As of April 2026, the UK’s HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is still issuing cheques to taxpayers for tax refunds, despite ongoing efforts to transition to a digital-first system. This practice has raised concerns, particularly as many taxpayers have not yet migrated to the new digital platform.
In the previous year, HMRC issued a total of 1,746,720 cheques. However, a significant number of these cheques, specifically 178,180, have never been cashed. This has resulted in a staggering total value of unclaimed cheques amounting to £144 million, with the average missed repayment being approximately £800 per taxpayer.
Historically, HMRC would issue a cheque to taxpayers who did not respond to correspondence within 21 days. While the agency has been reducing cheque usage since 2024, the current statistics indicate that around 20% of taxpayers have yet to be migrated to the digital system, which is targeted for completion by April 2027.
Robert Salter, a tax expert, commented on the situation, stating, “It is certainly a bit problematic that HMRC continues to use cheques to settle tax refunds in so many cases.” This sentiment reflects a growing frustration among taxpayers and financial professionals regarding the slow pace of modernization within the tax system.
Shaun Moore, another expert in the field, noted, “The data highlights how some parts of the tax system are still struggling to keep pace with a digital economy.” This observation underscores the challenges faced by HMRC as it attempts to balance traditional methods with the demands of a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Despite the push for digital transactions, HMRC maintains that customers can still request to receive their repayment via cheque. A spokesperson for HMRC emphasized that “the vast majority of pay as you earn (PAYE) repayments are issued via bank transfer, which is now the default option, and the quickest and most secure way for customers to receive their money.” This indicates that while cheques are still an option, the agency is actively promoting digital payments as the preferred method.
The ongoing issuance of cheques raises important questions about the efficiency of the tax refund process and the potential financial impact on taxpayers who may be unaware of unclaimed funds. As HMRC continues its transition towards a more digital approach, the fate of these uncashed cheques remains a pressing issue for both the agency and the taxpayers it serves.
