What is the RIFT Guarantee?

When you claim tax back with RIFT, our unique RIFT Guarantee means that you don’t have to worry about the taxman taking back any of your money. So long as you give us full and accurate information, if HMRC disagrees with the amount that we’ve claimed and ask for any money back, we’ll pay it. It won’t cost you a penny.

RIFT GuaranteeHow does the RIFT Guarantee benefit me?

If you claim too much tax back and HMRC pays out, they can later decide to demand the money back. If you’ve already spent your tax refund (and why wouldn’t you?) that means paying it back from your own pocket. The RIFT Guarantee gives you peace of mind. When you get your tax refund from us, you can be sure that it’s 100% yours to keep. (T&C’s apply.)

We’re proud to work to the highest standards. We make sure that we assess, calculate and validate each and every claim thoroughly against the latest legislation. RIFT claims for everything you’re due so you get the maximum refund. And we never claim for anything that you’re not entitled to.

We’re extremely confident in our standards, which is why we can offer you the RIFT Guarantee.

RIFT GuaranteePeace of mind is part of our service

The RIFT Guarantee is automatically included in our service for all clients, no matter what job you do. 

It’s important to be aware that the guarantee doesn’t apply if a mistake was made with your claim because you gave us incorrect or incomplete information. We also can’t offer the guarantee if your claim wasn’t submitted to HMRC by RIFT or if you owe any money to the taxman that you didn’t tell us about.

If you have any questions about our guarantee then just give us a call or drop us a line.

HMRC EnquiryWhat happens if HMRC demands some of my refund back?

Your whole refund is protected by our unique RIFT Guarantee. As long as the information you've given us is correct, you'll still get the full amount. Whatever HMRC is demanding back, we'll pay it ourselves. The most important thing to do is contact us if the taxman starts hassling you. As long as you keep in touch, we should be able to sort out any problems.

RIFT GuaranteeWhy would HMRC challenge a refund?

The most common reason is random selection. HMRC do this to spot-check that all tax rebate services are applying the rules correctly.

When changes are made to tax rules, HMRC needs to be certain that they are being used as intended.

There are also a number of “signs” that HMRC will look for in tax refund claims that may indicate fraud or other issues.

RIFT GuaranteeHow many times was the RIFT Guarantee used?

Of those 371 challenges in the last 3 months, only 10 have resulted in HMRC requesting any partial repayment of a refund.

Of course, the RIFT Guarantee means that we paid it ourselves, at no cost to our customers who kept the entire refund they were originally granted.

RIFT GuaranteeWhy have HMRC challenges against refund claims been successful?

The most common reason for this happening is the information we used to calculate the refund not being quite complete, not because any tax rules had been applied incorrectly.

Generally, problems stem from people not realising:

  • whether a workplace was temporary or permanent.
  • that they had “non taxable expenses”.
  • that we need to know about benefits received, such as child benefit.
  • that they have other sources of income that need to be reported.
  • that it’s very important to keep proof of expenses (such as receipts) for a year after the refund calculation has been made. This is in case HMRC want to see evidence of those costs, which we can't show them if that paperwork is no longer available.

It’s our job to help you with these complex rules, though. That’s why if something slips through the net, we’ll cover it.

Remember – we need you to keep as many records as you can so we can prove your claim to HMRC if they ask more questions.

Specialist teamCompliance and enquiry team

Getting caught on the wrong end of an HMRC enquiry is most people's worst financial nightmare – and with good reason. If the taxman thinks you've deliberately cheated him, it can end up costing you more than just money. The RIFT compliance and enquiry team will make sure you never find yourself on the wrong side of HMRC. We don't just fire off your paperwork and forget about you. We're here for you all year round. If you get any unexpected queries or communication from HMRC, let us know and we'll take care of it for you. What's more, the RIFT Guarantee means your refund money is completely safe. We'll fight your corner in any HMRC enquiry, and keep your refund in your pocket if they won't back down. As long as the information you've given us is correct, if the taxman demands any of your refund back we'll pay him ourselves!

RIFT GuaranteeHow long does it take to fight an HMRC enquiry?

Wheels can turn pretty slowly in HMRC circles. After all, they've got the finances of the entire country to worry about. Even so, we're proud of our current 115-day average in closing their enquiries.

In most cases HMRC may only open an enquiry into a tax refund for 365 days after it was issued when checking expenses.

However they can open an enquiry "under discovery" where income and information on their systems differ from what is on the tax return. If this is the case they have an unlimited amount of time to make the enquiry. This is why it's always best to be honest with HMRC. 

If you're not sure about whether we need to know something about your work or financial situation to calculate your refund, make your claim or chase up HMRC for you then just give us a call. It's better to be safe than sorry.

RIFT is always determined to safeguard our customers' money, and proud to be trusted with it.

Need more help?

Wondering if you can claim a tax refund or need to submit a tax return? Use our online tools to find out if you're owed money by HMRC.

Do I Qualify?

Speak to us 6 days a week.
Mon-Thurs 08:30 - 20:00
Fri 08:30 - 18:00 and Sat 09:00 - 13:00.
RIFT Refunds, The Cobalt Building, 1600 Eureka Park, Lower Pemberton, Ashford, Kent, TN25 4BF

Call us on 01233 628648

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