Tax Credit novice seeks advice....

Decanus

Hi all,

Am just claiming tax credits for the first time, both working tax credit and childcare tax credit (I have just gone self employed, and we have 2 children). Never even bothered checking before as we earnt enough to get by, and didn't want to take money we didn't need.

Last year though I lost my job, and until last week I was on contribution based jobseekers, which has just expired, and I am not eligible for income based as we earn too much (which we don't!) apparently.

But I digress...

I have started to fill in the claim form, but am a bit confused. The details I have to complete are for 2011-2012, during which we both worked full time and so were on a good wage; I clealry would not be eligible for tax credits based on that.

But from April 2012 to now, my earnings fell by about £20000 from the year before, as I lost my job and only received basic benefits. So on this basis we are eligible for tax credits, but there is nowehere you can give this information. To slightly complicate things more, this year my income will be almost non-existent as I try to get a business off the ground, so will be even lower, but I guess that can wait a bit...

Is this right? am I missing something? is there another form? has anyone had this problem and realised what to do?
would really appreciate some help, as I want to get this form off asap to get it dealt with!
thanks in advance

chelle_bell

Is there not a part of the form that asks for your earnings from employment for the specific tax years? I'm sure whenever i've filled in the forms it asks that!? If in doubt phone and ask!!

Decanus

thanks for the reply, I'll double check the booklet. Its a brand new claim though....

skateykatey

No, you have the right form. Fill it in and enter your income from 2011-2012 as directed. You will then receive an award notice (probably stating you're entitled to nil). At that point, you ring the helpline and provide your estimated income details for 2012-2013, your award will then be recalculated.

Decanus

thanks skateykatey, thats what I needed to know. Couldn't work out why it wanted my details in the past, when I didn't claim, rather than now, when I need to...
I guess they like to confuse people, maybe have some give up and not claim in frustration...!
thanks again