Landmark ruling that the taxman owes the victims of serious errors a duty of care could cost the Government millions
NOTE: This may not be relavant to Tax Credits
Always take Independant Legal Advice before taken any actions.
Piles of Money
Biggest Tax Credits Pay out Ever, and on Time!!!
Monday 29 October 2007
Court says taxpayers can sue Revenue for errors
Court says taxpayers can sue Revenue for errors
Landmark ruling that the taxman owes the victims of serious errors a duty of care could cost the Government millions
NOTE: This may not be relavant to Tax Credits
Landmark ruling that the taxman owes the victims of serious errors a duty of care could cost the Government millions
NOTE: This may not be relavant to Tax Credits
Parliamentary watchdog highlights tax credits failures
Parliamentary watchdog highlights tax credits failures.
The Liberal Democrats have cited evidence provided today by Parliament’s watchdog to an influential parliamentary committee as further proof of the need for a fundamental review of the tax credit system.
Commenting on the Parliamentary and Health Ombudsman’s evidence to the Public Administration Committee, Liberal Democrat Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary, Danny Alexander MP said
The Liberal Democrats have cited evidence provided today by Parliament’s watchdog to an influential parliamentary committee as further proof of the need for a fundamental review of the tax credit system.
Commenting on the Parliamentary and Health Ombudsman’s evidence to the Public Administration Committee, Liberal Democrat Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary, Danny Alexander MP said
£30m fraud shuts down its online application
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has announced that it has shut down its online application website as a result of a £30m fraud.
(£30,000,000.00)
...
HMRC stated that the problems do not relate to issues with the IT system supplied by EDS, which last week agreed to pay compensation of £71m over problems with the Tax Credits system.
(£30,000,000.00)
...
HMRC stated that the problems do not relate to issues with the IT system supplied by EDS, which last week agreed to pay compensation of £71m over problems with the Tax Credits system.
Tax credits 'failing families' Cahnnel 4 Television
Tax credits 'failing families' Cahnnel 4 Television
The Government's tax credits scheme is causing large numbers of families considerable hardship, according to two highly critical reports.
Citizens Advice said poor administration of the system and the recovery of overpaid tax credits had led to some families living off just £56 a week plus child benefit.
In another report, a Whitehall watchdog has suggested that benefits mistakenly paid to families under the system should not be clawed back.
The Government's tax credits scheme is causing large numbers of families considerable hardship, according to two highly critical reports.
Citizens Advice said poor administration of the system and the recovery of overpaid tax credits had led to some families living off just £56 a week plus child benefit.
In another report, a Whitehall watchdog has suggested that benefits mistakenly paid to families under the system should not be clawed back.
Seamless" birth fro Tax Credits according to the Chancellor
The Government's new tax credit system for families which was meant to have a "seamless" birth according to the Chancellor, is in crisis tonight.
Three hundred thousand people who applied in good time and filled in a twelve page form are still waiting for their payments, after the Treasury asked them for more information.
The opposition described the new tax rules as a "shambles", replacing one complicated system with another.
Three hundred thousand people who applied in good time and filled in a twelve page form are still waiting for their payments, after the Treasury asked them for more information.
The opposition described the new tax rules as a "shambles", replacing one complicated system with another.
Child Tax Credit Guide. Channel 4 Television
Child Tax Credit Guide. Channel 4 Television
Nine out of 10 families with children are entitled to tax credits, but just 80% of those actually claim.
Experts are urging familes to claim what is rightfully theirs.
Nine out of 10 families with children are entitled to tax credits, but just 80% of those actually claim.
Experts are urging familes to claim what is rightfully theirs.
Family tax credit 'backfiring'
Family tax credit 'backfiring'
The government's targeted tax cuts for families are backfiring, according to a study.
Research carried out by the National Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux (NACAB) suggests that many families are losing out on other benefits when they sign up for the working families tax credit.
..
