Help! Random Tax credit enquiry 06/07..How long do they take to complete it??

Cheshirecat_2

Even though we have done what we think is correct i can't help worrying, the tax credit helpline say not to worry and that if the tax people need us again they will write or just finish the review. Do you have to pay any money back if you have been overpaid or do you get fined or vise versa if they have madr a mistake what happens? I thought they checked all your detals before they give you any money anyway?? thanks for any advice

siren13577

If you have been overpaid they'll probably collect it from future tax credits. If they have made a mistake and underpaid you, you should get it back.

Good luck and try not to worry, you should be fine.

[Deleted User]

If TCO have found an overpayment due to a TCO error they will normally remit the payment and you will not be penalised. The main reason for the random checks are to make sure that they have done their job correctly.
You dont really need to be notified of the checks as it usually makes no difference to the applicant but as far as I am aware you must legally be notified as they are looking through your details.

Cheshirecat_2

But what if we have made an error by mistake, will we get a fine? I am so worried.

diablobear

Hi Cheshirecat

Not sure how they will handle a possible overpayment from 06/07.
So going to bump this thread to see what else others say.

I've also had an enquiry letter recently for the same tax year 06/07 and also wondering too how long it would take? Like you I believe I gave the correct information. (Sorry to crash your thread, but I've got similar concerns & also trying not to worry and let paranoia get the better of me.)
So just wondered if anyone else knows -
How common is this and is it completely random?
or
Is it only when they think there is something worth looking into?
also
If anyone else has had an enquiry like this how long did it take before they completed their review.
and
Do you always hear from them when they have finished it even if they find it was correct after all?

My claim was a little complicated in 06/07 due to many changes of circumstances so I wondered if that is why they are looking into it?

I would ring them but suspect they are going to be very busy today!!! So if anyone knows how these enquiries work please let us know.

Thanks

Cheshirecat_2

I think a warning must flash up because that year my husband who is Self emplyed had wrong figures (profit) given by his accountant, then we had to ring a month later with a higher profit figure. We explained she had made a mistake and we told them so maybe it's because of that. I have heard that they send you a final closure letter to say when they have closed the enquiry. It's all supposed to be to see if they are doing their job right, but they make you feel as if you have done something wrong. Also they might give you a penalty if they find a mistake was done negligently on your part?? Great innit?!!

diablobear

Yeah great indeed - I'm with you on the "warning flash" it really can't be random can it, whatever they say? Like I said there were a lot of changes with mine that year.
Plus we're not the only ones with a enquiry into 06/07 right now :rolleyes:
http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?p=12743083&highlight=tax+credit+enquiry#post12743083

So, I guess I'm just going to try to sit back and wait patiently. Otherwise I will get myself in a state now not knowing, and then in an even bigger state if they decide there is a mistake.
So going to try for only get stressed once option! Easier said than done mind

Good luck

kaylawendy

Hi

I am the poster from the link above and am glad you have started this thread as am feeling isolated with this

I also had a difficult year in 06/07 due to illness and therefore lots of changes. I have searched the internet and there is very little relating to this and I had very few replies to my post which also rings alarm bells to me.

I am very worried and I am now questioning myself

Cheshirecat_2

I think we should all sit tight, and let each other know how we get on for support and stuff. Hopefully it will get resolved soon for ALL of us. I get really bad anxiety attacks and it is NOT helping atall. My husband says not to worry. Apparently they can't take overpayment from you now as it's a closed tax year. I think they are looking for really dodgy people who are trying to commit benefit fraud.

diablobear

From what I've read on the board today that's four of us in the last week who have received the same letter for the same year 06/07.
So suspecting that this is the time they look at that year.
Maybe the best thing to do is to try and put it at the back of our minds as much as we can, wait and see what they come back with and take each step as it comes. But it may be worth keeping eachother informed of what happens so we all get to see how the process works and for a bit of support and advice when or IF needed. Trying hard not to worry myself but in a weird kind of way, glad to know I'm not the only one.

kaylawendy

I also suffer with very bad anxiety and this was the reason for my sickness during that year and this doesnt help so understand how you feel

I am now questioning myself incase I have done something wrong and I know you are right that all we can do is wait for the results. Just wish they would be honest and say what the real purpose of the checks are and give some idea of the lenght of time.

Hope it turns out ok for us all. An overpayment / reduction in current award is the last thing I need right now!