You can appeal a tax credits decision, eg how much you’ve been awarded.

There's a different form if you want to dispute a tax credit overpayment.

Call the Tax Credit Helpline before you appeal. They can check your award and change it if it’s wrong.

Tax Credit Helpline
Telephone: 0345 300 3900
Textphone: 0345 300 3909
Calls from outside the UK: +44 2890 538 192
Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm
Saturday 8am to 4pm
Find out about call charges

Reconsideration

If you’re still unhappy you may be able to make a formal request to have the decision looked at again (‘mandatory reconsideration’). The decision notice the Tax Credit Office sent you will tell you if you can ask for a reconsideration.

To request a reconsideration send an appeal form to the Tax Credit Office, or write them a letter.

You must request a reconsideration within 30 days of when the Tax Credit Office sent you their decision.

They may accept your request if you miss the deadline, but you’ll have to explain why it’s late.

Download 'Tax credits appeal form' (PDF, 76KB)

Tax Credit Office
Preston
PR1 4AT

If you don’t agree with the response

You can appeal to an independent tribunal if:

• you aren’t happy with how your case was handled
• your appeal wasn’t accepted because it was late

The Tax Credit Office’s response to your appeal will tell you how your appeal is sent to the tribunal.

You can complain about things like:

• mistakes that have been made
• unreasonable delays
• the way you’ve been treated

How to complain

You can call or write to the Tax Credit Office or visit an HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) enquiry centre.

When you complain, include:

• your National Insurance number
• your full name, address and telephone number
• details of what happened, when etc
• how you'd like your complaint settled
• the word ‘Complaint’ at the top of your letter

The Tax Credit Office will let you know when to expect a response.

Tax Credit Helpline
Telephone: 0345 300 3900
Textphone: 0345 300 3909
Find out about call charges

Complaints Manager
Tax Credit Office
Preston
PR1 4AT

If you don’t agree with the response

Ask the Tax Credit Office to review their response and send you a final decision.

If you're unhappy with the final decision, you can contact the Independent Adjudicator.

You may be able to claim costs (eg for postage, phone calls) if the Tax Credit Office admits they made a mistake - ask them for details.