It also found that some parents were sacked from their jobs because employers believed the tax break caused them too much hassle.
The government's targeted tax cuts for families are backfiring, according to a study.
Research carried out by the National Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux (NACAB) suggests that many families are losing out on other benefits when they sign up for the working families tax credit.
..
It also found that some parents were sacked from their jobs because employers believed the tax break caused them too much hassle.
Family fears as tax credits stop
Family fears as tax credits stop
Ms Worsley said she could not get answers from the tax office.
A Folkestone mother-of-two whose tax credit payments stopped unexpectedly has said she cannot feed her family.
Sandra Worsley said her son could not attend nursery and her partner, Adrian Dove, had to cancel five direct debits after the payments stopped.
...
"When you phone the tax office, you don't get any response, and it's like banging your head against a brick wall.
Ms Worsley said she could not get answers from the tax office.
A Folkestone mother-of-two whose tax credit payments stopped unexpectedly has said she cannot feed her family.
Sandra Worsley said her son could not attend nursery and her partner, Adrian Dove, had to cancel five direct debits after the payments stopped.
...
"When you phone the tax office, you don't get any response, and it's like banging your head against a brick wall.
Benefits & tax credits: Your questions
Benefits & tax credits: Your questions
Are you getting all the benefits you are entitled to?
BBC Radio 4's Money Box Live was broadcast on Monday, 16 April 2007 at 1502 BST.
Programme transcript (69 KB)
Are you getting all the benefits you are entitled to?
BBC Radio 4's Money Box Live was broadcast on Monday, 16 April 2007 at 1502 BST.
Programme transcript (69 KB)
Ombudsman report Getting it Wrong.
Ombudsman report Getting it Wrong. (PDF format)
New rules ave been added aat the bottom in response to the Ombudsman's recent damning report; Getting it Wrong.
Friday 26 October 2007
Institute for Fiscal Studies. Tax Credits
Institute for Fiscal Studies. Tax Credits
Researchers at IFS have analysed and commented on changes to in-work benefits (now delivered through tax credits) in the UK since the 1980s.
More recently, they have closely monitored the development, introduction and emerging outcomes of the child tax credit and working tax credit, introduced in April 2003.
They have also examined the implications of the current government's child poverty target for the generosity of the child tax credit.
Researchers at IFS have analysed and commented on changes to in-work benefits (now delivered through tax credits) in the UK since the 1980s.
More recently, they have closely monitored the development, introduction and emerging outcomes of the child tax credit and working tax credit, introduced in April 2003.
They have also examined the implications of the current government's child poverty target for the generosity of the child tax credit.
30 second guide to… Dividend tax credit
30 second guide to… Dividend tax credit
The Daily Mail City's team take a look at the decision in 1997 that has hurt UK pensions ever since – and is now doing the same to Gordon Brown.
Gordon Brown used his first Budget to launch the most ruthless pensions raid since Robert Maxwell's attack on the Mirror Group funds.
His high-handed move looked savvy at the time, because it delivered a £5bn fillip to the public finances.
But given the storm that has now erupted - just as he prepares to assume the Labour leadership - he may be having second thoughts.
The Daily Mail City's team take a look at the decision in 1997 that has hurt UK pensions ever since – and is now doing the same to Gordon Brown.
Gordon Brown used his first Budget to launch the most ruthless pensions raid since Robert Maxwell's attack on the Mirror Group funds.
His high-handed move looked savvy at the time, because it delivered a £5bn fillip to the public finances.
But given the storm that has now erupted - just as he prepares to assume the Labour leadership - he may be having second thoughts.
Credit Fraud Costs Taxpayers £1bn
Credit Fraud Costs Taxpayers £1bn Updated: 13:36, Thursday July 12, 2007
(£1,000,000,000.00)
Taxpayers are having to pay out more than £1bn a year because of fraud and mistakes in the tax credit system.
