Tax refunds work differently depending on which country's taxes you owe

If you live in London, England and earned income there, you file through HMRC (Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs), not the U.S. IRS. If you live in London but worked for a U.S. employer or are a U.S. citizen, you may owe U.S. federal taxes and can receive a refund from the IRS. The process, timeline, and where your money comes from depend entirely on which tax system applies to you.

This guide covers both scenarios: getting money back from HMRC if you overpaid UK income tax, and getting a U.S. federal refund if you're a U.S. taxpayer abroad.

Key Takeaways

  • HMRC refunds for UK income tax typically arrive within four to six weeks of submitting your tax return, paid directly to your UK bank account.
  • U.S. citizens and residents abroad can file a federal return with the IRS and receive refunds by direct deposit, check, or debit card, though international delivery takes longer.
  • You must file a tax return with the relevant authority to receive a refund—HMRC will not automatically send money back even if you overpaid.
  • If you worked in the UK but are not a resident, you may still be owed a refund on tax withheld from your wages.
  • Both HMRC and the IRS offer online tracking tools so you can check the status of your refund after filing.

Getting a refund from HMRC if you worked in the UK

If you earned income in London or elsewhere in the UK and overpaid income tax, HMRC will refund the difference once you file a tax return. You do not need to request the refund separately—it is calculated as part of your return. HMRC sends refunds to the bank account you provide on your return.

The standard timeline is four to six weeks from the date HMRC receives your completed return. If you file online through the HMRC website or through a tax agent, you can track your refund status using your HMRC online account. Log in to "Check your Income Tax" to see whether your return has been processed and when the refund is expected.

Refunds are paid by bank transfer only—HMRC does not send checks. You must provide a UK bank account number and sort code. If you do not have a UK bank account, you will need to open one before filing, as HMRC cannot pay to overseas accounts.

Filing a U.S. federal tax return from London

If you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident living in London, you must file a U.S. federal income tax return each year, even if all your income came from UK employment. You can file from abroad using Form 1040 and any relevant schedules. The IRS does not require you to be in the United States to file or to receive a refund.

U.S. citizens abroad can claim the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE) on Form 2555, which may reduce or eliminate your U.S. tax liability if your income is below the annual threshold. For the 2023 tax year, the exclusion was approximately $120,000; the amount changes each year. If your UK income falls below this threshold and you claim the exclusion, you may not owe U.S. tax at all, though filing is still required.

File your return online through IRS-approved software, by mail, or through a tax professional who handles expatriate returns. The IRS accepts returns filed from any country. If you are owed a refund, you can request direct deposit to a U.S. bank account, a check mailed to your London address, or a debit card.

How long U.S. refunds take from London

The IRS typically processes refunds within 21 days of receiving your return if you file electronically and request direct deposit. If you request a check mailed to your London address, add four to six weeks for international mail delivery. Debit card refunds arrive in the same timeframe as direct deposit but require you to activate the card once it arrives.

You can track your refund using the IRS "Where's My Refund?" tool on the IRS website. Enter your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund amount shown on your return. The tool updates once per day and will tell you the expected deposit date or mail date.

If you file by mail instead of electronically, processing takes longer—typically six to eight weeks before the IRS even begins reviewing your return. For this reason, electronic filing is strongly recommended if you are abroad.

What to do if you worked in the UK but are not a UK resident

If you worked in London for part of the year and left before becoming a UK resident, or if you are a non-resident working in the UK, your employer may have withheld tax from your wages at the standard rate. You can recover this overpayment by filing a non-resident tax return with HMRC.

Contact HMRC directly to request a non-resident return form, or file online if you have an HMRC account. You will need to provide your employment records, payslips showing tax withheld, and proof of your residency status (such as a visa or passport showing your departure date). HMRC will calculate how much tax you should have paid based on your actual residency period and refund any excess.

This process typically takes eight to twelve weeks because HMRC must verify your residency status before processing the refund.

Tracking your refund status

For HMRC refunds, log into your online tax account and select "Check your Income Tax." You will see the status of your return and an estimated refund date. If your return is still being processed, the page will show "We're checking your return." Once processed, it will show the refund amount and payment date.

For IRS refunds, use "Where's My Refund?" on IRS.gov. You need your Social Security number, filing status (single, married filing jointly, etc.), and the exact refund amount. The tool shows three statuses: received, approved, or sent. Once sent, it provides the expected delivery date.

If your refund does not arrive by the expected date, contact HMRC or the IRS directly. HMRC's phone line for refund inquiries is available during business hours. The IRS has a dedicated line for refund status questions at 1-800-829-1954 (calls from abroad may incur charges).

What happens if you owe tax instead

If you file a return and discover you owe tax rather than receiving a refund, both HMRC and the IRS allow you to pay by bank transfer, credit card, or check. HMRC offers a payment plan if you cannot pay in full. The IRS also allows installment agreements for amounts owed.

If you owe HMRC, you can set up a payment arrangement through your online account or by calling their payment line. If you owe the IRS, you can set up a payment plan through IRS.gov or by calling 1-800-829-1040.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to file a U.S. tax return if I live in London and only work in the UK?

Yes, if you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. You must file a federal return each year, even if all your income is from UK employment. However, you may owe little or no U.S. tax if you claim the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion on Form 2555.

Can I get a refund check mailed to my London address?

Yes, from the IRS. When you file your U.S. return, you can request a check mailed to your London address instead of direct deposit. Allow four to six weeks for delivery. HMRC only pays by bank transfer to a UK account.

What if I filed a return but did not receive my refund after the expected date?

Contact the relevant authority. For HMRC, log into your online account or call their refund line. For the IRS, use "Where's My Refund?" or call 1-800-829-1954. Have your return and any correspondence ready when you call.

Can I file a UK tax return if I just moved to London?

Yes, but only for the portion of the year you were a UK resident. You will file a return showing your start date of residency. HMRC will calculate your tax liability based on the income you earned while resident in the UK.

Do I need a UK bank account to receive an HMRC refund?

Yes. HMRC refunds are paid by bank transfer only, and you must provide a UK bank account number and sort code. If you do not have a UK account, you will need to open one before filing your return.