How Can I Check If My Tax Return Has Been Processed By HMRC?
We often get asked “how can I check for my tax refund”. This guide will help you determine your tax return progress.
How To Check Tax Return Status
Short answer: Sign in to your HMRC online account or use the HMRC app, go to Self Assessment, and check for your submitted return, your tax calculation (SA302), and Tax Year Overview. If HMRC has processed it, these documents will be available, and any repayment status (e.g. “pending”) will be shown.
What “processed” means
When HMRC has processed your tax return:
Your return will appear under “view returns you’ve made before.”
A Tax Calculation (SA302) will be available to view and download.
You’ll see a Tax Year Overview that shows any amount due or repayable.
If you are owed a refund, the status may show “repayment pending” or similar.
If both your SA302 and Tax Year Overview are visible, this is a good sign your return has been processed.
Fastest ways to check if your return is processed
A. Check via the HMRC app
Download and open the HMRC app.
Log in using your Government Gateway credentials.
Tap Self Assessment to view return status, tax due/refund, and any repayment updates.
B. Check via HMRC online account (desktop or mobile browser)
Log in to your HMRC online account.
Go to Self Assessment.
Choose the relevant tax year and click “view returns you’ve made before.”
If the return is listed and the SA302 and Tax Year Overview are accessible, your return has been processed.
Repayment pending – what does it mean?
If your return shows a refund is due and the status is “repayment pending”, it means HMRC has accepted the return and created the repayment, but has not yet approved or issued it.
Typical turnaround is 7–10 working days, although this can take longer during busy times or if additional risk checks are needed.
If you've recently paid HMRC, refunds may be held for up to 14 days as part of anti-fraud measures.
Has your tax payment been recorded?
If you've made a tax payment:
It should appear under “View payments and credits” in your HMRC account.
Payments made via Faster Payments usually show within a day.
Bacs payments may take 3 working days, and CHAPS should appear the same day if sent before the cut-off time.
Checklist if your return hasn’t been processed yet
Check you submitted for the correct tax year, not just saved a draft.
If your SA302 and Tax Year Overview are not visible, your return may still be in progress.
Online returns are processed faster than paper ones.
Check HMRC’s average reply times if you're waiting on a repayment or amendment.
If you're unsure or it's taking too long, contact HMRC:
Self Assessment helpline: 0300 200 3310
Technical issues (login, account): 0300 200 3600
Understanding your Self Assessment pages
View returns you’ve made before: Confirms HMRC received your return.
Tax Calculation (SA302): Details how HMRC calculated your bill.
Tax Year Overview: Summarises your payments, liabilities, and any outstanding balances.
Repayment pending: A refund has been created but not yet issued.
Deadlines that affect processing visibility
For the 2024/25 tax year (ending 5 April 2025):
Paper filing deadline: 31 October 2025
Online filing deadline: 31 January 2026
File by 30 December 2025 if you want tax collected via PAYE code
Payments on account (for most self-employed) are due:
First instalment: 31 January 2025
Second instalment: 31 July 2025
Safety tips when checking your return status
Only use official HMRC channels (GOV.UK or the HMRC app).
Never click on links in emails or texts claiming to be from HMRC.
Report suspicious emails to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk or texts to 60599.
Example: Step-by-step check
Log in to your HMRC account or app.
Navigate to Self Assessment.
Select the tax year you submitted for.
Click “view returns you’ve made before” – if your return is listed, it’s been received.
Open the SA302 and Tax Year Overview – if available, your return has likely been processed.
If you're due a refund, look at the repayment status (e.g. “pending”).
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does HMRC take to process a tax return?
Online returns are usually processed faster than paper ones. Once processed, your SA302 and Tax Year Overview will be available.
What does 'repayment pending' mean?
HMRC has accepted your return and created a refund but has not yet issued it. Typically paid within 10 working days, but can be longer.
Where do I get my SA302 for a mortgage application?
Log in to your account, go to Self Assessment, choose the tax year, and download the Tax Calculation (SA302) and Tax Year Overview.
Why hasn’t my payment appeared yet?
Allow up to 7 days after payment. Processing time depends on your payment method.
How do I contact HMRC if I have a problem?
Call the Self Assessment helpline on 0300 200 3310 or the technical helpdesk on 0300 200 3600.
Summary: How to confirm HMRC has processed your return
| Step | What to check | Where to find it |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Log into your HMRC account | Via browser or HMRC app |
| 2 | Locate submitted return | Under “view returns you’ve made before” |
| 3 | Check SA302 and Tax Year Overview | Confirms your return is processed |
| 4 | Check refund status | Will show “repayment pending” if due |
| 5 | Contact HMRC if unclear | Use helpline if processing is delayed |
Final note
This page covers individual Self Assessment tax returns. Processing times for VAT, PAYE or Corporation Tax are different and handled through separate channels.
To avoid delays:
File online where possible.
Keep your Government Gateway details secure.
Retain your submission receipts and SA302 documents as evidence.