If you’ve recently submitted your Self Assessment tax return, you might now be wondering whether HMRC has processed it.
Waiting for confirmation can be frustrating, especially if you’re expecting a tax refund or you’ve heard about delays and backlogs.
In this guide you’ll find clear steps on how to check the status of your submission, how long HMRC usually takes, and what to do if your refund hasn’t arrived.
How HMRC Processes a Tax Return
Once you’ve submitted your Self Assessment return, HMRC goes through several internal steps before your position is finalised.
The first thing you’ll usually see is an acknowledgement confirming that your return has been received. For online submissions, this appears in your HMRC account almost immediately.
Paper returns take longer, as HMRC has to log them manually.
After that acknowledgement, HMRC’s automated systems begin a series of initial checks. These checks look for missing information, inconsistencies, and anything that doesn’t match the data HMRC already holds.
If everything lines up, the return usually moves straight through to the next stage. If something needs a closer look, your return may be flagged for manual review.
Once the checks are complete, HMRC calculates your final tax position. At this point they confirm whether you’re due a refund, owe additional tax, or simply have nothing further to pay.
It’s worth remembering that acknowledgement only confirms that your return has been received.
Processing means HMRC has actually reviewed the figures and accepted the calculation.
How Long Does a Tax Return Take to Process?
If you’re wondering how long does a tax return take to process, the answer depends on how you submitted it and the time of year.
For online submissions, HMRC usually acknowledges the return within 72 hours. Processing times are often around one to two weeks, although this can stretch out if you’ve filed close to the 31 January deadline.
January is HMRC’s busiest month, and higher volumes naturally slow things down.
Paper tax returns take much longer. HMRC typically quotes around eight to ten weeks for full processing, and this can increase during peak periods.
Manual handling, data entry, and verification steps all add time, so paper returns are almost always slower than online ones.
Several factors can delay your return, regardless of how you filed. These include additional identity checks, mismatched PAYE or pension data, incomplete information, and situations where HMRC needs clarification before finalising the return.
If your return appears to be taking longer than expected, it doesn’t necessarily mean something is wrong. HMRC’s internal checks can add days or weeks to the process, especially during busy seasons.
How to Check Your HMRC Tax Return Status Online
Using Your HMRC Online Account
If you want to check your HMRC tax refund status online, the easiest place to start is your personal HMRC account.
Once you’ve logged in through your Government Gateway, you can see exactly where your return sits in the processing timeline.
After signing in, head to the Self Assessment section. Your account will show whether your return has been received, is still processing, or has been marked as completed.
If HMRC has already calculated your final position, you’ll also see whether you’re due a refund or if any tax still needs to be paid.
Your online account gives you a clear breakdown of your tax calculation and lets you view any repayments that HMRC is preparing. It’s usually the most up-to-date source of information and updates far quicker than letters sent through the post.
Checking Through the HMRC App
If you prefer to check things quickly from your phone, the HMRC app offers much of the same information in a simpler format. After downloading it from the App Store or Google Play, you can log in using your Government Gateway details or by using the app’s secure sign-in options.
Once you’re in, open the Self Assessment section. The app shows your return status, recent updates, and any repayments HMRC is processing. It’s useful if you want to check your refund status without logging into a full desktop account each time, and it updates in real time.
How to Check if You’re Owed Tax
If you’re trying to work out how to check if I’m owed tax, you can confirm this as soon as HMRC has finished calculating your return.
In your online account (or the app), look for the tax calculation page. This is where HMRC shows your income, deductions, tax charges, and any overpayments. If you’ve paid too much through PAYE or previous installments, you’ll see an overpayment line alongside wording such as “repayment pending” or “repayment being processed”.
You can also review your account balance and past statements to see whether HMRC has credited an overpayment to your account or scheduled a repayment to your bank. If a refund is on the way, the payment notification usually appears shortly before the money arrives.
When Will I Get My Tax Refund?
Average Refund Times
Once HMRC has fully processed your tax return, your refund is usually issued quite quickly. If you submitted your return online, most repayments arrive within five to ten working days.
Some appear even sooner, while others take a little longer if HMRC needs to run extra checks.
Paper tax returns follow a different timeline. Because they require manual handling, refunds can take up to eight weeks to reach you. This often stretches further during the January rush, when HMRC deals with a huge volume of submissions.