The scale of the losses was "unacceptably high", said the National Audit Office.
(£1,000,000,000.00)
Taxpayers are having to pay out more than £1bn a year because of fraud and mistakes in the tax credit system.
The scale of the losses was "unacceptably high", said the National Audit Office.
Tax credit payout joy
Tax credit payout joy
A RELIEVED Scarborough mother and her family are facing a better Christmas after receiving almost £1,000 from the tax credit system. Katrina Blackmore has thanked the Evening News and Scarborough MP Robert Goodwill for their intervention and the Homeless Support charity for providing food.
A RELIEVED Scarborough mother and her family are facing a better Christmas after receiving almost £1,000 from the tax credit system. Katrina Blackmore has thanked the Evening News and Scarborough MP Robert Goodwill for their intervention and the Homeless Support charity for providing food.
Tax credit fraud could total £50m
Tax credit fraud could total £50m
(£50,000,000.00)
David Hencke, Westminster correspondent. Friday June 9, 2006 Guardian Unlimited
Supermarket groups and large manufacturers are now being targeted by organised identity theft gangs as part of a growing tax credit fraud scandal, Guardian Unlimited has learnt.
The scale of the fraud could be 10 times higher than previously thought - at £50m rather than the £5m figure disclosed this week by Sir John Bourn, the comptroller and auditor general.
HM Customs and Excise tax credit fraud strategy board is currently overseeing 40 separate investigations into organised tax credit fraud - most of them in the private sector.
(£50,000,000.00)
David Hencke, Westminster correspondent. Friday June 9, 2006 Guardian Unlimited
Supermarket groups and large manufacturers are now being targeted by organised identity theft gangs as part of a growing tax credit fraud scandal, Guardian Unlimited has learnt.
The scale of the fraud could be 10 times higher than previously thought - at £50m rather than the £5m figure disclosed this week by Sir John Bourn, the comptroller and auditor general.
HM Customs and Excise tax credit fraud strategy board is currently overseeing 40 separate investigations into organised tax credit fraud - most of them in the private sector.
Tax credit overpayment write-off denials 'a scandal'
Tax credit overpayment write-off denials 'a scandal'
HM Revenue & Customs' (HMRC) rejection of requests to have tax credit overpayments written off even though it was responsible for the errors is a 'scandal', a tax body has claimed.
It was revealed last month that the Revenue has dismissed the requests of two-thirds of families to keep overpayments because they occurred as a result of mistakes by the government department.
It is believed the rejections occurred due to HMRC's decision to reintroduce its 'reasonableness test' when assessing overpayments. Under the test, overpayments are only written off if claimants can demonstrate that HMRC was to be blame and it was reasonable for the claimant to have believed their payments were correct.
But the Low Incomes Tax Reform Group (LITRG) said the process is unfair and an independent review of the estimated 100,000 dismissed claims should take place.
More information
HM Revenue & Customs' (HMRC) rejection of requests to have tax credit overpayments written off even though it was responsible for the errors is a 'scandal', a tax body has claimed.
It was revealed last month that the Revenue has dismissed the requests of two-thirds of families to keep overpayments because they occurred as a result of mistakes by the government department.
It is believed the rejections occurred due to HMRC's decision to reintroduce its 'reasonableness test' when assessing overpayments. Under the test, overpayments are only written off if claimants can demonstrate that HMRC was to be blame and it was reasonable for the claimant to have believed their payments were correct.
But the Low Incomes Tax Reform Group (LITRG) said the process is unfair and an independent review of the estimated 100,000 dismissed claims should take place.
More information
Overpaid Tax Credits
Overpaid Tax Credits
Do you have to Repay?
What should you do?
Hardship
Paying Back an Overpayment
Help and Advice
This webpage tells you what to do if you agree that you have been overpaid but do not think that you should have to pay it back.
Do you have to Repay?
What should you do?
