TC846Dispute recovery of an overpayment

GOV.UK says that with TC846 you must be able to show that HMRC made a mistake, or gave you incorrect advice, and that it was reasonable for you to think your payments were right.

“You must be able to show that HMRC made a mistake, or gave you incorrect advice, and it was reasonable for you to think your payments were right.”

GOV.UK: Tax credits: dispute recovery of an overpayment (TC846) · checked 14 October 2026

GOV.UK lists what the TC846 form needs: why you are disputing the overpayment, your National Insurance number, and your partner's National Insurance number if the overpayment was made on a joint claim.

“why you’re disputing the overpayment … your National Insurance number … your partner’s National Insurance number, if the overpayment was made on a joint claim”

GOV.UK: Tax credits: dispute recovery of an overpayment (TC846) · checked 14 October 2026

GOV.UK's TC846 page says to read Tax credits: appeals and complaints before filling in the form, to make sure you can dispute your tax credit overpayment.

“Read Tax credits: appeals and complaints before filling in the form to make sure you can dispute your tax credit overpayment.”

GOV.UK: Tax credits: dispute recovery of an overpayment (TC846) · checked 14 October 2026

GOV.UK's Tax credits: appeals and complaints guide, which the TC846 page says to read first, says to send your dispute form within 3 months of the date on the first letter, statement or notice telling you that you have been overpaid.

“Send your dispute form within 3 months of either … the date on the first letter, statement or notice you received telling you that you’ve been overpaid”

GOV.UK: Tax credits: appeals and complaints · checked 14 October 2026

The same guide gives a second starting point for the 3 months for a TC846 dispute: the ‘decision date’ on your Annual Review notice.

“Send your dispute form within 3 months of either … the ‘decision date’ on your Annual Review notice”

GOV.UK: Tax credits: appeals and complaints · checked 14 October 2026

GOV.UK says that to send TC846 online you sign in (and can create sign in details if you have none), and that the online form gives a reference number you can use to track its progress.

“To tell HMRC, you’ll need to sign in. If you do not already have sign in details, you’ll be able to create them. If you use the online form, you’ll get a reference number that you can use to track the progress of your form.”

GOV.UK: Tax credits: dispute recovery of an overpayment (TC846) · checked 14 October 2026

GOV.UK's TC846 page says to phone the Tax Credit Payment Helpline if you need more time to pay a Tax Credit overpayment.

“Phone the Tax Credit Payment Helpline if you need more time to pay a Tax Credit overpayment.”

GOV.UK: Tax credits: dispute recovery of an overpayment (TC846) · checked 14 October 2026

If you are finding it hard to repay a tax credits overpayment, GOV.UK says to call HMRC on 0300 200 3800. Lines are open Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm, and GOV.UK links to “Find out about call charges”. TC846 is the form to dispute such an overpayment.

“Call HMRC if you’re finding it hard to repay a tax credits overpayment … Telephone: 0300 200 3800 … Opening times: Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm. … Find out about call charges”

GOV.UK: Tax credits: payment enquiries · checked 14 October 2026