What to Do If You Get a Tax Rebate Letter in the UK
Last updated: 3 August 2025
Step 1: Read the Letter Carefully
Start by checking whether the letter came from HMRC. Genuine tax rebate letters usually include your name, National Insurance number, a calculation of the rebate, and HMRC’s official contact details. They’ll never ask you to reply by email or text, nor will they ask for card details in a letter.
Step 2: Check If It’s a Scam
Tax rebate scams are common in the UK. If the letter asks you to visit a suspicious-looking website or call a premium-rate number, it's likely fake. You can verify if it's real by logging into your HMRC online account or calling HMRC directly using the number on their official website.
- Scam letters may contain typos or poor grammar
- HMRC won’t contact you about a refund via text or social media
- Never give your bank or card details in response to an unsolicited message
Step 3: Log In to Your HMRC Online Account
To safely check and claim your rebate, log in to your HMRC personal tax account at https://www.gov.uk/personal-tax-account. If a rebate is due, you’ll see it listed in your account, along with instructions on how to claim it.
Step 4: Choose How to Receive the Refund
You can usually choose to receive your tax rebate by bank transfer or cheque. Bank transfer is quicker and more secure, but you must ensure you’re on the official HMRC website before entering any details. If you don’t claim it online within 45 days, HMRC may automatically send a cheque to your address.
What If You Were Overpaid or the Letter Is Wrong?
If you believe the rebate amount is incorrect or you’ve already been paid, contact HMRC. Mistakes do happen, and it's important not to cash or spend a rebate unless you're sure it's yours. In some cases, HMRC may send you money in error and later ask for it back.
Common Reasons for Tax Rebates
- You changed jobs and overpaid through PAYE
- You had multiple jobs or overlapping income
- You stopped working mid-tax year
- You claimed tax reliefs or allowances after the fact
- You paid emergency tax earlier in the year