Money Saving Expert has published an article on checking if an HMRC tax refund letter is genuine.

It can be seen here and says

HMRC is in the process of sending up to four million tax refund letters to workers and pensioners across the UK this summer—but with scammers on the prowl, it’s crucial to know how to spot a genuine tax rebate letter from a fake.

The letters, officially called P800 tax calculations, are being posted between June and August to people who may have overpaid income tax—particularly those on PAYE (Pay As You Earn) or receiving pension income.

If you’re due a refund, HMRC will let you know by post only—it will never email, text, or call out of the blue about a refund.

Who Might Get a Refund?

You could be in line for a refund if you:

• Were given the wrong tax code.

• Changed jobs and were paid by both in the same month.

• Started receiving a workplace pension.

• Claimed Employment and Support Allowance or Jobseeker’s Allowance.

These overpayments are usually picked up by HMRC at the end of the tax year and automatically processed.

What a Genuine P800 Letter Looks Like

A real P800 letter from HMRC will include:

• Your name and address

• Your National Insurance number

• Your tax reference number

• A breakdown of your earnings and tax paid

• A refund total and what to do next

If the letter says HMRC will send you a cheque, you don’t need to do anything—just wait. It should arrive within 14 days.

If it asks you to claim online, you’ll need to visit the official GOV.UK page, using your letter’s reference number and your NI number:
👉 www.gov.uk/tax-overpayments-and-underpayments/if-youre-due-a-refund

Avoid clicking on any links in emails or text messages, even if they seem convincing—these could be phishing attempts.

How to Claim a Refund Safely

If you’re asked to claim online, HMRC will offer you two options:

• Bank transfer – paid within five working days if you have a UK bank account.

• Cheque by post – usually arrives within six weeks.

You can also:

• Use your personal tax account online.

• Claim through the HMRC app.

• Call HMRC directly and request a cheque.

⚠️ Remember: HMRC will never ask for your bank details by phone or email, and it will never demand a payment in exchange for a refund.

Already Been Contacted?

If you’ve received a letter and want to double-check its authenticity, call HMRC using the number on gov.uk—not from the letter itself. Alternatively, log into your personal tax account to see if the refund is listed there.

Stay Safe: Top HMRC Scam Red Flags

• Messages saying “urgent action required” or threatening legal consequences.

• Requests for personal or banking information via text or email.

• Phone calls claiming to be from HMRC but using pressure tactics.

If in doubt, contact HMRC directly or visit their official refund guidance page above.