Last month the Tax Office wrote to me saying I would no longer receive tax credits, but I did nothing about it. Now my wife is expecting another baby so has reduced her working hours. Can I get my tax credits back?

You need to make a new tax credits claim as soon as possible, don’t wait until the new baby arrives. Your reduced family income may mean that you qualify for working and child tax credits already, and if you don’t, you will at least have submitted a protective claim for 2012/13. Under the new rules, from 6 April 2012 couples with children must work at least 24 hours per week between them, and one member of the couple must work at least 16 hours per week. There are exceptions if one person is disabled, incapacitated or a carer.

If you would like any further information, please do not hesitate to contact Southside Accountants Wimbledon & London.