How to claim a tax refund from HMRC (for free)
If you've paid too much tax, you can claim it back from HMRC yourself, for free. You don't need a tax refund company. Here's how to check, how to claim, and what an agent's fee would cost.
1. Check if you're owed money
Common reasons for overpaying tax:
- Wrong tax code, for example an emergency code after starting a job.
- Two jobs in one month, or you left a job part-way through the year.
- Job expenses you paid yourself: uniforms and work clothing, tools, professional fees, business mileage in your own car, and working from home only if your employer requires it (see WFH tax relief).
- Marriage Allowance not claimed (see the calculator; it can be backdated).
- Tax taken from savings interest, PPI, a pension lump sum or a redundancy payment.
The quickest check is your HMRC personal tax account, or GOV.UK's check how to claim a tax refund tool.
2. How the refund reaches you
- Employed or on a pension: HMRC sends a tax calculation letter (P800) between June and March after the tax year ends. It tells you how to get the money, often by claiming online.
- Job expenses: claim through claim tax relief for your job expenses. For the current year HMRC usually adjusts your tax code; for past years you get a refund or a code change.
- Self Assessment: any overpayment shows on your return or account. You must claim job expenses on your return instead.
Relief is at your tax rate, and can't be more than the tax you paid. For example, £60 of expenses at 20% = £12.
3. Refund companies: what they cost you
Tax refund companies fill in the same forms you can fill in yourself, and many take a percentage of your refund. GOV.UK says plainly: "You do not need an agent to do this for you." Since 2023, any assignment of your refund to an agent is void, so you can always take back a nomination. Since 6 April 2025, a fee-charging agent who wants to receive your refund must be registered with HMRC and get your digital signature on the form.
Next step: See every bill and your budget in one place, every month with the UK Bills & Budget Planner (£7). This calculator stays free.
Use the fee in your agent's terms. Pre-filled amounts are only an example, not a typical fee.
4. Watch for refund scams
Texts and emails saying "you're owed a tax refund, click here" are a common scam. HMRC doesn't send refund links by text or email. Forward suspicious messages using GOV.UK's report HMRC phishing page, and only log in through GOV.UK.
Have every number ready for your tax return, sorted into HMRC's categories.
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Get it for £15 →FAQs
Do I need a company to claim a tax refund?
No. You can claim directly from HMRC on GOV.UK, for free. Refund companies charge a fee, often a share of your refund.
How far back can I claim a tax refund?
You can usually claim for up to 4 previous tax years. Check the GOV.UK page for your type of claim.
Is a text saying HMRC owes me a refund real?
Treat it as a scam. HMRC doesn't send refund links by text or email. Log in through GOV.UK and report the message.
Related calculators & guides
Tax year-end checklist · ISA deadline 5 April · Pension annual allowance · Marriage Allowance · Personal tax account guide · WFH tax relief 2026 · Do I need a tax return?