Hardship
Paying Back an Overpayment
Help and Advice
This webpage tells you what to do if you agree that you have been overpaid but do not think that you should have to pay it back.
Wednesday 24 October 2007
Working Family Tax Credit: Adverts about Tax Credits
Working Family Tax Credit: Adverts about Tax Credits
Includes warning adverts, information adverts, etc..
Includes warning adverts, information adverts, etc..
Half of tax credit claimants “less likely to claim in future”
Half of tax credit claimants “less likely to claim in future” – Citizens Advice survey
Problems with the tax credits system are causing a crisis of confidence among those who rely on them most, with almost half the respondents in a new Citizens Advice survey saying they would be less likely to claim them in future as a result of their experiences. Problems with overpayments were the most significant factor influencing their decision.
In the national charity’s online survey findings published today, 86% said tax credits were an important or very important part of their income, essential to meet mortgage and childcare costs. But one in four said their experiences made them less likely to claim again in future, and a quarter said they would definitely not want to claim again.
Of those who said they would continue to claim, many comments suggested they would do so reluctantly, feeling they had no choice, despite the stress and uncertainty they had experienced, as they needed the money to survive.
Problems with the tax credits system are causing a crisis of confidence among those who rely on them most, with almost half the respondents in a new Citizens Advice survey saying they would be less likely to claim them in future as a result of their experiences. Problems with overpayments were the most significant factor influencing their decision.
In the national charity’s online survey findings published today, 86% said tax credits were an important or very important part of their income, essential to meet mortgage and childcare costs. But one in four said their experiences made them less likely to claim again in future, and a quarter said they would definitely not want to claim again.
Of those who said they would continue to claim, many comments suggested they would do so reluctantly, feeling they had no choice, despite the stress and uncertainty they had experienced, as they needed the money to survive.
Payout every 15 minutes in Revenue's tax credit chaos
Payout every 15 minutes in Revenue's tax credit chaos By Alison Steed
Last Updated: 12:24am GMT 19/11/2005
Compensation is being paid every 15 minutes that the Tax Credit helpline is open by HM Revenue & Customs to those embroiled in the Government's Tax Credit fiasco.
In less than two years, the Revenue has been forced to make 31,504 compensation payments because of poor service. The figures were revealed by Dawn Primarolo, the paymaster general, in response to a Parliamentary question by David Laws, the Lib Dem's spokesman on work and pensions.
The disclosure this week came shortly after figures revealed that the Child Support Agency had made 35,000 compensation payments in four years.
Last Updated: 12:24am GMT 19/11/2005
Compensation is being paid every 15 minutes that the Tax Credit helpline is open by HM Revenue & Customs to those embroiled in the Government's Tax Credit fiasco.
In less than two years, the Revenue has been forced to make 31,504 compensation payments because of poor service. The figures were revealed by Dawn Primarolo, the paymaster general, in response to a Parliamentary question by David Laws, the Lib Dem's spokesman on work and pensions.
The disclosure this week came shortly after figures revealed that the Child Support Agency had made 35,000 compensation payments in four years.
Q&A: Tax credit problems. Tips and Advice.
Q&A: Tax credit problems
Many people have been overpaid tax credits.
The tax credit system has been criticised for "completely unacceptable" errors, with one third of recipient families having been overpaid, according to a new report.
Many people in receipt of tax credit have told the BBC News website that they are still having problems - and are becoming increasingly frustrated and, in some cases, even desperate.
BBC News website offers some guidance.
Many people have been overpaid tax credits.
The tax credit system has been criticised for "completely unacceptable" errors, with one third of recipient families having been overpaid, according to a new report.
Many people in receipt of tax credit have told the BBC News website that they are still having problems - and are becoming increasingly frustrated and, in some cases, even desperate.
BBC News website offers some guidance.
Payout hope for tax credit victims
People who run up phone bills or bank charges because of delays in tax credit payments could get compensation.
