Tax credit overpayment demand from 2004

Cash_Bandicoot

Hi,

I've just received a letter stating I owe £475 in tax credit overpayments from 21 years ago!!!

To say I'm rather stunned and baffled is an understatement.  It gives no detail on how/what/why the overpayment was made.

Having had a quick read I believe I can get a SAR to try and recover some information and I will ring them first thing on Monday but any information or help anyone could provide would be gladly accepted.

For something from so long ago I've no idea on specifics but I can say I was living with my partner at the time and we had a child who is now an adult. I was in the middle of a 7 year stint with the same employer and my partner also worked.

Without knowing what the overpayment is I don't even know what is relevant and even though I am careful with financial record keeping it doesn't go back over 20 years!

Anyone come across this before? Any advice?

Thanks in advance,
Crash

fatbelly

Are you on UC?

They are just going to deduct it.

If not, then you have time to argue

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/help-if-on-a-low-income/working-and-child-tax-credits/tax-credit-overpayments/if-hmrc-says-youve-had-a-tax-credits-overpayment/

Better article here

https://www.litrg.org.uk/benefits/tax-credits/tax-credits-overpayments

peteuk

First plan of action is contact them, they will be able to advise you where the overpayment occured.  You may get away with challenging it, but given the time frame they will argue they advised you at the time.  Worth a try.

There is no time limit on this type of debt, they just cant take you to court, however they dont need to as they can recover it from your current benefits or your wage.

Was it a joint claim for tax credits?  If so the other claimant may well have a bill for the exact amount, and in my experience they dont contact both parties at the same time.

You can easily set up a payment scheme with them, they didn’t ask many questions when I did mine.  

Equally it’s not reported to the credit agencies.

Good luck!