Tax credit review

[sambo88]

My first post-some advice would be appreciated! Last year I advised that my childcare costs would be £315 per month. I got a letter last week asking for my Childcare provider to supply details for the year 2011-12. They have done that and my actual childcare costs are £288 per week-I had overalculated the amount as my wife and I used some ann leave to reduce costs. I'm sending the info back today-I have been doing some reading up and have learned that child care costs are capped at £300 for 3 kids. Will the overpayment they have made to me be based on the amount I stated(£315) or will it be based on the difference between £300 and the £288 which I actually paid? There was also a leaflet threatening a penalty or prosecution are they likely to carry this out.
Thanks

Don't see any problems with that amount tbh - stop worrying!!!

RedHelenB

I am the worrying type! I don't want them to think I have tried to scam money I'm not entittled to and to be honest the leaflet about fines and prosecutions did scare me. I'll stop worrying Thanks

I don't think you have to worry about being done for fraud at all. It's very rare that they go after someone and your situation is clearly not one to arise suspicion but you may have been overpaid in all likelihood.

If their calculations are capped at £300 the overpayment will be the difference between that and the amount you initially declared I imagine.
They recover op from your ongoing entitlement usually, unless your circumstances knock you out of benefit.
If it's a substantial op they can change your tax code if you're PAYE and get it back direct from your wages gradually.
I wouldn't fret about fraud action against you. HMRC tend to only be interested in huge overpayments coming from seemingly deliberate false declarations. You'll be fine!