Many UK taxpayers face delays in receiving their HMRC repayments even after the status is marked as “issued”. These issues can result from processing bottlenecks, incorrect bank details, or routine security checks.
Understanding the flow and common obstacles of HMRC’s repayment system is essential for knowing when to wait and when to act. This blog provides a structured guide to help you make sense of the repayment process and resolve delays confidently.
What Exactly Is an HMRC Repayment?
An HMRC repayment occurs when you have paid more tax than necessary during the financial year. This can happen for a variety of reasons, including incorrect PAYE coding, overpayment through Self Assessment, or eligible adjustments like job expenses or marriage allowance transfers.
Taxpayers typically receive repayments after submitting a Self Assessment tax return or automatically through PAYE systems. The excess amount is processed by HMRC and sent back through one of their approved refund methods.
Depending on your tax situation, HMRC might initiate the repayment automatically, or you may need to request it. The process ensures taxpayers are refunded accurately when too much tax has been collected, offering financial balance within the tax year.
What Are the Common Repayment Methods Used by HMRC?
When HMRC approves a repayment, the method used can significantly affect how quickly you receive the funds. Here’s a breakdown of the most common repayment channels and how they operate.
BACS Transfer
This is the fastest and most common method used by HMRC. The repayment is sent directly to the bank account listed in your Personal Tax Account. It typically takes between 3 to 6 working days to appear in your account once issued.
Cheque by Post
If you haven’t submitted valid bank details, HMRC defaults to sending a cheque to your postal address. This process is slower and can take between 7 to 15 working days. Issues such as postal strikes or address errors can increase delays.
Banking App Authorisation
Some users may be prompted to confirm the transaction through their banking app, especially where added security checks are required. This step adds a manual layer to the process, which may result in slight delays if not promptly completed.
Repayment Method Comparison Table
| Method | Typical Timeframe | Delay Risk Factors |
| BACS Transfer | 3–6 working days | Incorrect bank details, system errors |
| Cheque by Post | 7–15 working days | Postal issues, outdated address |
| App-Based Authorisation | 4–7 working days | User action needed, banking app setup |
Understanding these methods helps you better interpret the “issued” status in your tax account and know what to expect next.
How Long After Tax Repayment Is Issued by HMRC?
Once HMRC updates your status to “repayment issued,” the timeline depends on the method of refund. For BACS payments, funds typically appear within 3 to 6 working days. If you’re receiving a cheque, it can take 7 to 15 working days due to postal delays.
These timelines may vary based on the time of year. During peak tax seasons, such as April through July, HMRC experiences higher volumes of returns, which can delay processing.
Similarly, weekends and bank holidays may push back delivery times for both electronic and postal payments.
Why Has HMRC Repayment Issued but Not in Bank?
There are several reasons why an HMRC repayment marked as “issued” might not reach your account. These include standard delays, internal verifications, and technical or human errors.
Common Reasons for Delay
- Processing backlogs within HMRC
- Issuance around a bank holiday or weekend
- Errors in bank account or sort code information
- Cheques delayed due to incorrect address or postal strikes
- Additional verification needed by HMRC
- Technical faults within the banking network
Possible Status Meanings
- Pending: Authorised but not yet released for payment
- Sent: Payment released, but not confirmed by the bank
- Cheque: Defaulted to cheque due to missing bank info
If your payment has been marked as “sent” but not received after 10 working days, further action is recommended.
Can Bank Delays Affect When You Receive Your Refund?
Yes, delays can also happen on the bank’s end, even after HMRC issues your repayment. Most UK banks process BACS payments within 1 to 2 business days after receiving the transfer. However, if the provided account does not support BACS, the refund could be rejected or stalled.
Common banking-related delays occur when:
- The account was recently closed
- Incorrect sort code or account number was submitted
- The account does not support government transfers (e.g. certain prepaid or business accounts)
It’s important to use a standard UK current account and regularly update bank details in your Personal Tax Account to avoid these issues.
What Should You Do If You’re Waiting Over 10 Working Days?
If more than 10 working days have passed since your repayment was marked as “issued,” it’s time to begin troubleshooting. Here are the step-by-step actions:
Verify Your Bank Details
- Log into your Personal Tax Account using your Government Gateway credentials.
- Confirm that the bank account number and sort code you provided are correct and up to date.
