Waiting for Your Self Assessment Tax Refund? Here’s How Long It Takes

More people are getting ahead with their tax returns. A record 737,891 taxpayers filed their Self Assessment return in April 2026[1] . For anyone who has overpaid tax, filing early could mean getting their money back sooner.

A Self Assessment tax refund (also known as a tax repayment or rebate) can happen for a few reasons. It could be that your payments on account were higher than your final tax bill, too much tax was deducted elsewhere or your circumstances changed during the year.

Online claims are usually the quickest route, particularly when HMRC already has everything it needs to process the repayment. Paper claims and amended paper returns can take longer because they require additional processing.

Here’s what to expect and what you can do if your refund is taking longer than expected.

How Long Does a Self Assessment Tax Refund Take?

How quickly you receive your refund depends on how you claim and whether HMRC needs to carry out any checks.

Online claims are usually the quickest route, particularly when HMRC already has everything it needs to process the repayment. Paper claims and amended paper returns can take longer because they require extra processing.

The timescale starts once HMRC has received and can process your claim, rather than when you first start preparing your return.

Submitting your Self Assessment return early can also help. It gives you more time to identify an overpayment and request a refund instead of waiting until the busy January deadline period.

How Do You Claim a Self Assessment Tax Refund?

Claiming a Refund Through Your HMRC Online Account

After submitting your return, sign in to your HMRC online account and check your Self Assessment balance.

If your account shows that you’re in credit and a repayment is available, you may be able to request it online. Follow the instructions provided and enter the bank details for the account where you want the money paid.

Claiming a Refund by Post

Sometimes a refund can be dealt with through a paper tax return, amendment or written claim.

Postal claims generally take longer than online requests, so allow additional time.

When Will HMRC Pay Your Tax Refund?

Where available, repayment directly into a UK bank account is often the simplest option.

Providing incorrect bank information can cause delays or result in the payment being rejected, so double-check the account number, sort code and account holder details.

You can check your Self Assessment account online after requesting the refund. If its status shows as “pending”, this means HMRC has created the repayment but it still needs to be approved and paid.

Why Is My Self Assessment Tax Refund Taking So Long?

Not every refund can be processed immediately. Reasons for delays include:

• HMRC carrying out additional or security checks.
• Incorrect or incomplete information on the tax return.
• Incorrect bank details.
• A tax return needing to be amended.
• HMRC needing to verify your identity.
• Higher workloads during busy periods.

A refund may also be affected if you have another amount due to HMRC.

Can HMRC Keep or Reduce My Tax Refund?

Yes, in some circumstances.

If you have tax due within the next 45 days, such as a payment on account, HMRC may deduct your overpayment from that amount rather than refunding it to you.

Money may also be set against other outstanding liabilities.

If the refund you receive is lower than expected, check your Self Assessment account and payment history to see how the credit has been allocated.

How Can I Check My Self Assessment Tax Refund?

Sign in to your HMRC online account and open your Self Assessment account. This is where you can check your balance, payments and credits and see whether a repayment has been issued.

If you’ve recently amended your return, allow time for the change to appear. Online amendments can take up to three days to be reflected on your statement.

If there’s no update after the expected processing period, you may need to contact HMRC.

What If My Self Assessment Tax Refund Has Not Arrived?

Before contacting HMRC, check your online account and bank details and make sure HMRC hasn’t contacted you requesting further information.

Have your Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) and relevant tax return details ready if you need to speak to HMRC.

Avoid making duplicate refund requests, as this won’t necessarily speed things up and could complicate the process.

If you’re unsure why a repayment has been delayed or whether your tax calculation is correct, an accountant can help you review your position.

How Can I Avoid Delays to My Tax Refund?

A few simple checks can reduce the risk of unnecessary delays:

• Submit an accurate Self Assessment tax return.
• Double-check your income, expenses and other figures.
• Make sure your bank details are correct.
• Keep supporting records for the information reported.
• Respond promptly if HMRC requests more information.
• Check your HMRC account after submitting your return.

Accuracy matters. Trying to submit quickly but making a mistake could ultimately make your refund take longer.

Get Help With Your Self Assessment Tax Return

Getting your Self Assessment right can help you avoid delays and make sure you’re not paying more tax than you need to.

DNS Associates can help prepare and submit your tax return, find potential overpayments and make sure the correct income, expenses and reliefs are included.

If you’d like expert guidance with your Self Assessment tax return or tax refund, book a consultation or contact us today on 03300 88 66 86 or email [email protected].

About the author

Gary Zouvani
I am a qualified chartered management accountant with over 25 years’ experience working in industry and accountancy practise. Currently DNS group operations director I manage over 50 employees as well as head up our accountancy franchise proposition.