Tax overpayments and underpayments

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If your tax calculation letter (P800) says you’re due a refund

Your tax calculation letter (also known as a P800) will tell you how you can get your refund.

If your tax calculation letter says you can claim online

To claim online, you’ll need your Government Gateway user ID and password.

If you do not have a Government Gateway account, you can create one.

To create a Government Gateway account, you’ll need your National Insurance number or postcode and 2 of the following:

  • a valid UK passport
  • a UK photocard driving licence issued by the DVLA (or DVA in Northern Ireland)
  • a payslip from the last 3 months or a P60 from your employer for the last tax year
  • details of a tax credit claim if you made one
  • details from a Self Assessment tax return if you made one
  • information held on your credit record if you have one (such as loans, credit cards or mortgages)

Claim now

You can also claim your refund through the HMRC app.

When you’ll get your refund

You’ll be sent the money within 5 working days - it’ll be in your UK account once your bank has processed the payment.

If you do not claim your refund online within 21 days, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) will send you a cheque. You’ll get this within 6 weeks of the date on your tax calculation letter.

If your tax calculation letter says you’ll get a cheque

Your tax calculation letter will tell you if HMRC will send you a cheque.

You do not need to contact HMRC to make a claim - you’ll automatically get the cheque by post.

When you’ll get your refund

You’ll get your cheque within 14 days of the date on your letter.

If you’re owed tax from more than one year, you’ll get a single cheque for the entire amount.