is there a ombudsman for /against tax credit people.?

Question

they say we owe them ,because they over paid us.

Answer 1

There's not an Ombudsman as it's a government department, but you can appeal all the way the to tribunel.

But if they overpayed you for any reason whatsoever, you do owe it back to them. So you won't win an appeal by saying 'We don't owe you money back'. You need to appeal on the grounds 'Okay, we owe you money back, but it's unreasonable to ask us to repay you and we want the overpayment written off'.

Good luck x

Answer 2

You can appeal against an overpayment, but you need to prove that the decision of overpayment is incorrect. You cannot appeal just cause you cannot afford to repay.

As to previous comment, an overpayment will be suspended while at appeal, as long as you ensure your appeal is sent within a calendar month of you receiving the notification of overpayment letter.

Answer 3

As above plus, if the overpayment was through their fault eg you gave them information on time and correctly and they still worked out your tax credits wrongly, the regulations say its uncollectable. ask them for a copy of anything you sent them, records of phone calls etc. Whilst an overpayment is in dispute, any collection of it should be suspended.

Answer 4

If you have disputed (COP26) and it has been unsuccessful requested COP1 how to complain these can also be accessed via the HMRC website, this will tell you how obtain an adjudicator and an ombudsman. You can also request an COP1 via the helpline.

Answer 5

the only way you could of been overpaid is if you haven't been honest in telling them your working hours or pay or if you haven't told them of any changes that have occurred, normally if it is there fault they will cancel the over payment...the over payment will come off your tax credit payments at a small amount a week until you have paid back what you owe them