Even with online returns, it’s normal for HMRC to carry out occasional security checks, especially if the refund is larger than usual or if something in your return needs an extra review. These checks slow the process down, but they help HMRC confirm that the repayment is going to the right person.
What If Your HMRC Tax Refund Hasn’t Arrived?
If you’re searching for information because your HMRC tax refund has not been received, you’re not alone. Delays are common, and they happen for several reasons.
One of the most frequent issues is incorrect or outdated bank details. If HMRC cannot match your repayment to a valid account, they will hold the refund until the information is corrected.
Refunds can also be delayed if HMRC is carrying out additional checks or comparing your return against information they already hold.
Your refund may be reduced or held back if you have outstanding tax debts from previous years. HMRC often uses part or all of a repayment to cover anything you still owe. They will usually display this on your online account.
Seasonal delays are also a factor. Many taxpayers file in December and January, so HMRC often faces significant backlogs during this period. If you filed close to the deadline, it is normal to wait longer than the typical five to ten working days.
If your refund is still pending, check your online HMRC account first. This will show whether the payment has been issued, is being processed, or has been placed on hold. If there is no update and it has been several weeks since your return was processed, it may be time to contact HMRC.
Contacting HMRC About a Missing Refund
If you decide to contact HMRC, the Self Assessment Helpline is the most direct route. Before you call, make sure you have your Unique Taxpayer Reference, National Insurance number, the date you submitted your return, and the bank details you used. Having this information ready helps the adviser locate your record quickly.
If calling is not convenient, you can also contact HMRC through secure messages in your online account or, in some cases, through webchat. Written enquiries are an option, although they take longer.
It is worth keeping expectations realistic. HMRC phone lines are often busy, particularly in January and February, so you may need to try at different times of day. Once HMRC has checked your refund status, they will explain the reason for any delay and what happens next.
Common Issues That Delay HMRC Processing
Errors or Missing Information
Even small mistakes can slow down HMRC’s processing of your tax return. If figures are mistyped or key information is missing, HMRC’s systems will flag your return for manual review.
Mismatches between what you entered and what HMRC already holds from employers or pension providers can also cause delays.
Bank details are another common issue. If the account number or sort code for your repayment is incorrect, HMRC will not release your refund until the details are corrected. This often adds several weeks to the usual processing time.
Security Checks and Compliance Reviews
HMRC carries out routine security checks to prevent fraud and confirm the identity of the person claiming a repayment.
These checks can happen even when your return is correct. If your refund is unusually large or contains figures that differ noticeably from previous years, HMRC may pause the repayment while they verify the information.
A return may also be reviewed if HMRC cannot match certain entries against the data they hold. These checks are common and do not necessarily mean there is a problem, but they do extend the processing timeline.
Outstanding Debts or Previous Returns
If you owe tax from a previous year, HMRC may use your current refund to settle that debt. The same applies to unpaid penalties or adjustments from earlier assessments.
In some cases, refunds are held back because a previous tax return has not been filed.
If this happens, HMRC will usually show the adjustment in your online account. Your repayment may be reduced or withheld until the outstanding amount has been cleared.
What Happens After Your Tax Return Is Processed
If You Are Due a Refund
Once HMRC finishes reviewing your tax return, they will update your Self Assessment account to show that the return has been processed and that a repayment is due.
You will normally see a notification inside your HMRC online account, and depending on your communication settings, HMRC may also send an email or a letter confirming the repayment amount.
Refunds are usually paid directly into the bank account you entered on your return. If you did not provide bank details, HMRC will issue a cheque instead, which takes longer to arrive.
Bank transfers tend to be quick once HMRC approves the repayment, although the approval step can still take a few days after your return is processed.
Most repayments reach your account within a few working days of being authorised. If HMRC performs any final security checks, the release of funds can take slightly longer, but delays at this stage are usually short unless something needs to be clarified.
If You Owe Tax
If your processed return shows that you owe tax, HMRC will update your account with the exact amount and the deadline for payment.
The main deadline is 31 January for balancing payments and the first instalment of Payments on Account.
If you are required to make a second Payment on Account, the deadline is 31 July.
You can pay the amount due in several ways, including bank transfer, debit card, or Direct Debit. Many taxpayers prefer to spread the cost throughout the year, and HMRC allows this through a Budget Payment Plan.
