Tax credits calculator - find out how much you can get

This calculator tells you roughly how much tax credits you could get. It estimates the total amount you could get - in a lump sum - from today's date to the end of this tax year. The calculator uses current rates (it can't calculate tax credits for future years). It will be updated from 6 April 2012. It should take 10-15 minutes to complete.

On this page:

Before you start

Before you start, it's a good idea to have the following information to hand:

  • details of your income and, if you have one, your partner's income - your P60(s) for the year ended 5 April 2011 would be ideal
  • details of any benefits you are claiming, or have just stopped claiming
  • your usual working hours
  • the average amount you spend each week on childcare

If your income is likely to be lower this year than for last year

The calculator asks you for income for the last tax year. But if your income for this tax year is likely to be lower, type in an estimate of this year's income instead. This tax year is 6 April 2011 to 5 April 2012.

It's important to know that when you make your actual claim, you must enter last year's income on the form. Your first tax credits award is always based on your previous year's income.

Once you've got your award notice, tell the Tax Credit Office straight away if your income is going to be lower. You can do this by calling the Tax Credit Helpline. They will use this new figure to re-work your tax credits.

If you pay childcare costs

If your childcare costs vary from week to week, do not use the worksheet provided with the calculator. You can get help with working out your average weekly costs instead by:

  • going to the guide 'Childcare costs - how to work them out for your tax credits claim'
  • calling the Tax Credit Helpline

Childcare costs - how to work them out for your tax credits claim

If you get Pension Credit

Don't use this calculator if you're on Pension Credit and you work more than 16 hours a week.

If this applies to you, call the Tax Credit Helpline for an estimate of how much tax credits you could get.

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Your results

This calculator will give you an idea of how much you could get, based on the information you give.

The figure you see will be the total amount you could get between today's date and 5 April 2012. It is calculated using the current tax credits rates.

Although you will see your result as a lump sum, this will normally be paid in instalments every four weeks.

You can only order a claim pack by calling the Tax Credit Helpline. You can't apply online.

Once you've filled out the claim form, if you qualify, you'll get an award notice telling you what your payments will be.

You can also get an idea of the tax credits you could get by using some 'at a glance' entitlement tables. The tables show roughly what you could get in total for the whole year ending on 5 April 2012.

Entitlement tables for tax credits - getting started

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Telephone number for the Tax Credit Helpline

It's important to know that the telephone number for the Tax Credit Helpline has changed. The calculator pages will be updated as soon as possible with the new number.

Get the telephone number for the Tax Credit Helpline

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Go to the calculator

Start using the calculator

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