HMRC sees surge in tax repayment complaints The number of people complaining to HMRC about companies claiming tax repayments on their behalf has more than tripled in two years, with many people saying claims are being made without their knowledge or permission. An investigation by BBC Radio 4's Money Box shows there have been 1,808 complaints so far this year, compared with 545 in the whole of 2020. The complaints are about "deeds of assignment" - when a person signs over their right to something, usually money related, to someone else to claim on their behalf. BBC News warns that while they can help people claim money when used properly, by legitimate tax repayment companies, the market is unregulated and open to abuse. HMRC says there are significant concerns about repayment agents, with the tax office saying it "considering its next steps" following a review of how to better protect taxpayers who use repayment agents.