HMRC has written to 700,000 people urging them to claim tax refunds averaging £473 after hundreds of thousands failed to respond to P800 letters sent earlier this year. The tax authority revealed on X that "almost 700,000 people didn't claim back the money they're owed" last year, with some refunds potentially worth thousands of pounds.
Who receives P800 letters?
P800 Tax Calculation letters are issued to employed workers and pensioners who have overpaid tax due to changes in employment or incorrect tax codes. An HMRC spokesperson said: "We wrote to customers this summer to inform them they are due a refund, and need to claim it."
How to claim your refund
Approximately four million P800s were dispatched this summer, with the final batch expected by 30 November 2025. Claims can be backdated up to four years, meaning those who received letters as far back as 2021 may still be eligible.
BBC Radio 4 Money Box journalist Dan Whitworth advised: "If you get one of these letters, the advice is simple: check it carefully. You can log in to your personal tax account or the HMRC app to confirm the refund."
Beware of scams
Experts have warned of scammers exploiting the situation by impersonating HMRC via text, email or phone calls. However, genuine HMRC refund notifications are always sent by post, though claims can be processed online through GOV.UK or the HMRC app.
Check if you're owed money
Taxpayers can check if they're owed money using the online checker tool on the Gov.uk website, with most overpayments occurring due to job changes, multiple income sources, or incorrect tax codes.
