HMRC have made available online a tax credit 'Frequently Asked Questions and Answers' information sheet for Welfare Rights Organisations and Advice Centres -

http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/taxcredits/tax--credit-questions.htm

I find the last FAQ about appeals particularly interesting. It suggests HMRC are trying to dodge being held accountable by an independent appeals service.
Is there any campaign going to get claimants the right to an independent appeal against tax credit overpayments being recovered? Only there should be. I don't see HMRC doing anything fast to improve their administration when they aren't made to "pay" for their mistakes, but rather make the claimant pay instead.

The introduction of a right of appeal against tax credit overpayments
is one of the reforms that CPAG are press for in its First Steps to Reform Tax Credits action plan published today.

See today's rightsnet news story -

CPAG launch six-point action plan to reform tax credits system

There is also pressure being put on HMRC by the groups that attend monthly meetings at national liaison level. This includes CPAG, One Parent Families, Local Government Association and others.

I think it is quite a way off happening though!

Has anyone out there ever had a client who HASN'T got a TC overpayment? These days, it seems like even clients who contact us about something completely unrelated have TC overpayments- it's as though it's becoming an established fact of life. Is there going to come a point when everyone who has ever claimed TC's has an ongoing overpayment?