working tax credits error

[jubieanna]

I have just realised that ive stupidly forgotten to inform the tax office that my hours had increased about a year ago. will i be in trouble or can i just inform them now and pay them back any money that ive mistakingly had last year. i'm a bit worried about ringing them.

[ummmm]

Don't worry. How much have they increased by?

[jubieanna]

from 19 to 32.5

[ummmm]

That's quite a lot. I still wouldn't worry though. Just give them a ring and explain you'd forgotten. They'll take it from your latest award. Do it asap though because they could check how much tax you're paying and you don't want to look dishonest.

[sara3]

did you not just get your renewal pack? you have to declare your earnings for 09-10, so you should have declared it on there.

tell them before they tell you, if you want to try to stay out of trouble.

[gingejbee]

HMRC isn't nearly as bad as people think. The important thing is for you to contact them asap before they approach you.

[ummmm]

She might have complacently signed saying no change in circumstances...

[jubieanna]

as my circumstances hadn't changed for ages i got used to them automatically renewing them. so it didn't cross my mind until a colleague mentioned it yesterday and i started to panic! i'll ring them.
thank you for all the advice everyone

[ummmm]

They'll appreciate your honesty but be prepared to not have quite so much money.