This lets you set up regular weekly or monthly payments which are credited toward your next bill.
If you cannot pay the full amount by the deadline, HMRC may allow you to set up a Time to Pay arrangement.
This agreement lets you pay your tax in instalments based on what you can afford. Applications can be made online in many cases, or through the Self Assessment helpline if your situation is more complex.
How to Avoid Delays in Future Tax Years
File Early and Check Details Carefully
One of the simplest ways to avoid delays is to file your tax return well before the January deadline. Submitting in November or December gives HMRC more time to process your return before the busiest period of the year.
It also reduces the risk of mistakes that often happen when people rush to file at the last minute.
Early filing means you can spot issues sooner, correct errors while everything is still fresh, and receive any refund much faster. Even if you file early, you still have until 31 January to pay what you owe, so there is no financial disadvantage to submitting ahead of time.
Keep Your HMRC Details Up to Date
Processing delays often happen when HMRC cannot match or verify the information on a return. Keeping your bank details, postal address, and contact information up to date helps prevent unnecessary checks or repayment issues.
Outdated bank details are one of the most common reasons refunds are held back, so it is worth checking these before you submit your return each year.
Work with a Qualified Accountant
Professional support can significantly reduce the likelihood of HMRC queries or delays. A qualified accountant will ensure your figures are accurate, your records are complete, and your return is submitted correctly the first time.
This minimises the chance of your return being flagged for review and usually results in faster refunds.
At Ryans, our team specialises in Self Assessment, HMRC compliance, and dealing directly with the tax office on behalf of clients. If you want a smoother, stress-free filing process, working with an accountant who understands HMRC’s systems can make a noticeable difference.
How Ryans Can Help
If your refund is taking longer than expected or you are worried that something may have gone wrong with your Self Assessment, having expert support can make a big difference.
At Ryans, we guide clients through every stage of the Self Assessment process, from preparing accurate returns to dealing with HMRC when delays or queries arise.
Working with our team means you have experienced accountants checking your figures, submitting your return correctly, and keeping you informed about any updates from HMRC.
If HMRC requests further information, opens an enquiry, or holds your refund for security checks, we can manage the communication on your behalf so you are not left chasing answers on your own.
If you want a faster, stress-free experience or need help resolving a delayed refund, you can speak to our team at any time. We are here to make the process smoother and to help you avoid issues in future tax years.
FAQ's
How can I check if my tax return has been processed by HMRC?
You can check the status of your return through your HMRC online account or the HMRC app.
The Self Assessment section will show whether your return has been received, is being processed, or is complete.
Contact UsHow long does HMRC take to issue a tax refund?
Refunds from online returns are usually paid within 5 to 10 working days after HMRC finishes processing your return. Paper returns often take several weeks longer.
Contact UsHow do I check my HMRC tax refund status online?
Log in to your HMRC online account, go to Self Assessment, and look for messages about repayments or overpayments.
Your account will show whether a refund has been approved or is still pending.
Contact UsWhat should I do if my HMRC tax refund has not arrived?
First check your bank details in your HMRC account and allow for any possible delays.
If there is still no progress after a reasonable period, contact HMRC or speak to an accountant who can check for issues on your behalf.
Contact UsCan I track my tax refund on the HMRC app?
Yes. The app shows your Self Assessment status, any tax owed, and whether a repayment has been issued.
Contact UsHow do I know if I am owed tax?
After submitting your return, your HMRC online account will show whether you have overpaid or underpaid tax.
Look for messages that indicate an overpayment or a pending repayment.
Contact UsWhy is my tax return taking longer than usual to process?
Delays happen for several reasons, including peak filing periods, errors in the return, security checks, mismatched PAYE data, or missing information.
Contact UsWhen will I get my tax return refund in the UK?
Most refunds from online submissions arrive within 5 to 10 working days. Paper returns can take around 8 weeks or longer.
Contact UsDo paper tax returns take longer to process?
Yes. Paper submissions can take 8 to 10 weeks, and even longer during busy periods.
Contact UsWho can I contact if I have not received my tax refund?
You can contact HMRC’s Self Assessment helpline, send a secure message through your HMRC account, or ask a qualified accountant to make enquiries on your behalf.
Contact Us