Unexpected Tax Refund

PJQueen

Hi,

I’ve just received an unexpected cheque from HRMC. I didn’t ask for refund and it states it’s for tax year 18-19. It also states I’ll get a letter explaining how this was calculated.

I know the easiest way to make sure it’s not a mistake is to check the calculation letter when it arrives against my p60 for that year. Unforunately, I don’t have my p60 for that year although I know I was unemployed for most it and started work in September 2018. I could access my p60 from my employer I’m assuming? 

Otherwise, how can I make sure this is accurate? I don’t want to accept a refund only for them to ask for it back? 

Penguin_

Stick it in your bank & put it in a savings account until you get confirmation.

PJQueen

Penguin_ said:

Stick it in your bank & put it in a savings account until you get confirmation.

That’s a great idea but how will I get confirmation? Do you mean by checking my p60 against their calculations letter? Or just holding on to it until they potentially ask for it back?

Dazed_and_C0nfused

You should normally get a calculation letter called a P800 explaining how the amount refunded has been arrived at.

Could you have been on a non cumulatibe code when you started work in 2018 and not received your full Personal Allowance during the year?

Admittedly it seems a very long delay to get such a refund but it's not impossible.

HMRC only have until 5 April 2023* to notify you of any tax owed for 2018:19 so not too long before you can assume there will be no comeback.  

*different dates would apply if you Self Assessed or have done something fraudulently 

PJQueen

Dazed_and_C0nfused said:

You should normally get a calculation letter called a P800 explaining how the amount refunded has been arrived at.

Could you have been on a non cumulatibe code when you started work in 2018 and not received your full Personal Allowance during the year?

Admittedly it seems a very long delay to get such a refund but it's not impossible.

HMRC only have until 5 April 2023* to notify you of any tax owed for 2018:19 so not too long before you can assume there will be no comeback.  

*different dates would apply if you Self Assessed or have done something fraudulently 

It’s possible - I assume that’s been the case as I didn’t work for most of 2018. Hopefully the calculation letter will explain more.

I don’t self assess and definitely wouldn’t do anything fraudulently so maybe hang on to it until April 2023?

it was just very unexpected and wondered why it had taken so long to recalculate and refund it?