how far back can you claim your overpaid tax

Kuampam

I was under the impression we can get money back from the tax man for up to 6 years (says so on their website). However when I called HMRC they said the rules have changed and now it is 4 years. Is this true?

TM1976

Came into effect 1 April 2010 if you are in Self Assessment, if you don't file an SA return it won't take full effect until 2012.

http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/about/deadlines-taxpayers.htm

Freddie_Snowbits

If you ahve overpaid tax or NI in any year, you may get a refund. I have just recieved one for 1994

Freda has spent it on some nice underwear, for me.

Kuampam

How did you get the money back Freddie?

Kuampam

Thanks TM1976,

I work in the NHS and hence my tax has always been collected at source. I have never been in touch with the HMRC and neither have they been in touch with me. According to the link, I should be able to claim from 2004. However the person I spoke to was categorical that I can't get anything from before 2006. Hope she is wrong.

TM1976

Kuampam wrote: »

Thanks TM1976,

I work in the NHS and hence my tax has always been collected at source. I have never been in touch with the HMRC and neither have they been in touch with me. According to the link, I should be able to claim from 2004. However the person I spoke to was categorical that I can't get anything from before 2006. Hope she is wrong.

This is correct, for some reason they seem to be giving out misleading information on this, you can currently claim back as far as 04/05, but the current year you need to claim within 4 years.

Best thing is to write a letter explaining what you are trying to claim back.

suso

If you insist, and didn't do a SA tax return for 2004/05 they you can claim back any over paid tax from that year.

HMRC are preparing for the new regulations and are only looking back 4 years rather than 6 years, if you overpaid or underpaid 5 or 6 years ago, HMRC will now write it off,

However if you ask them to look at the year then they will do, but you need to ask them.