HMRC explains 3-week rule for when you should get tax refund
HMRC has explained the rules around tax refunds and how long they take to arrive. The update came after a taxpayer contacted a taxpayer as they were expecting to receive a refund.
They asked over social media: "I had a call yesterday about a tax refund, guy on the phone said a cheque will be sent, anyway you guys can confirm whether it's been processed? As on my gateway it's still showing me I can claim the money."
A person can manage some of their tax affairs by setting up a Government Gateway and personal tax account, on the gov.uk website. You can use your account to claim a tax refund, as well as to submit and manage a self assessment tax return.
HMRC replied to ask the person if they had asked HMRC to call them about their refund and if they had shared any personal details with the representative they spoke to, such as their bank details. The customer said they had called up to ask why they couldn't claim the cash online.
They were told it was too late to claim the amount online and that HMRC would have to send out a cheque instead. The person said they did not share any bank details on the call. HMRC then asked if the person they spoke to had told them whether or not they had "completed the referral to arrange a replacement repayment".
To this the customer responded: "I think he said they can only do a cheque and I think he said that's done for you and then the call ended, but I didn't get a email confirming it or anything like that and on my gateway it still says I'm owed money."
HMRC then explained: "If it's the first time this repayment is being issued by cheque, then it can take up to 2-3 weeks. You won't get any notifications about this yet."
The gov.uk website states that if you get a P800 tax calculation letter informing you that you are owed a refund, if you claim the amount online it will take up to five working days to arrive. If you ask for HMRC to send you a cheque, it can take up to six weeks to arrive.
However, if your letter states that HMRC will send you a cheque, this should arrive within 14 days of the date of the letter. If you are owed tax for more than one year, you will get a single cheque for the entire amount.
The guidance explains: "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."
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