Request to repay Child Tax Credit overpayment

[Silverage]

Out of the blue today, a letter from HMRC asking for £200-odd in overpaid Child Tax Credits to be repaid.

I thought it was a bit odd as both our kids are adults now and I can’t recall us ever claiming this credit. The date of the alleged overpayment: 2006!

I’ve been having a quick trawl round to see if there’s some sort of statue of limitations on these things before I just send them £200. They say that interest is being added to the debt at the rate of 0.00p per day, and make no mention of any type of recovery action if payment is not made, so I wonder if they are chancing their arms here?

[konark]

There's no statute of limitations for HMRC. Tell them you've handed the file to your repayments department and if they are as efficient as HMRC they'll get the money in 16 years.

[caziques]

I would suggest replying denying you owe any money.

Laches could apply, HMRC have slept on their rights.

Send them money and then "agh, so you admit owing 200 pounds, here's more demands for the last 16 years"

[Silverage]

I am tempted to write back to them asking for a breakdown of the figure. They've just said "you owe us £206" at the moment.

As they are not charging interest on the debt, are not talking about recovery action and this is the first contact about it in 16 years, it doesn't seem to be high on their list of priorities.