HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has issued an urgent reminder that up to one million people each year neglect to reclaim overpaid tax, urging Brits to check for refunds using its app.
HMRC's Social Media Call to Action
In a message on X (formerly Twitter), HMRC prompted users: "Could you be one of the million missing out on a tax refund? Log onto the HMRC app to easily manage your money and claim any tax you're owed. Download today."
How HMRC Notifies Overpaid Tax
According to GOV.UK, if you have overpaid or underpaid tax by the end of the tax year (5 April), HMRC will send you either a tax calculation letter (P800) or a Simple Assessment letter. These letters explain how to obtain a refund or pay any tax owed. However, letters are only sent if you are employed or receive a pension. If you are registered for Self Assessment, your account is corrected automatically without a letter.
Reasons for Overpayment
You may have overpaid tax if: you were on the wrong tax code due to incorrect information; you ended one job and started another, receiving pay from both in the same month; you began receiving a workplace pension; or you received Employment and Support Allowance or Jobseeker's Allowance.
Claiming a Refund Without a Letter
If you believe you have overpaid but have not received a tax calculation letter, you can claim a refund online, via the HMRC app, or by calling 0300 200 3300. Letters are typically sent between June and March of the following tax year.
Features of the HMRC App
The HMRC app allows users to: estimate tax owed, make Self Assessment and Simple Assessment payments, set payment reminders, access Help to Save, use a tax calculator, track forms and letters, ask the digital assistant, update name and address, save National Insurance number to digital wallet, check NI contribution gaps, and choose electronic contact. To use the app, sign in with your Government Gateway user ID and password, or create one directly through the app.
