HMRC will usually refund you automatically
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) will usually pay your refund to the account on your tax return. They can only pay refunds into UK bank accounts.
If you paid by card, HMRC will always try to refund to that card first, even if you’ve provided other bank or building society details in your return. This is for security reasons.
HMRC does not send details of tax refunds by email. You can report suspicious emails to them.
When you’ll get your refund
This will depend on how you sent your Self Assessment return.
If you’re due a refund, you’ll usually get it within 2 weeks of:
- when you sent your return online
- the date on your tax calculation letter (SA302), if you sent a paper return
While HMRC processes your refund, it may still show as available credit in your account. If you got a submission reference, do not request the refund again. This could cause a delay.
If you do not get your refund within 2 weeks
Security measures may cause a delay of up to 12 more weeks. Contact HMRC if you have not got your refund after waiting 14 weeks in total.
Your answers
- 1. What did you pay too much tax on?
- A Self Assessment tax return or bill
- Change 1. What did you pay too much tax on?
- 2. Did you apply for a refund when you completed your tax return?
- Yes
- Change 2. Did you apply for a refund when you completed your tax return?