What is a P800 letter?

A P800 is HMRC's end-of-year tax calculation. It compares the tax you actually paid with what you should have paid, and tells you whether you overpaid (a refund is due) or underpaid. It is a reconciliation, not a penalty.

How do I claim my P800 refund?

The fastest route is online through your Personal Tax Account or the HMRC app, paid to your bank account — typically within days. If you don't claim online, HMRC usually sends a cheque, which takes longer. The P800 itself explains which applies to you.

I owe tax on my P800 — how is it collected?

For most people in PAYE, HMRC collects the underpayment automatically by adjusting next year's tax code, spreading it across the year. If it can't be coded out, HMRC sends a Simple Assessment (PA302) asking for direct payment instead.

Are P800 refund texts and emails genuine?

No. HMRC does not send texts or emails with refund links. A genuine P800 arrives by post and matches what's shown in your Personal Tax Account. Any message with a 'claim your refund' link is a scam.

What is a P800 letter?

A P800 is HMRC's end-of-year tax calculation. It compares the tax you actually paid with what you should have paid, and tells you whether you overpaid (a refund is due) or underpaid. It is a reconciliation, not a penalty.

How do I claim my P800 refund?

The fastest route is online through your Personal Tax Account or the HMRC app, paid to your bank account — typically within days. If you don't claim online, HMRC usually sends a cheque, which takes longer. The P800 itself explains which applies to you.

I owe tax on my P800 — how is it collected?

For most people in PAYE, HMRC collects the underpayment automatically by adjusting next year's tax code, spreading it across the year. If it can't be coded out, HMRC sends a Simple Assessment (PA302) asking for direct payment instead.

Are P800 refund texts and emails genuine?

No. HMRC does not send texts or emails with refund links. A genuine P800 arrives by post and matches what's shown in your Personal Tax Account. Any message with a 'claim your refund' link is a scam.

UK letters explained: find your letter, see what it means

DWP & benefits letters

Form update. GOV.UK states the WCA50 has replaced the ESA50 and UC50 capability-for-work questionnaires; its form page was published 24 November 2025. What the WCA50 is, and what changed.
WCA50 form — The current capability-for-work questionnaire: what it asks, and how to answer each section.
UC50 form — The Universal Credit work capability questionnaire - deadlines and how to answer. Replaced by the WCA50.
ESA50 form — The ESA capability-for-work questionnaire, explained page by page. Replaced by the WCA50.
Migration notice — The letter moving you to Universal Credit - and the deadline that protects your money.
PIP letters & assessment — Award letters, reviews and what the points mean.

HMRC & tax letters

P800 calculation — Refund or small bill - which one yours is, and what to do.
PA302 simple assessment — The tax bill HMRC sends outside PAYE - check it before you pay.
HMRC debt letter — What HMRC can actually do, and the Time to Pay route.
Any other HMRC letter — Work out what HMRC is asking for.

Council, parking & driving

Parking ticket (PCN) — How to appeal - and when paying early is smarter.
Parking escalation letters — Notice to Owner, Charge Certificate, Order for Recovery - the ladder explained.
Penalty points letters — What the points mean for your licence.

Courts, debt & bailiffs

Single Justice Procedure Notice — The 21-day court letter - do not ignore it.
Letter before action — The last letter before a court claim - your options.
CCJ / claim form — What a county court claim means and the deadlines that matter.
Attachment of earnings — When money is taken from wages - and how to respond.
Bailiff letters & visits — What bailiffs can and cannot do at your door.
Can I ignore this letter? — The honest answer, letter by letter.

Housing letters

Eviction notice — Section 21, Section 8 - what is valid and what to do first.
Notice periods at work — How much notice you or your employer must give. Employment, not eviction.

NHS & other letters

NHS penalty charge — The prescription/dental fine - and the 28-day window.
Write my reply — Turn any letter into a proper reply, ready to send.

Got a letter? Find It Here — What It Means and What to Do.