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Original poster

Bizarre conversation with Tax Credits helpline

17 replies

KatyMac · 12/09/2012 15:22

in 1999 I claimed Working Families Tax credits, initially they said my husband's income was disregardable (as it is a tax free insurance payment) then as often happens they changed their mind & I repaid them the money.

Ever since we have claimed whatever version of the tax credits that existed; putting DH's income as other income & disregarding £300 as we were told to.

Today while updating something else they said "it's not income" so they are doing a major review of my case and I may receive a back payment for 13 years of Tax credits.

I argued my case that is was income (I mean we get it & spend it......) but he refused to believe me.

So do you think we will be able to pay off our mortgage with it?

OP posts:
SchrodingersMew · 12/09/2012 15:50

I phoned them the other day to report my DP now living with me and they have said that I will get the same amount of money but I have to fill out a new form, they cut my payments off there and then until I fill in this new form which isn't here yet. Hmm

I could seriously cry my eyes out, I have bloody £2 to my name (but minus £20 in bank), she at first said that I could add him on to the claim if I wished but didn't have to but I foolishly went with her. Angry

I don't think they know what they are talking about at the tax place, they just seem to make the rules up as they go along, I would be wary of spending that money.

GobblersKnob · 12/09/2012 15:55

I phoned them the other day to tell them that dp's wages have increased.

They have increased my weekly payments Hmm I have phoned them to tell them I think they have made a mistake, they insist it is correct.

I will not be spending it.

SchrodingersMew · 12/09/2012 15:57

Forgot to add, they have even stopped my healthy start vouchers, even though there will be no difference to the amount I am due.

Sorry, I'm very ranty right now towards the tax place.

MrsMiniversCharlady · 12/09/2012 16:04

They're probably right, as it is normally only taxable income that is counted. When I was a student my bursary was disregarded as it is non-taxable.

Original poster
KatyMac · 12/09/2012 19:33

I know but they decided this tax-free payment was different back in 1999 (ish)

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MrsMiniversCharlady · 12/09/2012 19:43

Working Families Tax Credit was a completely different system though, with different rules. IIRC WFTC was based on net income, rather than gross income like the current system, which would suggest that they took all income into account rather than taxable pay.

If they're going to have a major review then they will make a final decision at the end of it - I doubt that even if they did make a mistake they would have recourse to change their mind later.

TequilaMockinBird · 12/09/2012 19:48

Angry I hate tax credits.

Schrodingers am I right in thinking you live in North East? Or have I got you mised up with someone else? Confused

stubbornstains · 12/09/2012 19:55

Ohhh yess....

Me: "Right, so my childcare costs are £49 per week in the holidays, and £75 per week in term time, with 2 weeks of no childcare over Christmas".

Tax credits bloke: "Oh yes, let's see... (taptaptap) , so your average weekly childcare cost is £83.

Me: "WTF?"

Him: "Well, it must be right, the computer says so".

It only took about 20 minutes of arguing the toss to persuade him any different....

Original poster
KatyMac · 12/09/2012 19:55

So was that the change in 2003? Damn I'm only going to get 9 years of back pay........what a shame

In reality I will get nothing; they will pay me I will put it in a savings account & then they will ask for it back

I know this & wouldn't spend it unless I got a letter typed in gold & signed by the prime minister saying it was mine

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Jellykat · 12/09/2012 19:58

I'd be very wary, the right hand doesn't know what the left is doing in that place..
So yes agree with you 100%! Gold typing and the Prime ministers signature would just about cover it. Hmm

SchrodingersMew · 12/09/2012 21:35

Tequila I'm in Glasgow. :)

TequilaMockinBird · 12/09/2012 22:15

Sorry Blush for some reason I thought you were in Durham.

SchrodingersMew · 12/09/2012 22:22

It's okay, a poster has popped up with the name "SchrodingersHamster" so possibly them? I've had a couple of people lately getting me mixed up or thinking I have namechanged.

RedHelenB · 13/09/2012 07:49

I'm not sure you would get back pay for so long though?

MrsMiniversCharlady · 13/09/2012 08:02

I'm not convinced that they will pay it all the way back to 2003 either. I think they will argue that it was your mistake to declare his income and therefore that they don't have to pay it all.

Original poster
KatyMac · 13/09/2012 08:37

I think if it was their mistake I would; but tbh I'm certain I won't get anything so I'm not too concerned if they 'cap' the back pay Wink

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Original poster
KatyMac · 13/09/2012 08:41

I'll see if I've still got the letter from all those years ago; I am a bit of a pack-rat & there are only 2 places it could be.

I worked for the WFTC for a time (around 1999) & it was all looked into at the highest level then.....so it's just if the rules changed at some point

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