HMRC is contacting tens of thousands of people who are owed money from old tax credit claims. The letters inform recipients that they have unpaid tax credits due, some dating back to the 2011/2012 tax year.
One person who received a letter for over £430 took to social media to ask if it was genuine. HMRC confirmed the letters are legitimate, explaining that as tax credits have ended, they are reviewing historic accounts before shutting down the systems.
The tax credits system, including Working Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit, ended in April 2025 and has been replaced by Universal Credit. The letters apologise for not handling claims correctly and ask recipients to call HMRC on 0345 300 3900 to arrange payment.
So far, HMRC has written to around 22,000 customers and expects to contact a further 38,000 by the end of January. A spokesperson said they are reviewing accounts and writing to anyone identified with unpaid amounts.
