Get HMRC to pay YOU! One phone call could get you a refund, says RACHEL RICKARD STRAUS
A personal finance column says millions of people may be owed tax refunds they have not claimed, and argues that contacting HMRC can be worthwhile. The writer says a phone call took less than ten minutes of waiting and resulted in a cheque for several hundred pounds, showing how unclaimed relief can add up.
Her refund covered Gift Aid donations made while paying higher-rate tax. Charities can claim basic-rate relief, but higher- and additional-rate taxpayers must claim the extra themselves, either through Self Assessment or by contacting HMRC; claims can cover the past four years. The article also points to pension tax relief as another area where some people may need to claim what they are owed, depending on their pension scheme.
In short
- Unclaimed tax relief could mean a refund from HMRC.
- Higher-rate taxpayers may claim extra relief on Gift Aid donations.
- Pension contributions may also qualify for additional tax relief.
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The case for
People who have paid more tax than they owe should be able to claim it back, and contacting HMRC may be a simple way to recover money otherwise left unclaimed. Higher-rate taxpayers can miss relief on Gift Aid donations or pension contributions, so publicising the rules could help people receive what they are entitled to.
The case against
A refund is not automatic for everyone: eligibility depends on individual circumstances, the type of pension scheme and whether relief has already been applied. Encouraging people to call HMRC may overstate how broadly the writer’s experience applies, and taxpayers should check their records and the relevant rules before assuming they are owed money.