RIFT Tax Refunds

RIFT Tax Refunds: claiming tax refunds from HMRC

RIFT Tax Refunds is a British company based in Ashford (Kent) that acts as a tax agent to claim work-related expense tax refunds from HMRC. The company has been operating since 1999 and presents itself as a specialist in this type of service, offering a combination of telephone advice, online processing and claim tracking.

Claim services for different professional profiles

The company structures its activity around specific groups: armed forces, employed construction (PAYE), CIS construction, security workers and offshore professionals. For each of them, it provides information on which expenses can be claimed, what documentation is needed and how to start the process.

Among the expenses the firm indicates may qualify for a refund are travel, tools and personal protective equipment (PPE), accommodation, laundry and food. The company notes that travel to temporary workplaces — understood as those where you work for less than 24 consecutive months — usually gives rise to a deduction.

Claims process and digital tools

The procedure begins with a free initial enquiry in which the client answers a series of questions. RIFT uses Open Banking connections, with the user's consent and in read-only mode, to locate and document work expenses. A tax specialist then reviews the claim and submits it to HMRC. The client can track the status of the case through a mobile app or the MyRIFT account.

The company also offers a rapid refund service that allows you to receive 50% of the amount upfront, and provides users with a refund calculator to estimate the potential amount.

Fees and terms of service

RIFT charges a 36% commission on the refund obtained (VAT included) for PAYE employees, with a minimum fee of £60 (VAT included). For CIS claims, which include the tax return, the fee is £330 (VAT included). The company does not charge upfront and, if no refund is obtained, there is no charge. Before sending the claim to HMRC, the client receives a full breakdown of the total refund, the cost of the service, VAT and the net amount they will receive, and must sign their agreement.

The company states that the deadline for submitting a claim is up to four years and that the average refund handled by RIFT over a four-year period amounts to £3,000. The refund is paid by cheque or bank transfer, at the client's choice.

RIFT Guarantee and aftercare service

The company offers the so-called RIFT Guarantee, which covers the client against possible subsequent claims from HMRC: if the organisation demanded the money back, RIFT undertakes to repay it. The service also includes handling queries or issues with HMRC at no additional cost, as well as correcting the tax code if necessary. The firm sends annual reminders to check whether the client is entitled to a new claim.

Track record and awards

RIFT Group is a family business based in Kent since 1999. According to its own presentation, it has around 200 employees and has helped more than 160,000 clients recover over £430 million. The company states it was the only tax specialist to obtain the ServiceMark seal from the Institute of Customer Service, and mentions among its awards the Megagrowth 50 award in 2015 and the KEIBA award for customer service. It also runs a referral programme that pays £100 for the first friend who obtains a refund and £50 for each additional one.

Frequently asked questions about timescales and how it works

The company explains that preparing a complete claim takes a few weeks and that HMRC may take between 8 and 10 weeks to validate the data and confirm the amount. To speed up the process, RIFT recommends returning the agent authorisation form (64-8) as soon as possible, of which HMRC requires two physical copies to deal directly with the company. The company reminds clients that they can claim at any time of the year for the last four tax years.

Location and contact

The Cobalt Building, 1600 Eureka Park, Lower Pemberton, Ashford, Kent, TN25 4BF · Phone: 01233 628648 · Email: info@riftrefunds.co.uk