MoneyHMRCThe tax authority said it is 'processing claims'Nicholas Dawson07:04, 10 Aug 2026HMRC has issued an update over pension payment refunds going out to taxpayers. The group confirmed some key timelines after a customer reached out for help.‌The person contacted the tax body over social media. Writing on August 7, they explained they were waiting for a P55 tax refund which they claimed had been approved three weeks ago. They asked: "The department is saying it's 8 weeks till payment. This surely cannot be true?" The P55 is a HMRC form you fill in to claim back tax on a flexibly access pension payment.‌You can use the form to claim back an amount if you have paid too much income tax, if you meet all three of these conditions:‌You have flexibly accessed your pension pot but not emptied itYou will not be taking regular or flexible payments before the end of the current tax yearThe pension body is unable to make a tax refund.State Pensioners to face major tax changeHMRC responseThe tax authority initially responded to ask when they had submitted the claim, and if they had done so online or by post. The customer said they had put in the request online.‌They explained: "The decision of how much I would be paid was made three weeks ago. I was then astonished to hear that the 'final stage' would take another 8 weeks. I did get the department to confirm that this was an approval and then a payment processing period."HMRC then asked them to clarify when exactly they submitted the form. The person told HMRC they had done so on June 29. The tax body then said that unfortunately they could only provide "general advice" over social media regarding timings.HMRC shared a link to a tool on the Government website you can use to check when you can expect a reply, depending on your query. They told the customer: "The link shows we are processing claims received on 22 May 2026 at this stage and you can expect a reply by 27 September 2026."‌A range of help is availableYou can use the online tool to find out when you should get a response relating to a range of HMRC matters. These include:Child BenefitConstruction Industry Scheme (CIS)Corporation TaxEmployers’ PAYEIncome TaxInheritance TaxNational InsurancePublic services pensions remedySelf Assessment (including Unique Taxpayer References (UTRs))Tax creditsVAT.Article continues belowAnother option is to use the 'Ask HMRC online chat bot or you can call up HMRC for help. The number to call is 0300 200 3300.Lines are open Monday to Friday from 8am to 8pm and on Saturdays from 8am to 4pm.Choose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.‌HMRCPensionsDepartment for Work and PensionsTax