Refunds of tax-grrr!

[Pinkfrocks]

Does anyone else have this as an ongoing problem?
I file online and every year I am due a refund- don't know why because they work out tax due and I pay.

Anyway- this year the credit was in 4 figures, and they weren't paying it automatically into my account even though I ticked the box.
I always have to phone them which is impossible some days as they don't answer then cut you off.

Is this a ploy on behalf of HMRC to hang onto overpaid tax and only refund it if we phone up and ask for it- otherwise they will keep it towards the next tax bill?

I have now managed to get through and they say yes, it's due and will be paid to me.

Is this for your 2013-14 return? How long has it been? 3 to 4 weeks seems to be the norm, accountants seem to recommend chasing after 30 days.
I was due a refund last year due a bizarre set of circumstances that required HMRC to fully investigate before agreeing refund. It took around three weeks from agreement to the cheque arriving. It had to be a cheque due to approval of circumstances.

email and complain
send a letter with "formal complaint" across the top
cc it to your MP

if the refund is over £1000 they will drag their feet because they are bar stewards