WTC Review

Lizzieb151

Hi there,

My husbands business has been picked for a review to verify his working hours. We had said at the start of last year it was average 27 hours a week over a 3month period. I have just done the breakdown of hours worked and it averages 26 hours a week over an 11 week period but some weeks are higher than 30 and some lower than 22 hours a week. Is that going to cause a problem?

BigAunty

The criteria for receiving WTC is different according to whether the claimant has a disability, is a parent (24 hours) or doesn't have dependents (30 hours).

What is his status?

Lizzieb151

We have 3 children and I was made redundant whilst on maternity leave with my youngest so I don't currently work.

Horseunderwater

You should be fine then 24 hours is your criterior.

Lizzieb151

Even though some weeks are under 24 hours? I phoned them for clarification and they said that they just wanted to check he was working and trying to find work but they wouldn't accept alot of internet work as working hours. A chunk of our work is internet based as we advertise on the internet and do all our own SEO work, emails and bidding for jobs. On weeks where there hasn't been much work we go and visit our contacts, drop leafleting and work on improving our internet rankings.
I am just worried that they might think we aren't doing enough for his business even though we have doubled last years profits already so are expanding.

FRESTER

We had one of these reviews in October and they seemed to be mostly interested in actual hours worked.
They expect most of the hours you work to be paid hours and seem to be clamping down on people who are spending all there time doing paper work or searching the Internet in search of possible work.
Not trying to worry you but this is what I was told when I called there compliance team.
Our review came back all ok within a week.

Lizzieb151

Ok so now I am really panicking. I have to fill a form with my household income & expenses.
I phoned the tax credits helpline for clarification on the income from self employed as my profit to date is £3200 due to a deficit being brought forward which would be average £320 per month however I must give actual income which is average £600 per month as they want to see exactly what income we have.
Does this mean that my tax credits are going to be amended and what happens at my renewal when they ask for my profit figure that has been reported to HMRC for the year?
I am now panicking that they are going to decide we have been paid too much and ask for it back

FRESTER

The income form is just incase they decide you have had a overpayment and they can see how much you can afford to pay back.
I didn't get one of these forms but most people who have had a review have had one.
It doesnt meen they will find anything against you but if they do it saves them contacting you again for yet more info.
All you can do is carry on as you are until you get a answer after the review.