HMRC has urged 700,000 people to claim a tax refund averaging £473, after the tax authority revealed that "almost 700,000 people didn't claim back the money they're owed" last year. The Labour Party government's tax arm says some refunds could be worth thousands of pounds.
P800 letters sent to workers and pensioners
P800 Tax Calculation letters are issued to employed workers and pensioners who have overpaid tax due to changes in employment or incorrect tax codes. An HMRC spokesperson said: "We wrote to customers this summer to inform them they are due a refund, and need to claim it."
Approximately four million P800s were dispatched this summer, with the final batch expected by 30 November 2025. Claims can be backdated up to four years, meaning those who received letters as far back as 2021 may still be eligible.
How to check and claim your refund
BBC Radio 4 Money Box journalist Dan Whitworth advised: "If you get one of these letters, the advice is simple: check it carefully. You can log in to your personal tax account or the HMRC app to confirm the refund." He added: "These are known as P800 letters. They are sent when HMRC believes you've overpaid tax, often due to changes in your employment or circumstances that haven't been reflected immediately in your tax code."
Taxpayers can check if they're owed money using the online checker tool on the Gov.uk website, with most overpayments occurring due to job changes, multiple income sources, or incorrect tax codes. For those unable to use online services, Mr Whitworth said: "You can contact HMRC by phone on 0300 200 3300 or by post to Pay As You Earn and Self Assessment, HM Revenue and Customs, BX9 1AS."
Beware of scammers impersonating HMRC
Experts have warned of scammers exploiting the situation by impersonating HMRC via text, email or phone calls. However, genuine HMRC refund notifications are always sent by post, though claims can be processed online through GOV.UK or the HMRC app.
Mr Whitworth concluded: "These letters are genuine and could mean you are owed hundreds of pounds."
