Tax Credits Mess

[LC15]

I am looking for some advice.....

 

I have received a letter from tax credits to inform me that they are carrying out a compliance check on me and

they have asked me to provide invoices etc for my childcare.

 

I am a student and I have also been working part time.

 

I didnt call tax credits to inform them that the college had been covering my nursery fees and

I used the extra money to pay a baby sitter outside of nursery hours while I was at work.

 

I am no longer claiming the childcare money from tax credits but I am worried about what will happen when they find out I was using the money to pay for an unregistered baby sitter.

 

Should I be up front and tell them everything or wait and see what happens?

 

I am very worried about the threat of going to court as I am a single mum.

 

Please help!

[flumps1976]

I would inform them of the correct information, they will then calculate any overpayment and look to recover the overpayment from your future award.

[antone]

And to add that while I do not speak as an expert on this topic, most people seem to suggest that HMRC does not prefer the court/criminal prosecution route in most cases.

[LC15]

Thank you for the replies. Should I just write a letter and include it with the documents they have asked for?