'Out of control' HMRC refunds taxpayers half a billion since 2015

£493m claimed back since 2015

Hannah Godfrey
clock • 2 min read

Tax refund figures published this morning by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) show the organisation is "out of control" when it comes to over-taxing people and then expecting them to claim refunds, according to Royal London.

Analysis from the provider showed that since April 2015, HMRC has had to hand back just under half a billion pounds to taxpayers who have been over-taxed. Royal London said HMRC is collecting huge sums in tax from two areas which it then has to hand back to the taxpayer. Since April 2015, the total amount refunded to taxpayers through income tax on pensions withdrawals has been £262m. Savers using the pension freedoms are taxed on an ‘emergency tax' basis when they take money out of their pensions, and then have to fill in one of three different forms to claim money back. Meanwh...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Tax planning

Inheritance tax receipts hit a record of £7.5bn as 2023/24 year ends

Inheritance tax receipts hit a record of £7.5bn as 2023/24 year ends

‘IHT is the tax gift that keeps on giving as record receipts have been banked’

Hope Coumbe
clock 23 April 2024 • 2 min read
Don't let these five tax changes slip through the advice net

Don't let these five tax changes slip through the advice net

Changes to tax policy advisers need to be aware of

David Downie
clock 18 April 2024 • 3 min read
Minimising clients' IHT liabilities: Where there's a will there's a way

Minimising clients' IHT liabilities: Where there's a will there's a way

There are ways to mitigate an anticipated inheritance tax bill

Richard Burgess
clock 08 April 2024 • 4 min read