Just an update to let you all know I contacted HMRC and I have to pay the cash back with a small fine. I would advise anyone who has been overpaid to contact them as soon as possible and dont wait for them to contact you.

How much do you think you owe?

Hope you get out of this mess.

Thanks for your concern - I can't believe I didn't tell them earlier - as you can see by the mount involved I certainly didn't do it for the cash! I've just been lazy and irresponsible though I guess Tax Credits will look on it as fraud which is understandable. I think I'll need to write it all down as trying to explain it all on the phone would be a nightmare. Is there anyone else out there in a similar position?

I have only ever received 8 payments of £545 / year from tax credits and I reckon the first three payments I was fully entitled to and maybe part of the fourth. I suppose I will have to bite the bullet and contact them rather than them contacting me which would probably happen sooner or later.

Thanks for the prompt reply - I'm terrified I will be taken to court for this - I would lose everything. I am ashamed of what I have done.

I'm not looking for sympathy here and I know I've been a complete idiot. I owe tax credits roughly £2500. I haven't updated my income since 2003-4 due to sheer laziness and neglect on my part. Going on what I earn now, and what I have earned the past 4-5 years I am not entitled to any tax credits but am still receiving the minimum amount. I want to come clean and tell them. Can anyone tell me how to go about this?