If you’ve submitted a tax rebate and it’s showing as ‘pending,’ you’re probably wondering when the money will actually arrive. It’s your cash, after all – and waiting around can be frustrating.

The short answer? A pending tax rebate usually takes between 2 and 12 weeks to process, depending on how you applied and whether HMRC needs anything else from you. Some claims fly through. Others get held up. Either way, there are steps you can take to keep things moving, and RIFT is here to help.

Let’s break it down, so you know what to expect (and what to do if things start dragging).

What does ‘pending’ mean on a tax rebate?

When your HMRC tax refund is pending, it simply means they’re reviewing your claim before approving any payment. This status usually pops up in your HMRC online account or in a letter they’ve sent you. At this stage, HMRC is:

  • Checking the information you submitted
  • Making sure you’re eligible for the refund
  • Waiting for any additional documents, if needed

So, pending doesn’t mean anything is wrong, but it does mean you’re not quite at the payment stage yet.

How long does a pending tax rebate take to process?

The time it takes for HMRC to process a pending tax rebate depends on how you applied and what kind of claim you’ve made. Here’s what to expect in different situations.

PAYE employees

If you’re employed and your tax is deducted through PAYE (Pay As You Earn), your refund usually takes 8 to 12 weeks. That’s assuming your claim is straightforward and all your documents are in order.

Self Assessment

If you’ve submitted a Self Assessment tax return and your bank details are up to date, your refund should land in your account within 2 to 4 weeks. That’s one of the fastest ways to get your money back.

P87 form or postal claims

Claiming expenses like mileage or uniform costs using a P87 form, especially by post, can take longer. You’re looking at 8 to 12 weeks or more, depending on HMRC’s workload and whether they need extra info.

Leaving the UK (Form P85)

If you’re moving abroad and using a P85 form to claim back any overpaid tax, be prepared to wait up to 16 weeks. These claims are a bit more complex, so HMRC takes longer to review them.

Complex claims or missing information

If your claim includes multiple tax years, incomplete documents or unusual expenses, HMRC might take longer to process it. They may contact you to ask for extra evidence, which can delay things further.

Want to check if you’re due a rebate or track your claim?

Talk to our experts. We’ve helped thousands of people get their tax back quickly and easily.

Factors that affect how long it takes

Not all tax rebate claims move at the same speed. These are some of the most common reasons behind HMRC rebate delays.

How you submitted the claim

Online claims are usually quicker. HMRC’s digital systems process them faster than paper forms, which need to be handled manually.

Accuracy of your information

If there are mistakes or missing details in your claim, like incorrect dates, missing employer info or outdated addresses, it can trigger delays while HMRC investigates.

Extra evidence requested by HMRC

Sometimes HMRC needs more from you before approving the rebate. They might ask for things like:

  • Payslips
  • P60s or P45s
  • Mileage logs
  • Receipts for work expenses

Until they get what they need, your claim stays in the pending queue.

Time of year

HMRC gets especially busy around:

  • The end of the tax year in April
  • Late summer, when many Self Assessment refunds are processed

If you apply during one of these peak periods, expect things to take a bit longer than usual.

How to speed up your tax rebate

While you can’t control everything, there’s plenty you can do to help your rebate move faster through the system.

Submit accurate information the first time

Double-check every detail before you send off your claim. A small mistake, like a wrong date or missing employer, can send your rebate back to square one.

Include all the right paperwork

Make sure HMRC has everything it needs to process your claim. That could include:

  • P60 or P45 forms (showing what you earned and what tax you’ve paid)
  • Receipts for expenses (like tools, travel or uniform costs)
  • Mileage logs (if you’ve driven for work)

Refer to our tax refund claim checklist to ensure you have all necessary documents.

Keep your bank details up to date

Outdated or incorrect bank info can hold up your payment even after the claim is approved. You can check and update your details in your HMRC online account.

Use a specialist service

Let’s be honest – tax can be a minefield. If you want to avoid errors and speed things up, a tax refund expert like RIFT can handle the claim for you, with fewer delays and no guesswork. Not sure where to start? Use our tax refund calculator to get a quick estimate.

What to do if it’s taking too long

Still stuck in “pending” weeks after you applied? Here’s what to do next.

1. Wait the standard timeframe

For most claims, 12 weeks is considered normal – especially for PAYE and postal claims. If it’s still pending after that, it’s time to act.

2. Contact HMRC

You’ve got a few ways to follow up:

  • Phone: Call HMRC’s helpline, but be prepared for long wait times.
  • Online portal: Log into your HMRC account to check updates or send a message.
  • Authorised agent: If you’ve used a tax expert like RIFT, we can speak to HMRC for you.

3. Let RIFT help chase it

We’ve got the experience to get answers from HMRC when you can’t. If your rebate is stuck or delayed, we’ll chase it down and keep you in the loop every step of the way.

How RIFT helps you get your rebate faster

Getting a tax refund doesn’t have to be slow or stressful, especially when you’ve got experts on your side. Here’s how RIFT speeds things up:

  • We talk directly to HMRC so you don’t have to. No hold music, no confusing forms – just answers.
  • We know exactly what HMRC needs, and we make sure every claim is accurate, complete and ready to go from day one.
  • We handle follow-ups for you, chasing delays and keeping your claim moving until the money is in your account.

With thousands of successful claims under our belt, we know every twist and turn in the system – and how to get through them faster.

Ready to get your rebate moving? Let RIFT take it from here – start your claim today.

FAQs

Is it normal for a rebate to be pending for weeks?

Yes, most pending tax rebates take 2–12 weeks. PAYE and postal claims (like P87 forms) often take longer, especially during busy periods. If yours has been pending over 12 weeks, it’s time to follow up or let RIFT help you track your tax refund.

Will I get interest if my rebate is delayed?

You might. HMRC sometimes pays interest on delayed tax refunds, but the amount is usually small and not guaranteed. It’s better to avoid delays altogether by submitting a complete claim and keeping your HMRC bank details up to date.

Can I track my tax refund online?

Yes, you can track your HMRC tax refund via your HMRC online account. A ‘pending’ status means your claim is received but not yet paid. RIFT can also track and chase your claim for you if it’s stuck.

You can also check your tax rebate status at any time through the MyRIFT portal to stay updated on progress.