How Can I Check If My Tax Return Has Been Processed by HMRC?

PHS Team

19 Mar, 2025

Checking the status of your tax return is important because it helps you stay informed about any significant issues or delays. This can be particularly important if you're expecting a refund or need to make payments based on your tax assessment. 

You can check your tax refund status using HMRC's online services, the HMRC app, or by contacting them directly. Regularly checking your status ensures that everything is in order and allows you to address any problems accurately. 

This helps prevent unnecessary delays and ensures you meet all tax obligations on time. By staying on top of your self assessment tax return, you can manage your finances more effectively and avoid any surprises.

Importance of Checking Your Tax Return Status  

1. Confirmation of Submission: Checking your tax return status ensures that HMRC has received and is processing your submission correctly.
2. Addressing Issues accurately: Knowing the status helps you address any issues or delays quickly, which is crucial for meeting deadlines and avoiding penalties.
3. Financial Planning: Understanding if your tax return has been processed helps with financial planning. If you're expecting a refund, knowing the status gives you an idea of when to expect the funds, aiding in budget management.
4. Awareness of Compliance Checks: Checking the status can alert you to any compliance checks or inquiries from HMRC. Being proactive helps resolve issues quickly and prevents future complications, ensuring your self assessment tax return is in order.
5. Peace of Mind: Staying informed about your tax return status provides peace of mind. Checking your tax refund status and understanding the outcome of your submission makes tax management more predictable and reassuring.

How to Confirm Submission of Your Tax Return  

After filing your tax return, it's important to confirm that HMRC has received it.  tax refund status:

Online Confirmation Process

1. Log into HMRC Account: Visit the HMRC website and sign in with your Government Gateway ID and password.
2. Access Tax Return Section: Navigate to the relevant section (e.g., Self Assessment or Corporation Tax). If you've submitted a self assessment tax return, this is where you'll find updates.
3. Check Submission Status: Look for confirmation that your return has been received and is being processed.

Email Notifications

• Automatic Email: HMRC sends an email after processing your submission. Check your inbox and spam folder.
• Follow-Up: If no email is received, log back into your HMRC account or contact HMRC for assistance to ensure everything is on track and to check your tax refund status.

Using the HMRC App

1. Download and Install: Get the HMRC app on your smartphone.
2. Log In: Use your Government Gateway credentials.
3. Check Status: View your tax return status in the Tax section.

Contacting HMRC Directly

1. Choose Method: Call or use the online contact form.
2. Prepare Details: Have your National Insurance number and tax reference numbers ready.
3. Inquire About Status: Ask about your tax return status and any issues, and also inquire about the progress of your HMRC tax refund check.

Methods for Checking Your Tax Return Status

Knowing the status of your tax return is crucial for ensuring it has been processed by HMRC, avoiding penalties, and confirming if a refund or additional tax payment is due.

Using HMRC Online Services

1. Log into Your HMRC Account: Visit the HMRC website and sign in with your Government Gateway ID and password. This is the first step to performing an HMRC tax refund check online.
2. Navigate to the Tax Returns Section: Once logged in, find the section related to tax returns. This area will show information about your submitted returns and their current status.
3. Check Submission Confirmation: Look for confirmation that your tax return has been received and processed. If it's still being processed, you might see an estimated completion timeframe.

Expected Processing Times

• Self Assessment Tax Returns: Typically processed within 8 to 12 weeks, but may take longer during busy periods.
• Company Tax Returns: Usually processed in 4 to 6 weeks.
• VAT Returns: Generally processed within 30 days.

By following these steps, you can easily check the status of your tax return and stay informed about any necessary actions or potential refunds.

What to Do If Your Tax Return Is Delayed

If your tax return is taking longer than expected to process, follow these steps to stay on top of the situation:

1. Check Online: Log into your HMRC online account to see if there are any updates on your tax return status. This will help you understand if there are any issues or if it's still being processed. Using the HMRC tax refund check online service is often the quickest way to get an update.
2. Review Submission Confirmation: Ensure you have received confirmation from HMRC that your return was submitted successfully. This confirmation is usually sent via email or can be found in your online account.
3. Wait for Processing Times: Be aware that processing times can vary. For Self Assessment returns, it typically takes up to 10 weeks, but during busy periods, it may take longer. Company Tax Returns usually take 4 to 6 weeks, and VAT returns are processed within 30 days.
4. Contact HMRC: If it’s been longer than expected, contact HMRC directly via phone or their online contact form for assistance. They can provide personalised support and help resolve any issues.
5. Keep Records: Maintain all correspondence and documentation related to your tax return for reference. This includes emails, letters, and any other communication with HMRC. Keeping these records organised will help if you need to refer back to them later.

Looking for help with your tax return and want to maximise your chances of receiving an HMRC tax refund? PHS Associates specialises in making the process easy and stress-free. Whether you're self-employed, a freelancer, or a landlord navigating the complexities of Self Assessment tax returns, we can guide you through every step.

Contact us at 0208 8611685 and email at info@phs-uk.co.uk.  We'll help you confirm your submission with HMRC online services, email notifications, or via the HMRC app, and if you encounter delays, we'll guide you on how to follow up.