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Tax Credit overpayment decision - unscrupulous?

HM Revenue & Customs are claiming £423.98 of tax credits back from me which I dispute

They won't budge on the decision - Is there any dept, like an ombudsman that can review the case or review their policy?


Why are they claiming the award back?...

...Because I didn't return an declaration form.

Well, whilst this is perhaps just and true, it's not the whole story.

I ended my claim with a declaration over the phone because I started a jobseekers claim. The rep who ended my claim over the phone with me did not say that I'd also need to give the annual declaration in writing. For 4 years I gave my declaration over the phone

The annual declaration form that I received shortly after ending my claim to start JSA, said something like "If you do not complete and return this declaration form your tax credits may be stopped". NOT... "Your claim has ended, you're still required to make an annual declaration". So, admittedly I ignored it, thinking its was simply an automatically generated form that was sent to me. Having started JSA and housing benefit I had become accustomed to that!

Anyway - I think the policy of reclaiming an entire award back from the recipient for late return of a form is unscrupulous. A late return fine? Perhaps - sure.

Help?

Thoughts?

Cheers

N.B. Having posted on the discussions board, i was advised to place my post here. Apologies if this is incorrect

Comments

  • MrsManda
    MrsManda Posts: 4,457 Forumite
    edited 10 February 2011 at 3:29PM
    What have you done so far to see if you can get the decision overturned?
    Have you filled out a Form TC846?
    Have you requested a review?
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