During your claim, HMRC will genuinely post you letters — and because tax scams are common, it is smart to double-check before acting on anything. Here is how to tell what is real. ✅
Letters you should expect
Your UTR letter — a 10-digit Unique Taxpayer Reference, sent after we register you with HMRC.
Your authorisation code letter — a code starting SA followed by 8 digits, confirming you allow TaxPro to act on your behalf.
Both arrive in plain envelopes with HMRC branding on the letter itself, addressed to you at home. Neither asks you for money.
Genuine HMRC letters never ask you to…
Pay a fee to release a refund
Share bank card PINs or passwords
Click a link to "claim now" by text or email with urgent deadlines
Rules of thumb
The codes in these letters are only ever entered in your TaxPro account (app.taxpro.co.uk) — never give them out over the phone to a caller.
HMRC does not email or text about refunds with clickable payment links; that style of message is a scam.
Unsure about anything you have received? Photograph it and message us here — we will tell you straight away if it is genuine and what to do with it.