How far back can DWP claim child tax credits?

Howey

Hi all

We have recieved two bills from DWP requesting over £3,600 for overpayment of child tax credits!!!

A few years ago when we first started receiving CTC we constantly phoned DWP explaining we were receiving too much but they insisted we were entitled to this. Eventually they agreed we were paid to much and we have been paying this back monthly ever since. We then got the two letters requestung a further £3,600 for 2004 and 2005.

Very, very annoying and upsetting as our 7 year old son George died in April of this year and this is just adding immense worry to our terrible year.

It is so annoying as we have always given DWP the correct information and always ontime.

My question is how far back can they claim child tax credit overpayment and is there a way to go about sorting the DWP's mess.

Thanks for any help.

DX2

The DWP don't deal with CTC.

bluecelticgirl

I can't help unfortunately but just want to say so sorry you lost your son and are going through this - hope someone comes along soon who can help xx

Howey

Ok, thanks didn,t realise DWP don't deal with child tax credits but anyway my original qoestion still stands, ie how far back can the tax man claim overpayment of CTC.

Howey

Thanks for your comments bluecelticgirl.

nannytone_2

i can't give any advice either, just to say that my daughter and son in law are having similar problems. her youngest son died in may, he was almost 4. now theyre paying back £1,500 overpayment. my daughter doesnt know why she had an overpayment, and to be honest she hasn't even tried to find out. she finds it easier to pay the money back then to keep going over what has happened.

Howey

Sorry all. The request for payment came from HM Revenue and Customs. During the period they are asking for payment from ie tax years ending 2004 and 2005 both my wife and myself were working.

Howey

So sorry to hear about your grandson Nannytone. Our thoughts and best wishes go to you and your family.

dmg24

Anything acknowledged over the past six years can be reclaimed, through the courts if need be. Even if the payments started before then, it does sound like you have acknowledged them in the relevant period. Even if you have not, they can offset amounts owed against any new payments at any time in the future.

If the amounts are accurate you will need to negotiate a repayment plan with them. If you do not feel ready to deal with it I would write to them and ask for a period of grace, after which you can contact them again (or vice versa).

Howey

Thanks DMG24.

Its so annoying that several years ago HMRC admitted they had got it wrong and believe it or not we today received a bill for another £650 for the year ending April 2010!!!!! Will they ever get it right or will we have to worry for years to come about recieving a hefty tax bill through the door at anytime?