How Long Does It Take for HMRC Tax Refund to Go Into Bank?

I still remember the first time I applied for a tax refund from HMRC.

After filing my return and learning I was due money back, I asked the same question that thousands of people in the UK ask every day: how long does it take for HMRC tax refund to go into bank account?

Over the years, I’ve gone through the HMRC refund process multiple times — both as a PAYE employee and through Self-Assessment.

Along the way, I’ve gained a solid understanding of the typical timeline, what causes delays, and what to do if things don’t go as planned. If you’re standing on a refund, here is what you need to know.

What Is an HMRC Tax Refund and Why Might I Get One?

HMRC issues tax refunds when you have paid more tax than you owe now. This can occur in a few various situations.

In my case, I first became eligible for a refund through the PAYE system. Because I changed jobs partway through the tax year and had emergency tax codes applied, I ended up overpaying. HMRC behind assessed my tax and offered a refund.

If you’re self-employed or submit a Self-Assessment tax return, you might receive a refund if you’ve made Payments on Account that exceeded your actual tax bill.

Refunds can also apply if you’ve claimed reliefs — such as work-from-home expenses, Marriage Allowance, or uniform costs — that reduce your overall tax liability after tax deductions.

How Long Does It Take for HMRC Tax Refund to Go Into Bank?

This is the question that drove me to research the system in detail, and based on both personal experience and HMRC guidelines, the answer is straightforward — most of the time.

What Is The Standard Timeline for Bank Transfers?

If you’re expecting a refund to a UK bank account, the typical waiting time is 3 to 5 working days after HMRC confirms that your refund has been approved. In my experience, the money usually arrives by day four.

However, if you’re claiming a refund through Self-Assessment, the timeline can stretch to 7–10 working days, particularly during the January deadline rush when millions of people are submitting returns.

How Is Cheque vs Bank Transfer differentiated?

On one occasion, I forgot to enter my bank details on the Self-Assessment form, so HMRC sent a cheque instead.

That added nearly three weeks to the process due to postal delays. Since then, I’ve made sure to always include my bank details to avoid unnecessary waiting.

What Factors Can Delay My HMRC Tax Refund?

While most refunds arrive on time, I’ve experienced — and heard of — delays caused by a few key issues.

The first is inaccurate or missing bank details. HMRC won’t attempt the transfer if the account details are invalid, and they’ll issue a cheque instead, which is much slower.

Another cause is manual review. One year, I received a higher-than-usual refund due to business expense claims, and my return was flagged for extra checks.

HMRC contacted me for clarification, which delayed the refund by about two weeks.

Submitting your return by post is another common reason for slow processing. Paper returns require manual handling and are processed only after digital submissions, so if you’re in a hurry, going online is the way to go.

How Can I Check the Status of My Tax Refund?

Once I file a return, I log in to my HMRC Personal Tax Account to track the status. This tool has made a huge difference in understanding where things stand.

Under the “Self-Assessment” or “PAYE” section, there’s a tab to view “payments and repayments,” which shows when a refund has been processed and issued.

If I don’t see any updates after two weeks, I call HMRC on 0300 200 3300. I’ve also used their webchat, which is helpful during off-peak hours. Just be ready with your UTR or National Insurance number.

The key status updates to watch for include:

• Pending: HMRC is reviewing the claim.
• Issued: The refund has been approved and sent.
• Completed: The funds should be in your bank account or on their way via cheque.

How Is HMRC Tax Refund Timeframes? (2024–2025)

Here’s a quick overview of what I’ve seen in practice and what HMRC generally advises:

Type of Refund	Time to Reach Bank	Notes
PAYE (automatic refund)	3–5 working days	Fastest if paid via bank transfer
Self-Assessment (online)	5–10 working days	May be delayed during peak periods
Self-Assessment (postal)	2–4 weeks	Manual processing required
Refund via cheque	2–3 weeks	Add postal delivery time

How I Avoid Delays and Speed Up the Process?

There are a few habits I’ve developed over the years to make sure I get my refund as quickly as possible.

I always file my tax return early, usually in May or June, well before the January deadline chaos. This means HMRC isn’t overwhelmed, and my return is processed faster.

I also double-check my bank details before hitting submit. It’s a small step, but getting it right saves weeks of waiting.

Lastly, I use the online Self-Assessment portal, which is significantly faster than the paper form. It takes a bit of setup the first time, but after that, it’s smooth and efficient.

Final Thoughts – What I’ve Learned About HMRC Refund Timing?

Over the years, I’ve come to realise that the HMRC refund process is pretty efficient — as long as you follow the correct steps.

The key is staying proactive: file online, keep your details updated, and check your tax account regularly.

If you’re waiting for a refund now, chances are it’s just a matter of days. But if something seems off or it’s taking longer than expected, don’t hesitate to contact HMRC.

A quick call or message can clarify things and, in some cases, help get things moving.

Waiting for money from HMRC can be frustrating — but with the right info, it doesn’t have to be confusing.

Related Article: HMRC Warns Parents Who Claimed Child Benefit Before 2000 May Be Missing State Pension

What are the FAQ On How Long Does It Take for HMRC Tax Refund to Go Into Bank?

1. How long does it take for HMRC to process a tax refund?

Typically, it takes between 3 to 5 working days after your refund is approved for the money to show up in your bank account. If you’re submitting a Self-Assessment return, the total process could take up to 10 working days depending on the time of year.

2. Why is my HMRC tax refund delayed?

Delays can happen for several reasons. The most common are:

• Incorrect or outdated bank details
• Manual review triggered by high-value or unusual claims
• Submitting your return by post instead of online
• Filing during peak times like January

3. Can I speed up my tax refund from HMRC?

Yes, absolutely. You can:

• File your return early (outside the January rush)
• Ensure your bank details are correct
• Submit the return online rather than by post
• Look and track the refund status via your HMRC Personal Tax Account

4. How will I know when my refund is on the way?

You’ll receive updates through your HMRC account. Once it says “Refund issued,” that usually means the money is being processed. In my experience, it hits my account 2–3 days after seeing that status.