If you have received a P800 tax calculation from HMRC showing that you are owed a refund, there is one important thing to know: in most cases the money will not reach you automatically. You need to actively claim it. This short guide explains why and walks you through the quickest way to get your refund paid into your bank account.
What has changed
HMRC used to post a cheque automatically to anyone who had overpaid tax. That is no longer the case. Since 31 May 2024, HMRC no longer sends out automatic cheques for P800 refunds where the letter directs you to claim online.
If your P800 tells you that you can claim online and you take no action, the refund simply stays sitting on your tax record unclaimed. It will not be paid to you, and it is not something we as your agent can release on your behalf through our system. HMRC has deliberately moved these repayments to a process where you, the taxpayer, request the money directly.
The one exception is where your P800 letter explicitly states that a cheque will be sent. In that case, no action is needed and the cheque will arrive by post to the address HMRC has on record for you
How to claim your refund online
Claiming online is the fastest and most secure route, and it is free. Before you start, have two things to hand: the P800 reference number printed at the top of your letter, and your National Insurance number.
You can claim in any of these ways:
- HMRC app: open the app, go to the Pay As You Earn (PAYE) section, and look for a green Claim button showing the repayment amount. Tap it to start your claim and request payment by bank transfer.
- Personal Tax Account: sign in at gov.uk/personal-tax-account with your Government Gateway user ID and password, then follow the prompts to claim your refund into your bank account.
- Online refund service: go to If your tax calculation letter (P800) says you’re due a refund - GOV.UK and claim using your P800 reference and National Insurance number.
When you claim by bank transfer you will be asked to confirm your UK bank or building society details so HMRC can pay the refund directly.
Timings and what happens if you do nothing
Acting promptly matters, because there is a limited window to choose how you are paid.
| Situation | What happens |
| You claim online by bank transfer | Refund is usually paid within 5 working days |
| You do not claim online within 21 days of the P800 date | HMRC defaults to posting you a cheque instead |
| You request a cheque | Allow up to 6 weeks for it to arrive |
In short: claiming online within the first three weeks gives you the fastest payment straight to your bank. If you miss that window, you are not at risk of losing the money, but you will wait longer for a cheque.
How we can help, and a word on scams
Because HMRC now requires the taxpayer to make the claim personally, the quickest path is always for you to claim through the app or your Personal Tax Account.
A note of caution: HMRC will only ever notify you about a P800 refund by post. HMRC will not text or email you a link to claim your refund, and it will never ask for your bank or card details by message. If you receive a text or email of this kind, treat it as a scam and do not click any links. Always start from the official GOV.UK website, and check any address begins with gov.uk before entering your details.