Tax credits overpayment?

[Kpea123]

Hi all,

I’m a working lone parent, having been self-employed since May of 2017. My dd goes to the childminder mon-thurs as well as nursery, and I claim 70% of my childcare costs back.

I’ve had a letter this morning from HMRC asking me for a ton of info for the past year, bank statements detailing payments sent to the childminder, letters from her etc. There have been a couple of weeks here or there where dd hasn’t gone to the childminders Due to unforeseen circumstances and to be honest, it never crossed my mind to let HMRC know really. After all, if we told them every single time kids didn’t go then the amounts would be up and down like a yoyo. That being said I’m quite sure I’m going to end up owing them some money - totally my fault of course.

I was just wondering if anyone knows how they expect you to pay it back? Money is tight as it is so I’m just a little bit concerned about how they usually recall it. Do they reduce future payments until it’s paid back or expect you to pay a lump sum?

Really wishing I hadn’t got myself into this mess.

Any advice appreciated!
Thanks

You get a 4 week run on with childcare costs so if the figure goes down for less than 4 weeks you don't need to tell them.
I got one of these letters a while back and after sending all my receipts they dropped it.

But if there is an overpayment they usually reduce future payments

Thanks! I wasn’t sure as I know I’ve read somewhere that of it changes by less than £10 a week you don’t need to tell them but if it’s more then you do. I found the whole thing quite confusing to be honest. Taking it from future payments will definitely be more mangable, as long as it’s not something like £100 a month