Tax Credits. I have 3 children but never noticed before that only 2 are listed on my tax credits form?

Question

I phoned the helpline and they said that is too bad, they can backdate payments for 3 months only for the third child. He is 10 and would have been listed when I first started claiming tax credits. I wrongly assumed that only the first 2 children were eligible so never thought before to ask the question. Yes I know it's stupid of me but I spend my life paying them back money every year although they will only backpay me this for 3 months. Is that right?? Any advice appreciated.

Answer 1

That's right, they will only back date for 3 months unless it was an error of there own in which they will back date about a year. But you have to go through an appeals system and be able to provide proof that you applied for the 3rd child. Id simply just take what they give you and make sure you always check over any renewel claims made each year.

And people tax credits are not a benefit, there an entitlement to any person with children who earn less then £50,000 a year which is a lot of people. It doesn't matter if you work or don't your still entitled to tax credits. You get more money if you do work then you will if you don't, it was put in place simply to help people with children with the rising costs of living, ANY person with children and even some without children.

Answer 2

if you cant afford to have 3 kids then you shouldnt have had them.  go to work and earn money like the rest of us!

Answer 3

Unfortunately this is difficult. The general rule is that where a mistake occurs it can be rectified if you weren't reasonably expected to know it was a mistake. HMRC will take the view it was reasonable for you to know you had three children or to have checked why only two were listed. In this circumstance they will back date your award for the third child for a 3 month period

That said it may still be worthwhile challenging this as official error, contact your local CAB who will assist free of charge and help you to seek a full back date for official error. It is worth trying as you have nothing to loose. If offical error is accepted it will be backdated to date of claim. There is a possiability that HMRC will come to an agreement a 'split the difference with you'

It may also be worth contacting your Local MP asking them to support your challege against offical error, again CAB will assit with this.

Answer 4

Unfortunately this is right.

What you need to do now is forget that you have lost out in the past and apply now for the third child.

You will at least have this until either your 10 year old leaves education at 16, or untill he is 18 years of age.

That means you can claim for him for at least the next six years.

Answer 5

stop thieving my tax!!!!!!!!