tax credits website- how accurate is it?

missindecisive

Thats it really. was wondering if im the only one who thinks it does not give a true picture of what you would be entitled to if your circumstances changed. what does everyone else think?

Own_My_Own

Do you mean this one ?

http://www.turn2us.org.uk/

It is never 100% accurate, but I have always found it close enough.

missindecisive

no its not that one. sorry im thick with computers and can't do links. its the hmrc websites own calculator, the one which says "do I qualify"

Icequeen99

missindecisive wrote: »

no its not that one. sorry im thick with computers and can't do links. its the hmrc websites own calculator, the one which says "do I qualify"

It isn't always accurate, but mainly it is the help explanations that are wrong. If you enter the right info, the answer should be accurate but it is only from today until the end of the tax year, so not the full year.

IQ

Horseunderwater

missindecisive wrote: »

Thats it really. was wondering if im the only one who thinks it does not give a true picture of what you would be entitled to if your circumstances changed. what does everyone else think?

Yes it is accurate - except it only applies until the year end from whatever date you enter the info into it. So for example if I entered my details on the 1st Oct 2012 and then it said I qualify for £x that would be for 26 weeks not the 52 weeks of the actual year. Or as they work it out a 183 days at £x you divide the award in the I qualify answer by 183 days to get a daily rate and then multiply that by 365 to get the full years worth. And from that divide by 52 to get weekly amount. Hope that makes sense. Long winded I know.

missindecisive

thankyou...i see what you are saying. I realise that the figure they quote is not for the full year. still when I put in the income figure on the website that I actually gave to the tax credits help line, the website says we should be entitled to £108 a month more than we actually get per month now. weird.

Horseunderwater

Not worth worrying about. If you really want to get a better idea, the tool on this site is pretty good - go to top right tab called family income and hover mouse over that. Then over to left side and you should see a link called 5 minute benefit check up. Enter all your details in there and find out what the amount comes out to there. You may even find you can get other help as well.

System

It confuses the hell out of me. I'm looking up stuff for my mum and dad, it says they would be entitled to tax credits but the number list is always £0.00. God knows!

Caz3121

this is a good guide http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/taxcredits/people-advise-others/entitlement-tables/index.htm

missindecisive

HORSEUNDERWATER. thankyou for your advice, ive been on the calculator for this site as you suggested..and as a result of I have now discovered we are entitled to a small council tax benefit. Have phoned my local council for a form to complete. many thanks to you and to you all x