Story perspectives

UK Taxpayers Missing £144 Million in Uncashed Refunds

4/13/2026

Summary

Story summary

Hundreds of thousands of taxpayers in the UK are missing out on HMRC refunds averaging £800.
Last year HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) issued 1.7 million cheques, with 178,180 uncashed totaling £144 million.
Common reasons for overpayment include incorrect tax codes and receiving multiple payments in a month.
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has shifted to issuing refunds mainly via bank transfer.
An HMRC spokesperson says bank transfers are the fastest and most secure.

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Story summary

Hundreds of thousands of taxpayers in the UK are missing out on HMRC refunds averaging £800.
Last year HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) issued 1.7 million cheques, with 178,180 uncashed totaling £144 million.
Common reasons for overpayment include incorrect tax codes and receiving multiple payments in a month.
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has shifted to issuing refunds mainly via bank transfer.
An HMRC spokesperson says bank transfers are the fastest and most secure.