax refund from HMRC safely

Use this guide if you think you have overpaid tax, have received a letter about a refund or are paying for work costs yourself. Have your National Insurance number, recent payslips, your P60 and any receipts for work expenses ready.

Step by step

1. Check for common reasons you overpaid

   Overpayments often happen after a new job, leaving work part way through the tax year, being on an emergency tax code or having more than one job. You may also be able to claim tax relief for things like uniform cleaning, professional fees or buying tools you need for work. Note which apply to you.

2. Sign in to your HMRC account

   Set up or sign in to your personal tax account on GOV.UK or the HMRC app. Check your tax code, income and the tax paid for each job. Your account may show a tax calculation telling you whether you have paid too much.

3. Claim work expenses

   Use the claim tax relief for job expenses service on GOV.UK if you pay for work-related costs your employer does not repay. Many jobs have flat-rate amounts for uniforms and tools, or you can claim the actual cost with receipts. Check the current eligibility rules before claiming.

4. Deal with a P800 or refund letter

   HMRC may send a tax calculation letter, called a P800, if you paid too much or too little. Follow its instructions, which usually involve claiming online or waiting for a cheque. Check the figures against your P60 and payslips.

5. Claim directly, not through an agent

   You can claim a refund from HMRC yourself for free. Tax refund companies can take a large share of your refund and may keep future refunds too. If you do use one, read the fee and any authorisation you sign carefully.

6. Keep records

   Save receipts, your claim reference and any letters for at least the time HMRC recommends. Note the date you claimed. If you were wrong about a claim, tell HMRC so it can be corrected.

Ready-to-use checklist

• National Insurance number found
• HMRC personal tax account set up
• Tax code checked for each job
• P60 and payslips gathered
• Work expenses and receipts listed
• Claim made directly with HMRC
• Claim reference saved
• Refund checked when it arrives

Practical tips

• HMRC does not send refund notices by text or email with links to click; treat these as scams and report them.
• If you are married or in a civil partnership, check on GOV.UK whether you qualify for Marriage Allowance.
• If you fill in a Self Assessment tax return, claim expenses and refunds through your return instead.

Common problems

This guide gives general information, not personal legal, financial or medical advice. Rules and prices change, so check the current position with the official service before acting.

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