Tax Refund · 2025/26
How to Claim a Tax Refund for 2025/26
The 2025/26 tax year ran from 6 April 2025 to 5 April 2026. You have until 5 April 2030to reclaim overpaid tax under HMRC's 4-year rule.
Deadline: 5 April 2030
Under TMA 1970 Schedule 1AB, claims for overpayment relief must reach HMRC within 4 years of the end of the tax year. After that date, 2025/26 refunds are statute-barred — no exceptions.
Who typically overpays?
- Emergency tax code (BR, 0T, OT M1/W1) at a new job — common when P45 arrives late.
- Multiple jobs where personal allowance was applied twice.
- Pension lump sum taxed under month-1 basis (often £2k–£15k overpaid).
- Job change mid-year leaving unused personal allowance.
- Savings interest taxed at source before the personal savings allowance was applied.
- Marriage Allowance not claimed — backdate up to 4 years, worth up to £252/year.
- Job-related expenses (uniform, professional fees, working-from-home flat rate).
- Pension contributions made net where higher-rate relief was due.
Key dates for 2025/26
| Tax year | 6 April 2025 – 5 April 2026 |
| Online Self Assessment deadline | 31 January 2027 |
| Refund / amendment deadline (4-year rule) | 5 April 2030 |
| Marriage Allowance backdate window | Closes 5 April 2030 |
Step-by-step claim process
- Check what you paid. Find your P60 for 2025/26 (employers issue by 31 May after the year-end). It shows total pay and total tax deducted.
- Estimate what was due. Use the relevant calculator below to recompute the correct tax for your gross income, then subtract from the P60 figure to see the overpayment.
- Pick the right route:
- PAYE only, no other income: HMRC often issues a P800 automatically. Log in to your Personal Tax Account at gov.uk to claim or accept.
- Savings or dividend tax overpaid: file form R40 by post or online.
- Already in Self Assessment: amend your SA return online (within 12 months of the SA filing deadline) or write to HMRC for overpayment relief outside that window.
- Marriage Allowance backdate: use the dedicated online form on gov.uk — needs both partners' National Insurance numbers.
- Submit before 5 April 2030. Allow 8–12 weeks for HMRC to process. Keep proof of postage if filing by paper.
Watch out for scams
HMRC does not text, email or WhatsApp about refunds. Refund-agent firms can charge 30–50% of your refund for filing forms you can submit free in 15 minutes. Always go direct via gov.uk/tax-overpayments-and-underpayments or your Personal Tax Account.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the deadline to claim a 2025/26 tax refund?
You must claim by 5 April 2030. Under TMA 1970 Schedule 1AB, overpayment relief claims have to reach HMRC within 4 years of the end of the tax year. After that date, 2025/26 refunds are statute-barred with no exceptions.
How do I claim back overpaid tax for 2025/26?
If you are PAYE only, HMRC often issues a P800 automatically; log in to your Personal Tax Account on gov.uk to claim or accept it. If you overpaid on savings or dividends, file form R40. If you are already in Self Assessment, amend the return or write to HMRC for overpayment relief.
How will I receive my refund?
A P800 calculation lets you claim online to a bank account, usually paid within about 5 working days, or HMRC can send a cheque. R40 and Self Assessment refunds are paid by bank transfer or cheque once processed, typically within 8 to 12 weeks.
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Why might I have overpaid tax in 2025/26?
Common reasons include an emergency tax code at a new job, having two jobs with the personal allowance applied twice, a pension lump sum taxed on a month-1 basis, leaving a job part-way through the year, or unclaimed job expenses and Marriage Allowance.
Can I still backdate Marriage Allowance for 2025/26?
Yes, until 5 April 2030. Marriage Allowance can be backdated up to 4 years and is worth up to £252 per year. Use the dedicated form on gov.uk; you will need both partners' National Insurance numbers.
Do I need to pay a refund company?
No. Refund-agent firms can charge 30 to 50% of your refund for forms you can submit free in about 15 minutes. Always claim directly through gov.uk or your Personal Tax Account.
Does HMRC text or email about refunds?
No. HMRC does not text, email or message you on WhatsApp about refunds. Any such message is a scam. Only use your Personal Tax Account or the official gov.uk overpayments page.
What records do I need for a 2025/26 claim?
Gather your P60, any P45s, P11D, dividend vouchers, savings interest statements and expense receipts for 2025/26. Employers must issue the P60 by 31 May after the year-end, which shows total pay and tax deducted.
Recompute your 2025/26 tax
Note: calculators below use current-year rates. For an exact 2025/26 figure, also see the 2025/26 rates reference.
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Disclaimer: This page is general guidance, not tax advice. For complex cases (multiple income sources, expat status, pension recycling) consult HMRC or a qualified tax adviser.