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In short
- A P800 is HMRC's letter saying you paid too much or too little tax in a year that has ended.
- Sent between June and March of the following tax year. Refunds are claimed in your personal tax account or paid by cheque.
- It only covers what HMRC already knew. Expenses are not in it.
- HMRC does not email or text P800 refund links.
Why you got one
After 5 April HMRC compares the tax your employers deducted with what your total income and code should have produced. Job changes, gaps, second jobs and benefit adjustments cause the difference.
How to claim the refund
- Sign in to your personal tax account.
- Follow the link to claim; the money is paid to your bank in about 5 working days.
- Or ask for a cheque, which takes about 6 weeks. If your letter says a cheque is being sent, it should arrive within 14 days of the date on the letter.
If it says you owe tax
Under £3,000 is usually collected through next year's code. Check the figures against your P60s before accepting; P800s are wrong more often than people expect.
What a P800 misses
Every employment expense. A P800 refund of £90 and a mileage claim of £900 can both be right for the same year. Am I owed a tax rebate.
Questions
I got a text about a P800.
A scam. HMRC posts P800s. Spot a fake.
No P800 but I think I overpaid?
Not every case triggers one. You can claim directly or start our check.
This guide is general information, not advice about your circumstances. Figures use HMRC rates for the 2026 to 2027 tax year. We are a paid tax agent and not HMRC.
Am I owed a tax rebate? The PAYE guide
Work mileage tax rebate
Tax refund scams: spot a fake