17 Jan 2022Consumer group Which? has urged taxpayers to avoid using so-called 'refund firms' to claim tax rebates. Which? stated that people are losing hundreds of pounds by using third-party companies to claim tax rebates rather than going directly to HMRC. Research carried out by the group found that one in five people had been either contacted directly by a tax refund company via email, phone, letter or text message or found one online. Two in five of those contacted by a tax refund company said they used it in order to claim a tax rebate. Such companies often charge fees anywhere between 25% to 48% of the rebate an individual receives. Extra admin fees and VAT are often added on top, according to Which?. HMRC commented: 'We encourage customers to come to us to make their marriage allowance claim. It takes only a few minutes to complete the online application and eligible claims receive 100% of their entitlement.'