R38, R40, P800 and R43: HMRC Tax Repayment Forms Explained 2026/27

HMRC's tax repayment system involves a range of different forms and processes depending on your specific circumstances. Whether you are a self-assessment filer wanting a refund paid to a third party (R38), a pensioner reclaiming tax on savings interest (R40), a PAYE employee whose annual tax position needs reconciling (P800), or a non-resident reclaiming UK withholding tax (R43) -- each route has different rules, timescales, and conditions. Understanding which applies to you avoids delays and ensures you receive every pound you are owed.

R38: paying a tax repayment to a nominee

The default HMRC position is to pay any self-assessment repayment directly to the taxpayer, either by bank transfer (if bank details are registered in the online tax account) or by cheque.

Form R38 overrides this default by authorising HMRC to pay the repayment to a third-party nominee. The most common scenarios:

• Accountant as nominee: Some accountants ask clients to sign an R38 so the accountant receives the repayment on the client's behalf. This is often used as a practical way to settle fees owed to the accountant. The client effectively assigns the repayment to the accountant.
• Family member as nominee: Less common, but occasionally used where the taxpayer wants the repayment directed to a spouse or dependant.

Process: Once the self-assessment return is filed and the repayment is calculated, the taxpayer (or agent) submits the R38 to HMRC. HMRC processes the R38 and, if approved, pays the repayment to the named nominee.

HMRC scrutiny: HMRC has become more cautious about R38 arrangements following cases of fraud (where dishonest agents redirected client repayments to their own accounts). HMRC may request verification of the nominee arrangement. The R38 is not guaranteed to be approved; HMRC retains discretion to pay the taxpayer directly if it has concerns.

R40: reclaiming tax on savings and investment income

Form R40 (Claim for repayment of tax deducted from savings and investments) is for individuals who are not in the self-assessment system but have had UK tax deducted at source on savings or investment income.

Who uses R40?

Primarily pensioners and low-income savers whose total income (including savings interest) is below the Personal Allowance (£12,570 in 2026/27) or within the starting rate band for savings (£5,000 at 0% for 2026/27).

Before January 2016, banks and building societies automatically deducted basic rate tax (20%) from savings interest. This system was abolished in April 2016 when the Personal Savings Allowance was introduced -- most UK savers now receive gross interest. However, R40 is still relevant for:

• Certain investment products that still deduct tax at source.
• Offshore or older savings products where withholding applies.
• Court Order-related income.

Starting rate band for savings: For 2026/27, if your non-savings income is below £17,570 (PA of £12,570 + £5,000 starting rate band), you may be entitled to receive savings interest tax-free on income within the starting rate band, allowing reclaim of any tax deducted.

P800: HMRC's annual PAYE reconciliation

Each year, HMRC reconciles each PAYE taxpayer's total income and deductions against all sources of income reported to it (payroll, pension providers, banks). If HMRC calculates that too much tax was paid:

• HMRC issues a P800 Tax Calculation to the taxpayer by post.
• The P800 shows the tax year reviewed, total income, total tax due, and the refund owed.
• Online claim: Most P800 recipients can claim their refund online via the HMRC website or app -- repayment typically arrives within 5 working days.
• Automatic cheque: If you do not claim online within 45 days, HMRC automatically sends a cheque (which can take 2-3 weeks).

If the P800 shows an underpayment instead of a refund:

• For amounts under £3,000, HMRC typically collects through the PAYE code in the following year.
• For larger amounts or where PAYE code collection is not possible, HMRC issues a Simple Assessment requesting direct payment.

R43: repayments for non-UK residents

Form R43 is for individuals who are not UK resident but receive UK-source income that has had UK tax withheld. Common situations:

• Non-resident receiving UK dividends (no withholding tax on most UK dividends, but applicable for some trust distributions).
• Non-resident receiving UK rental income (agents or tenants of non-resident landlords withhold 20% tax unless the Non-Resident Landlord Scheme is in place).
• Non-resident receiving UK savings interest from certain products.

R43 is filed with HMRC's Centre for Non-Residents and can also be used to claim relief under a double tax treaty (where the treaty provides for a lower rate or exemption from UK tax).

Emergency tax on pension withdrawals

When you take a first flexible withdrawal from a pension, HMRC often does not have an up-to-date tax code for the pension provider. The provider is required to apply an emergency tax code, which assumes the payment is a monthly income at that rate -- leading to significant overtaxation for a one-off lump sum.

To reclaim emergency tax overpaid:

• P55: If you have taken a partial pension withdrawal and the pension is not fully depleted -- use P55 to reclaim in-year.
• P50Z: If you have withdrawn all your pension money and have no other UK income in the tax year -- use P50Z.
• P53Z: If you have withdrawn all your pension money and do have other income in the tax year -- use P53Z.

HMRC targets processing these forms within 30 working days. Submit them as soon as possible after the withdrawal to receive the refund promptly rather than waiting until the following January self-assessment deadline.