unbelievable!

They do send emails if you are registered with them for that - it's just that the emails tell you to log onto your account for the message

HMRC DO NOT send emails to anyone.
If you want a refund contact the tax office.
Don't take any notice of emails informing you that you have a tax refund due. It's a scam!

I posted about this last night, but it`s disappeared. I`ve had one of those letters, I'm going to wait for the cheque in the post, I`ll only get myself in a mess on their website!

I really could not imagine HMRC going to all that bother for a refund of £30 but for a scammer getting your bank details is well worth the sum. Do remember that these fraudsters play the long game and it may be a while before your bank account is targeted.

My link does that <sighs>

Perhaps HMRC could clarify their procedures regarding rebates on this site?

The emails are usually scammers so don't click any links within them - contact HMRC by phone to check if it's genuine.

I had a letter a month or so ago. it's not a scam. HMRC don't email you, but they will send a letter.
It's a bit of a phaff to do it online, but it does work. I did it and got money in my account within 5 days
I got £30 back.

I claimed mine online using my gateway number and my refund was in the bank within days.

It would probably be easier to register on line than to phone. In my experience you have to hang on for around an hour to get through to speak to someone. It took me a long time after I retired to get them to stop taking too much tax, they definitely didn't send my refund until I kept chasing.

Posted too soon!

If you don't want to register online you can request a cheque which you'll receive in 14 days.

Morgana it's very quick and easy to register on the government gateway site online.

My DS had a similar letter last year and despite my misgivings it was genuine. The emails are always fake. I had a tax rebate last year, as did DH, but they just arrived as cheques with covering letters - no prior notice.

I was another sceptic when I received such a letter, but it turned out to be genuine. Also I have received a couple of fairly decent tax refunds in the past.

Unbelievable is right. This has all the hallmarks of a scam.
Have a look at
www.lovemoney.com/guides/15794/hmrc-tax-refund-rebate-scams-frauds-email-is-this-real-fake-uk

Over the years I have had several tax refunds, all were paid via a cheque. If tax is owed the tax payer can choose whether to pay in a lump sum or via a change to tax code. There's a box on the tax return to indicate preference.

I thought your code was only adjusted to collect unpaid tax from you.

If you do your tax online, HMRC do email you but only to say that there is a message for you and you have to log in to read it.

The link I posted said that if you rang them they would send the cheque within 14 days - the 60 days is if you do nothing

In all my life I have never been given a refund from the taxman, usually they just adjust your code surely. Be wary, I have had three phone calls and an email today, all scams.

Thanks for advice but I don't see why there would be a sixty day wait. Isn't this just a case of forcing us to use the Net? I don't like to do anything financial on line.

I don't think HMRC ever emails anyone about such things. They use letters.

Same as coolgran, easy to register and not a scam. Maybe check it out via accessing the Gov.uk site direct? Be a shame to wait when you don't need to.

I found an email in my junk mail box that claimed to be from HMRC. It said I was due a refund and to click on the box. I don't see how I can be due a refund and feel sure HMRC would send me a letter. In fact, I can't recall ever giving HMRC my email address. I deleted it.

I had tax problem and was able to register on Govt Gateway online without needing an ID by post. I was then able to check how much I owed.☹️