Is this tax rebate email genuine?

[Hairydude]

Hey I'm not usually gullable but it looks official and comes from office@hmrc.gov.uk but its in my junk mail so already alarm bells ringing. I'm obviously not gonna download link as I'll just contact them direct but looking for advice if it is a known scam, it says; "HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC)
11/25/2011

TAX REFUND NOTIFICATION

Dear Taxpayer,
After the last annual calculations of your fiscal activity we have determined that you are eligible to receive a tax refund of    223.56 GBP.

Please submit the tax refund request and allow us 6-9 days in order to process it.

To access your tax refund, please follow the steps bellow:

.....- download the Tax Refund Form attached to this email
.....- open it in a browser
.....- follow the instructions on your screen


A refund can be delayed for a variety of reasons. For example submitting invalid records or applying after the deadline.

Regards,
HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC)"

[Hairydude]

It's cool just found on HMRC it's a phishing email so beware if anybody gets the same.

[mulhuzz]

the idea that the tax office would use 'Dear Taxpayer...'

[kinboshi]

Never log into anything following a link in an email, or download anything attached to an email like this.

Also, the HMRC wouldn't email you giving you a week to claim something. If you're due a rebate, you're due a rebate.

[Hairydude]

I know- brainfart on my part!

just seemed genuine from that email address and looked official(as they are meant to)

[gatso]

hmrc now using us style date format?

anyone can set the return address of an email to anything. it doesn't mean that's where it came from

[mulhuzz]

btw, if you *are* due a rebate, it'll be added to your wages at work/deducted from tax payable in your wages or (yeh, [ ] thin, I know...) they'll send you a cheque!

[redsimon]

btw, if you *are* due a rebate, it'll be added to your wages at work/deducted from tax payable in your wages or (yeh, [ ] thin, I know...) they'll send you a cheque!

They'll write to you so also beware any 'phone calls purporting to be from HMRC which ends up asking for personal details