Get an estimate of how much tax credits you could get in total, from today’s date to the end of the 2014 to 2015 tax year. You’ll see your result as a lump sum. The calculator uses current rates (it can’t calculate tax credits for future years).

What you’ll need

• details of your income and, if you have one, your partner’s income
• details of any benefits you’re claiming, or have just stopped claiming
• your working hours
• the average amount you spend each week on childcare – work out your weekly childcare costs

Who can’t use the calculator
Contact the Tax Credit Office if you’re in a couple, you’re not responsible for any children and either of you is subject to immigration control.

If your income is likely to drop this tax year

The calculator asks you for your income for the last tax year. If you think your income will go down by more than £2,500 this tax year:

• take your estimated income for this tax year
• add £2,500 to it
• use this figure instead

This is because the Tax Credit Office ignores the first £2,500 of your income drop, but the calculator doesn’t.

Example Your income for the last tax year was £30,000. You think your income will drop to £20,000 this tax year. Enter £22,500 into the calculator.