HMRC has introduced an automated payment process to speed up refunds for people who may have overpaid National Insurance contributions. The process has been in use since early summer, according to HMRC’s latest Agent Update.

HMRC will write to people it identifies as potentially having overpaid, providing details of their past employment and National Insurance contributions. Recipients should check the information carefully and confirm that it is correct or provide details of any necessary changes.

Taxpayers can respond to HMRC using the online service on GOV.UK or by completing and returning the paper form enclosed with the letter. HMRC is urging recipients not to ignore these requests, as responding will help it establish whether a refund is due.

HMRC will review the information provided and confirm the outcome. Customers can find details of the process in the guidance on applying for a National Insurance refund.

Recipients of this letter should also remain alert to potential scams. Genuine HMRC refund notifications will not ask recipients to click on links. Anyone unsure whether a letter is genuine can check it using HMRC’s online guidance.

The new process aims to help eligible taxpayers receive money owed to them more quickly, but a refund is not guaranteed until HMRC has checked all the relevant details.