If you’re expecting a tax refund from HMRC and see the status ‘self assessment repayment pending’, you might be a bit puzzled. Why hasn’t your refund arrived yet? And when can you expect it to? Let’s go through HMRC’s refund processes to help you understand what’s going on.

What does ‘self assessment repayment pending’ mean?

The ‘self assessment repayment pending’ status indicates that HMRC has acknowledged your request for a refund and is currently processing it. This is the standard message displayed when a taxpayer is due a refund after filing their tax return, but said refund has not yet been finalised or sent out.

While this status is perfectfully normal, it can be frustrating to see if you’re eagerly waiting for your money. However, rest assured that the status means your refund is on its way. It’s just a shame that HMRC does not give an estimation on when it will arrive.

HMRC says that it aims to refund you in two weeks or four weeks if additional security procedures are used. However, there have recently been instances of people waiting several months for their refund. What’s going on?

Why do tax refunds get delayed?

Refunds can be delayed for several reasons, even after your tax return has been submitted and processed. These include:

• Verification checks: HMRC may need to verify certain details, such as your bank information. These checks are in place to prevent fraud and ensure that refunds are paid correctly.
• Errors in the return: If there’s a mistake or missing information in your return, this could cause a delay. HMRC may therefore need to reach out for clarification or to review your return in more detail.

However, the main reason why tax refunds can become so delayed is that HMRC is spread thinly at the moment, a fact that is widely recognised in the accountancy sector. HMRC’s difficulties are mainly down to a cut in staff as part of its digitisation efforts, and a severe backlog caused by the Covid pandemic.

How to check the status of your refund

To check your repayment status, you can log into your self assessment account. Specifically, you should:

• Log in to your personal tax account via the HMRC website.
• Go to the ‘Self Assessment’ section.
• Click on ‘View Account’ and check the ‘Payments and Repayments’ sections for details on your refund.

This section will show the current status of your refund, including whether it’s pending, processed, or on its way to your bank account.

When to contact HMRC

While delays are unfortunately normal at this point in time, you should still contact HMRC for clarification if you see the pending status for more than four weeks without any updates.

You can contact HMRC through:

• The self assessment helpline
• Web chat services available on the HMRC website
• Writing a letter (though this method will take longer to get a response).

Before contacting them, make sure that all the details in your account are correct, such as your bank information and tax return submission status.

How we can help

If you’re facing delays with your tax refund or are unsure about the ‘self assessment repayment pending’ status, we’re here to support you. Our team of tax experts at EV Accountants understands the frustrations and uncertainties that can arise when dealing with HMRC. We can help you navigate the process, check your submission for any errors, and liaise with HMRC on your behalf to ensure everything is in order.

Whether it’s guiding you through checking your refund status online or helping you communicate with HMRC, we’re committed to making this process as smooth and stress-free as possible. If you’re still waiting for your refund or have any concerns about your tax return, don’t hesitate to contact us. Let us take the hassle off your hands so you can focus on what matters most to you.

Your refund should take less time to process if all the information on your tax return is correct. Get in touch for professional tax support so you can have the peace of mind that your taxes affairs are properly handled.