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Where Taxpayers and Advisers Meet
Tax Credits, Allowances and Benefits Not Claimed
05/02/2010, by Low Incomes Tax Reform Group, Tax News - HMRC Administration, Practice and Methods
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LITRG has joined forces with a group of charities, led by Citizens Advice, to challenge the Government over £16 billion of unclaimed benefits – including Tax Credits.

People are Missing Out on Valuable Entitlements

In these hard times it is essential that those with the greatest need should claim what they are entitled to. Part of LITRG’s work is to identify where taxpayers and potential Tax Credits claimants miss out on claims or entitlements. This can be for a number of reasons, including: total ignorance of an allowance; unfamiliarity with the eligibility criteria of a benefit; perceived stigma; or reluctance to engage with what they see to be complex processes or unsympathetic departments. 

Problems in the System

Over the years we have identified “official” misinformation that creates the impression of ineligibility. We have also criticised local or national government departments that fail to take opportunities to join up for the benefit of the citizen. 

The New Campaign

Given the above background, we are pleased to be amongst the 27 charities supporting a campaign – led by Citizens Advice – to press the Government to introduce ambitious take-up targets as a means of prompting delivery of a better service for all. 

If this challenge is picked up, it needs a response which breaks down the barriers between government departments.

The press release from Citizens Advice is available in full on their website at Charities Challenge Government over £16bn Unclaimed Benefits.

About The Author

The Low Incomes Tax Reform Group (LITRG) is an initiative of the Chartered Institute of Taxation to give a voice to those who cannot afford to pay for tax advice. LITRG comprises tax specialists from professional practice and the voluntary sector, from publishing and from HM Revenue & Customs, together with people from a welfare benefits and social policy background. Visit www.litrg.org.uk for further information.
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xtianN 04/03/2010 10:30

This way of thinking about the economy makes no sense. It makes nonsense even of the belief that cutting taxation and government spending creates jobs.Homeowners are among the people hit hardest by this recession, partly because of unemployment and decreased revenues, but also the extra strain over the decrease in security that home value typically provides. Part of the joys of homeownership are property taxes, and though home values have drastically dropped, those tax bills have not, and it has seen homeowners scrambling for any extra cash they can find, even payday loans. Tax revenues have decreased in all 50 states, which has left many holding the bag on budget shortfalls of epic proportions.