Child Tax Credits

Here is an example of a typical enquiry we get, with obviously all details removed to reserve strict confidentiality.

 

Hello Hylton-Potts,
I’ve received 2 ‘notices to pay’ from HMRC. These relate to overpayments of Child Tax Credit Originally, I incorrectly stated on an application form for, what I read as ‘working tax credit’ that I lived alone, when in fact I was living with my partner.

 

As I was filling out a form for ‘working tax credit’ I didn’t include her in the application as I honestly thought it would simply be wasting time i.e. because she hadn’t worked. If I’d correctly completed the application, the entitlement would have been almost identical. (according to HMRC on-line calculator). Thus, I’ve appealed using form HMRC TC846. To cut a lot of correspondence short, they state that a. not declaring my partner was a ‘deliberate error’ and b. I should refer to the Officer that made the decision.

They say that was the person that signed the ‘notice to pay’. However there was no signature/name. I’ve requested this on the phone and in writing and had no help/reply. The total amount is just over £6000.00. I’ve been forced by HMRC to start repaying this amount by HMRC by their Debt Management Dept, or face a private debt collection agency.
I’ve apologised in writing and tried to explain to whole situation to them. I have all the correspondence.

 

There has been some mention of ‘notional entitlement’ and ‘independent tribunal’ My question is this:- Please could you advise me on whether there is any point in me continuing to pursue this ? After all it’s not their money and the award would have been the same (almost) whatever the original paperwork. I look forward to your advice. Many Thanks

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Hylton- Potts can help with problems like this. We operate from London offices but help clients all over the country at highly competitive fixed fees.

There is a office hours free confidential hotline 020 3781 8111 and a 24-hour free confidential email legal help service [email protected]

 

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