CCM7340 - Discrepancy Enquiries: Enquiry Window/Time Limits

(Also see CCM12020 for the detail of the Enquiry Window and CCM12090 and CCM12095 for details of the Enquiry windows on multiple awards)

There is a strict time limit for opening an enquiry into the entitlement of a person or persons to a tax credit for a tax year.

The period during which an enquiry can be started is commonly referred to as the enquiry window. An enquiry cannot be started either before the window has opened or after the window has closed. But once the enquiry has been opened, there is no statutory restriction on the length of time it can last, but see CCM7560 on the claimant’s right to apply for the enquiry to be closed).

There are two parts to the enquiry window:-

  • the date the enquiry window opens – see CCM7350
  • the date the enquiry window closes – see CCM7360