As the UK tax year comes to an end, many individuals and businesses expect to receive tax refunds for overpaid income tax or National Insurance. However, an important change means refunds are no longer automatically issued by HMRC in many cases — they now need to be actively claimed.
While this ensures refunds are only paid when properly verified, it has also created an opportunity for scammers to target taxpayers who are expecting money back.
Why You Now Need to Claim a Tax Refund
In the past, HMRC would often automatically issue refunds where tax had been overpaid. Increasingly, taxpayers are now required to make a formal claim, whether through their Personal Tax Account, the Self Assessment system, or via their accountant.
This applies to a range of situations, including PAYE overpayments, changes in employment, or adjustments identified after a tax return has been submitted. If no claim is made, the refund may simply remain uncollected.
A Growing Risk of Tax Refund Scams
Unfortunately, scammers are becoming more sophisticated and more active — particularly around busy tax periods. Many fraudulent messages are designed to look like official HMRC communications and often promise a tax refund to encourage quick action.
These scams commonly take the form of:
- Emails claiming you are due a tax rebate
- Text messages asking you to “confirm details” to receive a refund
- Phone calls pretending to be from HMRC or a tax department
Their aim is to trick recipients into sharing personal details, bank information, or making payments.
How to Protect Yourself
To reduce the risk of falling victim to a tax refund scam, keep the following points in mind:
HMRC will not contact you unexpectedly by email or text about a refund.
Genuine tax refund information is usually accessed through your official online HMRC account or via written correspondence.
Be cautious with links and attachments.
Unexpected messages asking you to click a link or download a document should be treated with suspicion, even if they look professional.
Check before you act.
Scammers rely on urgency. If something doesn’t feel right, pause and verify before responding.
Report suspicious messages.
Forward scam emails and texts to HMRC so they can take action and help protect others.
Claiming Your Refund Safely
If you believe you are owed a tax refund, the safest approach is to check directly through your HMRC account or speak to your accountant. This ensures any claim is submitted correctly and securely, without exposing you to unnecessary risk.
At AJN Accountants, we help clients identify refunds due, submit claims properly, and stay protected from tax-related scams — giving you peace of mind while ensuring you receive what you’re entitled to.
