Tax credits-why does the taxman want to know if our income is below £18096?

smjxm09

Annual review time for tax credits. Why does the taxman want to know if for the tax year 2014-15 the wife and I earned jointly below £18096 and for this tax year they want to know if we will have in income below £15596.

In both cases our joint income is below these figures as I no longer work but we don't claim tax credits although I do claim a carers allowance of £62.10 for looking after my father although I am not sure this is a tax credit. Even with this allowance we still earn well under the sums mentioned. The paperwork states that my tax credits for the last financial year were £0.00.

I am inclined to tell them nothing as I can't claim anything and nor do I want to so why should I waste my time filling out forms or making phone calls?

Any advice would be great as to why they want to know?

starM

There is decrease disregard of £2500. So if your income is between £15596 - £18096 there will be no change to your Tax credits. If your income is below £15596 you may be entitled to more tax credits.

Not an expert but thats the way I understand it.