TAX credits claimants in Thurrock are reminded by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) today to report changes in their circumstances – or they may receive more money than they are entitled to.
They would have to pay this back and might face a financial penalty.
From April this year, any income increase for a household of more than £5,000 for the tax year will reduce a claimants tax credits award for the 2013-14 tax year. This amount has fallen from the previous figure of £10,000, after a Budget announcement in 2010.
Claimants need to let HMRC know of any changes in their circumstances that they havent already reported during the year. The changes could be about their working hours, childcare costs, living arrangements or income. They need to report the changes immediately and ensure the details they provide are correct.
HMRCs Director General of Benefits and Credits, Nick Lodge, said:
Many people forget or fail to tell us about important changes such as having a partner move in or an increase in income which will affect the amount of money they receive. This could mean that they dont get all the money they are entitled to. Or they could receive money that they have to pay back.
We therefore urge them to report changes promptly, and make sure all details are accurate.
A breakdown of claimants in Essex includes:
Southend on sea
12,700
Thurrock UA
12,400
Basildon
12,400
Braintree
9,300
Brentwood
2,900
Castle Point
5,300
Chelmsford
7,800
Colchester
1,100
Epping Forest
6,800
Harlow
7,300
Maldon
3,400
Rochford
4,100
Tendring
10,000
Uttlesford
3,700
Its nice to say this BUT when you try to contact them on any of the numbers i have waited for well over 6o minutes and spent £20 on a call just to inform them of a slight increse i hours ovee xmas and i came out far worse after wasting over an hour and 3hrs of salary wasted on my phone bill ! Make ir freephone 0800 on future as its pointless !!!