VAT Rebate - Automated or Manual Checks?

We usually receive our VAT repayment very quickly - in 2 days after we submit it. This time it is different. I submitted it on the 1st of Jan and the status on the 2nd of Jan says this: "Sending for further checks 02 Jan 2025 We are making sure we pay you the right amount. You do not need to do anything, but we may contact you if we need any further information." We have not received any letters nor has the status been updated. I called HMRC twice: the first person said that someone would likely be checking it and the second said that it is an automated check and that there is nothing on the system. Note: the "Estimated repayment date" is 31st January. It does not have an "on hold" status, etc. Has anyone experienced this before? Is it just an automated check?

This usually means your return has been selected for an Officer to review and check the validity of the return/refund. There does seem to be a delay at present for these to be allocated to an officer, who will then contact the business to arrange for further information to be sent. You should get either a letter in the post or an email, obviously waiting for the letter will delay things further and if the letter is being sent to an overseas address then expect further delay before receipt of letter. Check your spam filter in case an email from HMRC has been blocked. There is nothing much you can do to speed things up, HMRC are entitled to review your return at any time and whilst HMRC aim to work within a 30 working day timeframe, if it takes longer then it can be frustrating but is the nature of being a business with regular refunds.