Refunds
When will your tax refund actually arrive?
A quick estimate based on HMRC's typical processing times.
Tax refund timeline estimator
See roughly when to expect your money based on how and when you claimed
Claim type
P800 refund claimed online
Typical window
3–5 days
from the date claimed
Estimated arrival
Sat, 15 Aug 2026 – Mon, 17 Aug 2026
Based on HMRC's typically published processing times, not a guarantee. Backlogs, security checks, or incomplete claims can extend these windows considerably. Check your actual status at gov.uk.
HMRC refund times vary a lot by claim type. A P800 refund claimed online through your Personal Tax Account is usually the fastest, often landing within 5 working days. A Self Assessment refund claimed online typically takes 1–2 weeks. Anything sent by post, including written correspondence to HMRC's PAYE and Self Assessment office, is far slower — usually 6–12 weeks, longer during busy periods like January. Claiming online is almost always the quickest route if the option is available to you.
Frequently asked questions
How long does an HMRC tax refund take?
A P800 refund claimed online is usually fastest, often within 5 working days. A Self Assessment refund claimed online typically takes 1–2 weeks. Refunds handled by post can take 6–12 weeks or longer.
Why is my tax refund taking so long?
Backlogs, security checks, or an incomplete claim can all extend HMRC's normal processing times. Claiming online is almost always faster than by post.