Why people overpay tax
- You changed jobs or had two jobs at the same time.
- You were put on an emergency tax code.
- You stopped working part-way through the tax year — for example to look after a new baby.
- Your tax code didn't include an allowance you were entitled to, such as Marriage Allowance.
- You paid for work expenses, uniforms or professional fees that weren't reimbursed.
How to get your refund
- Check your P800 letter or your HMRC online account / HMRC app.
- If your P800 says you can claim online, follow the GOV.UK link within 21 days to get the money into your bank account — otherwise HMRC sends a cheque.
- If you think you overpaid in an earlier year and haven't had a P800, contact HMRC. You can claim for up to 4 previous tax years.
Watch out for refund scams
HMRC never tells you about a tax refund by text or email, and never asks for bank details that way. Only claim through GOV.UK or your HMRC account. FamilyRefund will never ask for your HMRC password or bank login.
Questions parents ask
How long does a P800 refund take?
If you claim online, HMRC usually pays into your bank account within 5 working days. Cheques take longer.
I'm self-employed — will I get a P800?
No. If you file a Self Assessment tax return, any overpayment is dealt with through your return instead.
Can someone claim for me?
Yes, a registered repayment agent can claim on your behalf and charge a fee. You can always claim yourself, free, through GOV.UK.
You can apply for Tax refunds (P800) yourself, for free.
Everything on this page can be done directly with the government at no cost: Tax overpayments on GOV.UK. We're an independent service and not affiliated with HMRC or the Department for Education.