HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has issued a warning that up to one million taxpayers in the UK may be missing out on unclaimed tax refunds worth an average of £453 each. The government body stated that many people have not checked their accounts and risk losing the money they are owed.
According to HMRC, the overpayments often result from simple errors such as being assigned the wrong tax code, changing jobs, or retiring without updating records. The department stressed that refunds are not automatic and must be claimed through a personal tax account on GOV.UK or the HMRC app.
Officials have also cautioned about scammers exploiting the situation. More than 135,000 HMRC-related scam reports have been logged recently, including around 29,000 involving fake tax refund claims. Lucy Pike, HMRC’s Chief Security Officer, urged people to stay vigilant and report suspicious emails, texts, or calls.
HMRC emphasised that genuine refunds are notified through secure systems or by post, and the department will never ask for bank or personal details via unsolicited messages. Taxpayers are advised to log into their accounts promptly to check for any owed refunds.