The government has told BBC News Online that claims can be made within the Inland Revenue's standard complaints procedure.
~~~
But a separate scheme to compensate people who have suffered because of tax credit delays has been ruled out.
The Inland Revenue scheme is for people who have suffered worry, distress and incurred "reasonable costs" because of Revenue mistakes - but the payments are not automatic.
The government has told BBC News Online that claims can be made within the Inland Revenue's standard complaints procedure.
~~~
But a separate scheme to compensate people who have suffered because of tax credit delays has been ruled out.
The Inland Revenue scheme is for people who have suffered worry, distress and incurred "reasonable costs" because of Revenue mistakes - but the payments are not automatic.
Tuesday 23 October 2007
The Employment Tax Credit and the future of in-work support.
The Employment Tax Credit and the future of in-work support.
From 2003, the Government plans to introduce the Employment Tax Credit, to extend help to a wider range of individuals and couples with earnings from work who are nonetheless living on low incomes. What place is there for such in-work supplements in tackling poverty and promoting opportunity?
The Joseph Rowntree Foundation
From 2003, the Government plans to introduce the Employment Tax Credit, to extend help to a wider range of individuals and couples with earnings from work who are nonetheless living on low incomes. What place is there for such in-work supplements in tackling poverty and promoting opportunity?
The Joseph Rowntree Foundation
Monday 22 October 2007
The impact of tax credits on mothers’ employment
The impact of tax credits on mothers’ employment (PDF format)
Provided by The Joseph Rowntree Foundation
one of the largest social policy research and development charities in the UK
Provided by The Joseph Rowntree Foundation
one of the largest social policy research and development charities in the UK
Thursday 18 October 2007
Tuesday 16 October 2007
Here are some relavant links
Here are some relavant links
Here's a Must Read, in my own view. It gives a Good insight into the Tax Credits System (This is in PDF format).
Overpayment of tax credits (This is in PDF format).
Explanatory Notes to Tax Credits Act 2002
Working Families Tax Credit Calculator
Jobcentre Plus - Allowances and Benefits Disabled Persons Tax Credit
HMRC ‘BLAME TAX CREDIT MISTAKES ON CLAIMANTS’
Google Search on Tax Credits Scandal
A Typical Users Experience
(More about PDF)
Here's a Must Read, in my own view. It gives a Good insight into the Tax Credits System (This is in PDF format).
Overpayment of tax credits (This is in PDF format).
Explanatory Notes to Tax Credits Act 2002
Working Families Tax Credit Calculator
Jobcentre Plus - Allowances and Benefits Disabled Persons Tax Credit
HMRC ‘BLAME TAX CREDIT MISTAKES ON CLAIMANTS’
Google Search on Tax Credits Scandal
A Typical Users Experience
(More about PDF)
Tax Credit Scandal
Tax Credit Scandal.
This Blog is for people whom have/are suffiring because of the Tax Credit System.
It covers both Working Tax Credits and Child Tax Credits.
The posts on this page are for users to post there own expreinces of the Tax Credits System.
PLEASE NOTE: Take independant legal advice before taking any actions.
Basics:
Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit were introduced in April to replace Working Families' Tax Credit which many families relied upon to make ends meet.
HM Revenue & Customs: Tax Credits The HM Revenue & Customs Tax Credit pages featuring information on the tax credits available to you.
What do to think about the Tax Credit System?
This Blog is for people whom have/are suffiring because of the Tax Credit System.
It covers both Working Tax Credits and Child Tax Credits.
The posts on this page are for users to post there own expreinces of the Tax Credits System.
PLEASE NOTE: Take independant legal advice before taking any actions.
Basics:
Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit were introduced in April to replace Working Families' Tax Credit which many families relied upon to make ends meet.
HM Revenue & Customs: Tax Credits The HM Revenue & Customs Tax Credit pages featuring information on the tax credits available to you.
What do to think about the Tax Credit System?
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