HMRC - Overpayment

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 If you’ve been overpaid tax credits, the Tax Credit Office will get in touch with you to let you know.

They’ll tell you exactly what you owe and will tell you how to repay any money you owe. 

Overpayments happen because when a tax credits award is made it is not final until the tax year for which it has been given has ended.

Repayments may be taken from your future tax credits.

If you don’t receive tax credits or Universal credit, HMRC may send you a ‘notice to pay’. You’ll have 30 days to repay this – and HMRC can take enforcement action to reclaim the money if you don’t pay.

If you think that the Tax Credit Office has made a mistake, you should contact them via Resolver to let them know. They should be able to resolve the matter for you.

If you can’t afford your repayments, you should contact HMRC to ask if you can set up an extended repayment plan.

You should know
  • You should always try and resolve any problems with HMRC by talking with the person who has been dealing with you first.
  • If this is impossible or has not resolved your issue, you should use Resolver to contact them.
  • HMRC operates a tiered complaints system. Complaints will go through two tiers of service.
  • If you are still unhappy, you can ask your MP to escalate your complaint to the Parliamentary and Health Ombudsman.

If you believe HMRC has not correctly followed procedure, it's always worthwhile to consider contacting them via Resolver. HMRC may offer compensation for any distress, delay, damage caused, or costs incurred by HMRC (such as the cost of having to hire an accountant).

It's worth knowing that HMRC have the right to take enforcement action to reclaim any debts (under certain conditions).

You should be aware, however, that HMRC field agents have no right of seizure. They might take note of the things you have (your assets), but they can't take any on the spot.

HMRC can level penalties for late payment. It's always worth contacting HMRC if you believe you might have been incorrectly penalised (or if serious circumstances stopped you from paying on time). HMRC will often consider any reasons you might have for late payment.

You should try and correct any mistakes with your tax as soon as possible.

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