HMRC has clarified the rules about the security checks it carries out online. The update came after a question from a taxpayer on X about an amount that was due to be paid into their bank account.
Writing on Saturday, April 11, the person told the authority they had requested a tax repayment on Tuesday (April 7) but the amount was still showing as “pending”. They asked: “How long does this usually take until it’s in my bank account?”
HMRC said in response: “If you have requested the repayment, it can take up to 10 working days for the repayment to be issued via BACS.” BACS refers to Bankers’ Automated Clearing System, the standard electronic system for bank-to-bank transfers between UK bank accounts.
The tax body issued some further guidance that taxpayers may want to note. The group said: “We do select repayments for extra security checks. Currently, it can take up to 12 weeks to receive the refund.”
If you believe you are owed funds by HMRC, you can use a tool on the Government website to find out how you can claim back the amount. HMRC may issue you a refund for the previous tax year if you pay too much tax.
In response to another question about this topic, HMRC told a taxpayer that it will begin recalculations for the past 2025/2026 tax year “from June onwards”. A person may pay too much tax for several reasons, such as paying too much through their earnings or on their pension payments.
If you have paid the wrong amount of tax for the previous year, HMRC may send out a tax calculation letter to you in the post. This is also also known as a P800 or a simple assessment letter.
HMRC typically sends out these letters between June and March of the next tax year. Only people who are employed or are receiving a pension are sent these letters in the post.
You may also be able to claim a tax refund through your personal tax account ot through the HMRC app.