How to Claim a Tax Refund as a Student

If you've paid tax but earned under £12,570 in the year, or were put on the wrong tax code, you've likely overpaid and can claim it back from HMRC. Students working part-year or in summer jobs are especially prone to this.

Last reviewed: 30 May 2026 · 2 min read

Key Facts

You pay no income tax if you earn under £12,570 in a tax year
Emergency tax codes often cause students to overpay
Refunds are claimed free through HMRC — never use paid 'tax refund' firms

Why students often overpay

Two things trip students up. First, emergency tax codes: start a job without a P45 and you may be taxed as if you earn that wage all year, even if you only work a few months. Second, part-year work: a summer job paying you heavily over a short period can trigger tax that your low annual total doesn't actually warrant.

If your total income for the year stays under £12,570, you shouldn't pay income tax at all — so anything deducted is refundable.

How to claim it back

Check your payslips and P45 or P60 to see how much tax you've paid. Then use your personal tax account on gov.uk, or contact HMRC directly, to claim a refund. HMRC often issues refunds automatically after the tax year through a P800, but claiming yourself can be quicker.

Never use companies that promise to get your refund for a cut — claiming directly through HMRC is free and straightforward. Those firms simply take a slice of money you'd get anyway.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I'm owed a tax refund? +

If you earned under £12,570 in the tax year but had income tax deducted, you're likely owed a refund. Check your payslips or P60 for tax paid. An emergency tax code (often ending W1, M1 or X) is another sign you may have overpaid and can claim back.

How long does an HMRC tax refund take? +

It varies. Automatic refunds after the tax year via a P800 can take several weeks to a couple of months. Claiming through your personal tax account on gov.uk can be faster. Once approved, the money is usually paid by bank transfer or cheque within a few weeks.

Should I use a tax refund company? +

No. Companies advertising to reclaim your tax for you take a percentage of the refund as a fee, for something you can do yourself for free directly through HMRC. Claiming via gov.uk takes a little time but means you keep the entire refund.

Topics covered

tax tax refund students

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always do your own research or speak to a qualified financial adviser before making financial decisions.