I had this question too, as I do it frequently, but I have never had a defect for it. I also asked eBay last time I called, just to make sure there were no negative repercussions, and they said it was fine.

I was hit with defect when refunding postage to a buyer.

Sent an email and they took the defect away so much wasted time...they did remove the defect

Apparently Ebay thinks any refund of money is due to a DEFECT!

I now refund any post etc through Paypal...not Ebay..just send to their email address directly through Paypal giving item number etc

But always send them a message as well to advise I am refunding direct