- Ensure the account is active and supports BACS transfers, which HMRC uses to process repayments.
Check Repayment Status
- Navigate to the “Self Assessment” or “PAYE” sections in your tax account dashboard.
- Look under “View Tax Return” or “Check Progress of Repayment” to see current status updates.
- Note whether it says “Pending,” “Sent,” or “Cheque issued” to determine the repayment stage.
Explore Secure Messaging
- Use the secure messaging feature within your HMRC account to contact support directly.
- Submit a detailed query including your repayment reference, tax year, and any relevant timelines.
- This method helps create a written record of your enquiry.
Call HMRC Helpline
- For Self Assessment queries, call: 0300 200 3310
- For PAYE (Pay As You Earn) queries, call: 0300 200 3300
Have the following information ready to speed up the process: your UTR number, National Insurance number, and the date your tax return was submitted.
When Should You Contact HMRC Directly About a Missing Refund?
There are several situations when contacting HMRC directly becomes necessary. If your refund has been issued but hasn’t appeared within 14 working days, and you’ve ruled out bank or address errors, escalate the matter.
You should also contact HMRC if:
- Your cheque hasn’t arrived within 3 weeks
- You suspect it’s lost or misdelivered
- No confirmation emails or letters have been received
- Your Personal Tax Account shows “sent” but the bank confirms no deposit
- You’ve received a verification letter and heard nothing back after 6 weeks
Prompt communication helps avoid further delay and may result in reissuance or manual investigation.
Why Might HMRC Use Cheque Instead of BACS Transfer?
HMRC generally prefers digital transfers for speed and reliability. However, in some situations, they issue a cheque instead.
No Bank Details on File
If you did not submit bank details during your tax return, HMRC defaults to sending a cheque by post.
Technical Restrictions
Accounts that reject BACS payments (like some prepaid or business accounts) trigger a fallback to cheque processing.
Address Risks and Postal Delays
Cheques are mailed to the most recent address on file. If this is outdated or incorrect, it can cause delays or even lost payments.
Always enter valid bank details during tax return submission to reduce risk and ensure faster refunds.
How Can You Avoid HMRC Refund Delays in the Future?
Taking a proactive approach with your tax details can help prevent unnecessary refund delays.
Preventive Measures:
- Update Bank Details
- When you change or close an account
- Before filing returns annually
- Keep Personal Info Current
- Address, email, and phone number should be accurate
- Opt-in for Alerts
- Enable notifications for refund updates and secure messages
Best Practices:
- File returns early, especially in peak months
- Double-check all entries for typos or missing information
- Include explanations for any unusual claims
Future Refund Tips Table
| Action | Why It Helps |
| Update bank details annually | Avoid failed or delayed BACS payments |
| Use HMRC notifications | Get real-time status updates |
| Submit early in the tax year | Avoid peak season processing delays |
| Use secure messaging | Reduce wait time vs phone helpline |
Conclusion
If your HMRC repayment shows as “issued” but hasn’t reached your bank, the reason is often a simple, correctable issue.
Whether it’s due to incorrect details, verification delays, or postal problems, understanding the process empowers you to act. Always begin by checking your Personal Tax Account and bank information.
If more than 10 to 14 working days pass without resolution, contact HMRC with all relevant documentation. Most delays are temporary and can be resolved with timely communication and a little patience.
FAQs About HMRC Repayment Issued but Not in Bank
What is the fastest HMRC repayment method available?
The fastest method is BACS transfer, which usually delivers funds within 3 to 6 working days.
Can I request HMRC to resend a cheque if it’s lost in post?
Yes, if a cheque hasn’t arrived within 3 weeks, you can request HMRC to cancel and reissue it.
How does the “Bank repayment pending” status affect my timeline?
It means the refund has been approved but not yet released, possibly due to further checks.
Will I still get a refund if I change banks after submitting my return?
Yes, but only if you update your new bank details in your Personal Tax Account before issuance.
Are HMRC repayments slower for self-employed individuals?
Sometimes, especially if extra verification is needed or if claims are unusually high.
How do HMRC’s fraud checks affect tax rebate processing?
Fraud checks may delay your refund by several weeks, particularly for new filers or large claims.
What role do employer PAYE mismatches play in refund delays?
Mismatches between your return and employer-submitted PAYE data can pause repayment until resolved.
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