Tax credit renewal - Income from P60 not matching gross pay

[rattling]

I need to fill in my tax credit renewal form. This should be straightforward as nothing has changed except a tiny increase in my income.

However, I got my P60 out to fill in this number (as suggested in the renewal pack) and see that the amount on my P60 is significantly less than my gross pay. I have managed to work this out as my gross pay minus both pension and childcare vouchers.

Is this really the number they want (would obviously suit me), or should I go with my gross pay?

I have made a couple of attempts to phone tax credit helpline, but work and toddlers don't let me hang around endlessly on the phone.

i always use my p60

where are ou getting your gross pay amount from?

theya re open at weekends and in the evening, if it is any help

Gross pay from pay slips. I'm sure these numbers used to match - only just started with childcare vouchers, and our pension system has changed this year though.

I do know the work/children excuse is hopeless. In my defence I have them by myself most of the weekend and constant toilet trips are required after bed-time till around 8pm. But mostly I hate talking on the phone.

personally i think i would go with the lower one.

Your pension and childcare vouchers are (presumably) working through a 'salary sacrifce' which means they are no longer part of your gross pay - instead they are a benefit provided by your employer. Your payslip shouldn't really be showing them as gross pay (sometimes payslips use the term 'Notional Pay' for this which is better), but in any case it is your P60 that counts because this is the record that is sent to HMRC.

Huge thanks for your help. It has led me to go look properly at my pay slip, and I finally noticed that I get paid a monthly salary, they take off pension and childcare vouchers - this leaves my "gross pay". Who knows, maybe I'll get an extra fiver to cover childcare!!

Link here for better-off calculator for tax credits/ salary sacrifice.

You aren't supposed to claim cc costs through tax credits as well as getting the vouchers (not clear from OP if that is what you are doing, sorry).